Magnesium hydroxide
Learn what Magnesium hydroxide (E528) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Low concernWhat is Magnesium hydroxide?
A food additive used as an acidity regulator, stabilizer, and color preservative. It is used in the quantities specified in recipes for dairy products, cheese, puddings, condensed or powdered milk, butter, and dehydrated whey products. It is also used in spreadable fats, various emulsions, sweet creams, ice cream, processed and preserved fruits, vegetable products, meat, fish, eggs, soups, broths, sauces, salads, bakery products, pastries and confectionery, pre-cooked rice and pasta, spices, dietary supplements, diet products, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, etc.
Why is Magnesium hydroxide added to food?
Magnesium hydroxide (E528) is a acidity regulator commonly found in: Cheese, dairy products, powdered milk, margarine.
Permitted quantity: There is no daily limit for consumption.
Is Magnesium hydroxide safe?
Low concern
No side effects have been reported at the amounts used in food products.
Is Magnesium hydroxide banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Magnesium hydroxide okay for kids?
Not allowed in foods intended for infants and young children.
Common foods that contain Magnesium hydroxide
- Cheese
- dairy products
- powdered milk
- margarine
See the full list of foods that contain Magnesium hydroxide →
How to spot Magnesium hydroxide on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E528
- Magnesium hydroxide
Common misspellings to watch for:
- mdgnesium hydroxide
- magnesium hydroxide
- maqnesium hydroxide
- magnesium hydroxlde
- magneslum hydroxide
- magne$ium hydroxide
Better alternatives
• People with renal insufficiency should avoid excessive use of magnesium hydroxide, as it can lead to magnesium accumulation in the body and affect kidney function. • Not recommended for individuals with hypermagnesemia (high magnesium levels in the blood), as it can cause severe adverse reactions such as breathing difficulties, hypotension, and arrhythmias. • Excessive use may lead to side effects such as severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and gastrointestinal discomfort. • Avoid using with medications that affect kidney function or with blood pressure-lowering drugs.
Also known as
- mdgnesium hydroxide
- magnesium hydroxide
- maqnesium hydroxide
- magnesium hydroxlde
- magneslum hydroxide
- magne$ium hydroxide
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Magnesium hydroxide? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E528 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Magnesium hydroxide
- Is Magnesium hydroxide safe to eat?
- No side effects have been reported at the amounts used in food products.
- Is Magnesium hydroxide banned anywhere?
- Magnesium hydroxide is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Magnesium hydroxide safe for children?
- Not allowed in foods intended for infants and young children.
- How do I spot Magnesium hydroxide on a food label?
- Look for E528, Magnesium hydroxide in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: mdgnesium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, maqnesium hydroxide.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.