The company describes the ingredient as an instantly soluble form of magnesium and trace minerals. It was first introduced in the European market during the Vitafoods show in May.
“Irish seawater is used as the source for this particular product,” David O’Leary, commercial manager of Marigot Ltd, told NutraIngredients-USA.
“The seawater is heated to very high temperatures and the salts precipitated from there the material is further processed generating a magnesium rich compound while all the time retaining trace-minerals from seawater which are key enhancing its bioactivity. The resulting mineral rich Mg compound then undergoes addition of acid to make it soluble for beverages and low pH systems.”
The resulting product is a white powder with a slightly tart flavor, he explained, and can be incorporated into many different finished product applications.
“As a powder which is soluble in liquid systems it offers a multitude of inclusion possibility not just for beverages but also for foods and supplement applications – gummies, sachet, stick packet, syrups, shots are all suitable delivery systems for this product,” he explained.
“We have been working with seawater and seaweed derived minerals for some time and have come to understand the uniqueness of their origin and composition and how to ensure that the best complexes of minerals are consistently offered. This requires a commitment to ensuring that the important physical parameters are always tested for salinity, density, appearance, solubility, and so forth. We do this to ensure that our products meet specification and are constantly monitored to ensure quality.”
Building research
Studies on magnesium have linked the mineral to improved blood pressure and anti-inflammatory effects. Market research firm SPINS estimated back in 2016 that magnesium supplement sales is poised to surpass calcium by 2020 (despite the fact that a manufacturer-led survey found that consumers don't really know why magnesium is beneficial).
But there may be health benefits specific to magnesium from the sea, O’Leary argued. Marigot has initiated research on seawater origin magnesium, O’Leary said. “Initial signs are that this form of seawater origin magnesium has some unique bioactive properties—research which is being investigated currently.
“We hope to publish our findings in the coming months - which we believe will further highlight the uniqueness of this product.”