Is magnesium citrate safe now? Understanding the 2022 Recall and Current Safety Guidelines

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2022, a voluntary nationwide recall of magnesium citrate oral solution by Vi-Jon, LLC, due to bacterial contamination raised significant safety concerns, especially among immunocompromised patients. As a result, many people are now asking, "is magnesium citrate safe now?" The answer is yes, with the specific issue from the recall resolved, and current products are considered safe when used according to directions.

Quick Summary

The 2022 magnesium citrate recall was an isolated incident caused by bacterial contamination, not an issue with the medication itself. Current products from reliable manufacturers are safe for occasional constipation relief in healthy individuals when used as directed. Precautions are essential for those with kidney or heart conditions, and prolonged use is not recommended.

Key Points

Recall was Isolated: The 2022 nationwide recall was due to a specific bacterial contamination (Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens) in a manufacturer's liquid solution, not a general safety issue with magnesium citrate.
Current Products are Safe: New magnesium citrate products from current manufacturers are considered safe for use as directed for occasional constipation relief in healthy adults.
Not for Everyone: Magnesium citrate should be avoided by individuals with kidney disease, heart problems, or existing electrolyte imbalances due to the risk of hypermagnesemia.
Short-Term Use Only: It is intended for occasional, short-term constipation relief, not for long-term or chronic use, which can lead to laxative dependence.
Consult a Professional: Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before use, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or take other medications.
Dosage and Hydration: Follow dosing instructions carefully and drink plenty of water to help the medication work effectively and prevent dehydration.
Monitor for Symptoms: Be aware of common side effects like cramping and diarrhea, and seek medical attention for persistent issues or serious symptoms like rectal bleeding.

A Look Back at the 2022 Magnesium Citrate Recall

To understand the current status of magnesium citrate safety, it's crucial to address the specific events of 2022. In July of that year, the manufacturer Vi-Jon, LLC, issued a voluntary, nationwide recall of all its flavors and lots of magnesium citrate oral saline laxative solutions. The recall was prompted by microbial testing that identified the presence of Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens, a bacterium that posed a serious risk of infection, particularly for immunocompromised patients.

This contamination was a manufacturing defect specific to certain batches and was not indicative of a fundamental flaw with magnesium citrate as a medication. The affected products were removed from shelves, and the issue was contained. Since then, new supplies from various manufacturers have become available and are not affected by this past contamination incident.

How Magnesium Citrate Works and Its Proper Use

Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that works by drawing water into the intestines through a process called osmosis. This increased water content softens the stool and promotes a bowel movement, typically producing results within 30 minutes to 6 hours.

It is primarily used for the short-term treatment of occasional constipation. It is not intended for the treatment of chronic or long-term constipation, which requires consultation with a healthcare provider. Higher doses are sometimes used under medical supervision for bowel preparation before surgical or diagnostic procedures, like a colonoscopy.

General Safety Guidelines for Use

To ensure safe use of magnesium citrate, follow these guidelines:

Follow Dosing Instructions: Read the product label carefully and do not exceed the recommended dose.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids (a full glass of water with each dose) to help the medication work and prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.
Separate from Other Medications: Avoid taking other oral medications within two hours of taking magnesium citrate, as it can affect their absorption.
Monitor for Side Effects: Be aware of potential side effects such as abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, or diarrhea. These are typically mild, but any serious or persistent symptoms should be reported to a doctor.
Never for Weight Loss: Misusing laxatives like magnesium citrate for weight loss can lead to dangerous electrolyte imbalances and other serious health issues.

Who Should Avoid Magnesium Citrate?

While generally safe for healthy adults, several conditions warrant caution or complete avoidance of magnesium citrate:

Kidney Disease: Individuals with kidney impairment are at a higher risk of developing hypermagnesemia (excessive magnesium levels in the blood), as their kidneys may not be able to effectively clear the excess mineral.
Heart Conditions: People with certain heart conditions, such as heart block or myocardial damage, should avoid use unless directed by a doctor.
Electrolyte Imbalance: It should not be used by individuals with existing electrolyte imbalances.
Intestinal Blockage: Do not take magnesium citrate if you have a bowel obstruction or perforation.
Persistent Abdominal Symptoms: If you experience stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, or have had a sudden change in bowel habits for more than two weeks, consult a doctor before using.

Magnesium Citrate vs. Other Laxatives: A Comparison

Magnesium citrate is just one of several options for treating constipation. Here is a comparison with other common types:


Feature	Magnesium Citrate	Polyethylene Glycol (e.g., MiraLAX)	Docusate/Senna (e.g., Senna-S)
Mechanism	Saline/Osmotic: Draws water into the intestine.	Osmotic: Holds water in the stool.	Stool Softener + Stimulant: Softens stool and stimulates intestinal muscles.
Speed of Action	30 minutes to 6 hours.	1 to 3 days.	6 to 12 hours.
Primary Use	Occasional constipation, bowel prep.	Occasional constipation.	Short-term constipation relief.
Form	Liquid solution or tablets.	Powder to mix with liquid.	Oral pills or suppositories.
Side Effects	Cramping, bloating, diarrhea, nausea.	Bloating, gas, nausea, cramping.	Stomach cramps, loose stools.
Considerations	Avoid in kidney disease, not for long-term use.	Generally well-tolerated, takes longer to work.	Contains a stimulant, not for prolonged use.

What to Do If You Have Questions or Concerns

If you have any questions or concerns about taking magnesium citrate, it is always best to speak with a healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can help determine if it is the right and safest choice for your specific health needs, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications. For issues related to the 2022 recall, consumers can contact the manufacturer Vi-Jon, LLC, or refer to the FDA website for more information on the affected products and what actions to take.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the safety of magnesium citrate was temporarily questioned due to a specific bacterial contamination recall in 2022, which was a manufacturing issue and not an inherent flaw in the medication itself. Since the resolution of that incident, current magnesium citrate oral solutions from reputable manufacturers are safe for use for occasional constipation relief in healthy individuals, provided they follow dosage instructions and warnings. As with any medication, especially for those with underlying health conditions like kidney or heart disease, consulting a healthcare professional is the most prudent approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the widespread recall of liquid magnesium citrate products was in 2022. The recall affected specific batches from one manufacturer, Vi-Jon, LLC, due to bacterial contamination. Current products on the market from reputable manufacturers are not under recall and are safe for use.

If you purchased a liquid magnesium citrate product in 2022, you should check the manufacturer and lot number against the FDA's recall list. However, if you have recently purchased a new bottle from a reputable pharmacy, it is safe for use as directed, as the affected batches from the 2022 recall have been removed from the market.

Individuals with kidney disease, heart problems, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or existing electrolyte imbalances should not take magnesium citrate without consulting a healthcare provider.

For those with kidney problems, taking magnesium citrate increases the risk of hypermagnesemia, which is a buildup of excess magnesium in the blood. This can lead to serious health issues, such as low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and confusion.

No, magnesium citrate is intended only for short-term, occasional relief of constipation. Prolonged or chronic use can lead to laxative dependence and electrolyte imbalances.

Common side effects include cramping, bloating, and diarrhea. Drinking plenty of water can help. If side effects are severe, persistent, or if you experience symptoms like rectal bleeding, you should discontinue use and contact a doctor immediately.

Magnesium citrate can interfere with the absorption of certain medications, particularly some antibiotics. You should take other medications at least two hours before or after taking magnesium citrate. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist about potential drug interactions.