Magnesium citrate is a widely used compound that serves primarily as a saline laxative to treat occasional constipation. It is also taken as a dietary supplement to address magnesium deficiency. This form of magnesium is highly bioavailable, meaning the body absorbs it easily. When considering an expired product, the main questions are whether it remains safe to consume and if it will still deliver its intended effect.
What Expiration Dates Mean for Supplements
An expiration date on a supplement package represents the manufacturer’s assurance that the product will retain its full strength, quality, and purity up to that specific time. This date is determined through stability testing, which monitors the product’s characteristics over a period of time. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not mandate expiration dates on all dietary supplements, but if a date is included, the company must possess data to support the claim.
The date signifies the point at which the concentration of the active ingredient remains at or above 100% of the labeled amount. After this date, the manufacturer no longer guarantees the product’s potency or stability. While the supplement does not instantly become harmful the day after it expires, the chemical processes that lead to degradation will have begun, meaning the product is no longer guaranteed to meet its label claim.
Safety Risks of Expired Magnesium Citrate
The primary safety concern with expired magnesium citrate, particularly the common liquid formulation, relates to the potential for microbial contamination. Liquid preparations are more vulnerable to the growth of mold, yeasts, and bacteria once the container has been opened or if stored improperly. These microorganisms can cause gastrointestinal distress or more serious infections that are separate from the effects of the magnesium itself.
Recalls of liquid magnesium citrate have highlighted the risk of bacteria such as Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens. Consuming a contaminated product can pose a risk of invasive infections, leading to serious health consequences, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems. While the magnesium compound itself does not become toxic, the degradation of inactive ingredients in the liquid vehicle can support unwanted bacterial growth.
Loss of Potency and Efficacy
Even if an expired product is free from microbial contamination, its effectiveness as a laxative or supplement will likely be reduced. While magnesium is a stable mineral, the formulation involves other components—such as water, flavorings, and stabilizers—that degrade over time. Exposure to factors like heat, light, and humidity accelerates this chemical breakdown.
This degradation ultimately affects the concentration of the active magnesium citrate available in the dose. Studies have shown that magnesium citrate tablets, analyzed 12 months past expiration, retained only about 85% of their labeled concentration. This reduction means the product may not work as a reliable laxative, potentially leading to unpredictable results or requiring a larger dose to achieve the desired effect.
Safe Disposal of Medications and Supplements
If your magnesium citrate is expired or shows signs of spoilage, safe disposal is the recommended course of action. The best method is to utilize a drug take-back program, often found at local pharmacies, police departments, or community collection events. These programs ensure the medication is destroyed properly through incineration.
If a take-back option is not immediately available, most expired medications can be safely disposed of at home in the household trash. The FDA recommends mixing the medication with an unappealing substance, such as used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter, to discourage accidental ingestion by children or pets. This mixture should then be placed into a sealed plastic bag or container before being thrown into the garbage. Magnesium citrate is not on the small list of medications that should be flushed down the toilet.