Magnesium Orotate is the magnesium salt of orotic acid, combining the physiological activities of both orotic acid and magnesium. It has significant applications in nutritional supplementation, medicine, and other fields. The following is a detailed description of its properties, functional characteristics, and applications:

I. Basic Properties

Chemical structure:

Its molecular formula can be expressed as C₅H₃MgN₂O₄·nH₂O (typically includes crystalline water). It is formed through the binding of the carboxyl group (-COOH) of orotic acid with Mg²⁺, retaining the pyrimidine ring and amide group structure of orotic acid while incorporating magnesium ions.

Physical properties:

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder, odorless with a slightly bitter taste.

Solubility: Significantly more water-soluble than orotic acid (due to increased polarity after salt formation), though it still requires specific conditions (e.g., warm water) to dissolve. Insoluble in ethanol, ether, and other organic solvents.

Stability: Stable under dry and light-protected conditions. May decompose into orotic acid and magnesium ions in strong acid; may lose crystalline water at high temperatures.

Chemical properties:

Exhibits typical salt behavior and can dissociate into orotate and magnesium ions in aqueous solution.

May react with strong oxidizing agents, but its overall chemical properties are relatively mild, making it suitable for oral formulations.

II. Functional Characteristics

High bioavailability:

Orotate, as a precursor to pyrimidine nucleotides, is actively absorbed by cells via specific transport mechanisms, enhancing intracellular uptake of magnesium—especially in tissues like cardiac and skeletal muscle. Absorption is significantly higher compared to common magnesium salts (e.g., magnesium oxide or sulfate).

Avoids gastrointestinal irritation often caused by rapidly dissociating magnesium salts like magnesium sulfate, and demonstrates better biocompatibility.

Synergistic physiological activity:

Magnesium plays a role in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body, regulating energy metabolism, maintaining cardiac and neuromuscular function, and supporting bone development.

Orotic acid promotes pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis and supports cellular proliferation and repair, particularly beneficial to liver and cardiac cells.

Their combined effects supplement magnesium while enhancing cellular magnesium utilization and improving tissue repair capacity.

High safety:

Naturally present in trace amounts in milk, well tolerated by the human body, with few side effects. Long-term appropriate intake rarely causes hypermagnesemia due to proper renal excretion.

Low gastrointestinal irritation makes it suitable for sensitive populations such as the elderly and children.

Targeted action:

Shows special affinity for cardiac tissue, helping improve myocardial energy metabolism and contractile function. Commonly used in the adjunct management of heart-related health issues.

III. Applications

Pharmaceutical field:

Adjunct treatment for heart diseases: Used in the supportive care of coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, etc., by supplementing magnesium and enhancing myocardial cell metabolism, thereby improving cardiac function and reducing the frequency of angina attacks.

Treatment of magnesium deficiency: Particularly useful for patients intolerant to conventional magnesium salts (e.g., those with gastrointestinal sensitivity), effectively correcting hypomagnesemia.

Liver protection: Aids in managing fatty liver and chronic hepatitis by promoting hepatocyte regeneration and pyrimidine metabolism, thus improving liver function.

Bone health: Used in combination with calcium and vitamin D to enhance mineral absorption and prevent osteoporosis (magnesium is a key bone component).

Nutritional supplements:

As a functional nutrient, it is suitable for athletes (to relieve muscle fatigue and boost endurance), the elderly (to prevent magnesium depletion), and individuals under high stress (to regulate neuromuscular function).

Available in oral tablets, capsules, or liquid form for convenient daily supplementation.

Sports and fitness field:

Included in sports drinks or supplements to help athletes replenish magnesium after intense training, reduce muscle cramps, and promote recovery.

Animal feed industry:

Used as a feed additive to improve magnesium nutrition in livestock and poultry, promote growth and development, and, in poultry farming, enhance egg production and shell quality.

IV. Precautions

Should not be taken with tetracycline antibiotics, as orotic acid may interfere with drug absorption.

Individuals with renal impairment should use it under medical supervision to prevent magnesium accumulation due to reduced excretion.

Although generally safe, excessive intake may cause mild diarrhea (can be alleviated by dosage adjustment).

Magnesium orotate, with its high bioavailability, synergistic physiological functions, and excellent safety profile, stands out as a premium magnesium supplement. It offers unique advantages in cardiovascular and metabolic health management, making it valuable in both medical and nutritional contexts.