what is magnesium hydroxide
Answers
Answer:
magnesium hydroxide is a base
Answer:
Magnesium hydroxide is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula Mg(OH)2. It occurs in nature as the mineral brucite. It is a white solid with low solubility in water (Ksp = 5.61×10−12).[5] Magnesium hydroxide is a common component of antacids, such as milk of magnesia, as well as laxatives.
IUPAC NAME-Magnesium hydroxide
Other names-
Magnesium dihydroxide
Milk of magnesia
AS FOOD ADDITIVE- It is added directly to human food, and is affirmed as generally recognized as safe by the FDA.It is known as E number E528.
Magnesium hydroxide is marketed for medical use as chewable tablets, as capsules, powder, and as liquid suspensions, sometimes flavored. These products are sold as antacids to neutralize stomach acid and relieve indigestion and heartburn. It also is a laxative to alleviate constipation. As a laxative, the osmotic force of the magnesia acts to draw fluids from the body. High doses can lead to diarrhea, and can deplete the body's supply of potassium, sometimes leading to muscle cramps.
Some magnesium hydroxide products sold for antacid use (such as Maalox) are formulated to minimize unwanted laxative effects through the inclusion of aluminum hydroxide, which inhibits the contractions of smooth muscle cells in the gastrointestinal tract,[18] thereby counterbalancing the contractions induced by the osmotic effects of the magnesium hydroxide.