Do I need to dissolve Magnesium Citrate Powder into a liquid for it to be absorbed by the body?

It probably doesn't make a huge difference for most people, but dissolving Magnesium Citrate powder first can help increase bioavailability and reduce the side effects of intestinal upset, bloating and nausea.

Please consider that Magnesium Citrate is more highly soluble at lower pH levels and hot water. In fact, all retail Magnesium Citrate products have additives to adjust the pH of the powder in solution to about 4 or less (quite sour tasting). The particle size of the powder can also impact whether it dissolves faster (at smaller particle sizes) or slower (at coarser particle sizes).

Because we don't use or include additives with our bulk Magnesium Citrate powder it does not readily dissolve when added to water. It will appear cloudy and settle to the bottom of the glass without dissolving but can be consumed in suspension after mixing.

To get it to thoroughly dissolve add an acidic compound and hot water. The most common acid used for this purpose is citric acid, the same substance that makes lemon juice sour. Add the juice of 1/2 lemon to your Magnesium Citrate serving in hot water.

If you don't add hot water or lemon juice it may still dissolve, aided by the low pH of your stomach when taken with a major meal.

Taken on an empty stomach without first dissolving the powder may or may not work well, depending upon your own stomach acid level. If acid levels are low and do not dissolve the Magnesium Citrate, bioavailability could be lost and gastrointestinal upset could occur if the undissolved powder enters the gut.