The 48 most common mMagBicarb questions

Q1: My magnesium bicarbonate is still cloudy and there is sediment left at the bottom. Did I do something wrong? Is this a sign there wasn’t enough carbonation even though I used the MAX setting on my carbonation machine?
A1: Wait until the sediment settles. There may have been too much mMagBicarb added to the water. Make sure the water is COLD – as in close to freezing before making it. Over time, we find the CO2 tanks put less bubbles in, so if it's been a while since you changed out your tank, you may need to carbonate more.

Q2: Why do I need to use distilled water and not regular water?
A2: Distilled water is the recommended carrier because it does not have a mineral content. In many cases, the calcium that still remains in filtered water can be antagonistic to the product and reduce its potency and effectiveness.

Q3: How long is magnesium bicarbonate good for once it’s made?
A3: It can last up to two weeks in the fridge. Try not to let it sit open for too long and put the cap back on tightly as soon as possible.

Q4: My mMagBicarb does not have an expiration date. How long is it good for?
A4: It does not expire.

Q5: How much magnesium bicarbonate am I getting by consuming 3oz daily?
A5: There are 88mg/ounce if using 1tsp, fully reacted, so 3 ounces would be 264mg.

Q6: Does it still work if it’s flat?
A6: This is actually the ideal result. If you find your magnesium bicarbonate went completely flat, then all of the magnesium hydroxide (mMagBicarb) you put in has been used up completely in the reaction, and it is at its maximum potency.

Q7: What makes your magnesium bicarbonate different from other companies?

A7: mMagBicarb is USP grade magnesium hydroxide that is tested at a 99.9% purity. We source our magnesium from the Dead Sea.

Q8: Can I get information on the purity and the source of mMagBicarb? Is it synthetically made, or is it all naturally sourced from the Earth? 

A8: mMagBicarb is USP grade magnesium hydroxide that is tested at a 99.9% purity. We source our magnesium from the Dead Sea.

Q9: I don’t think my reaction worked. Could I have created too much carbonation, causing too much pressure in the bottle and preventing the reaction process from happening?

A9: If there is too much carbonation the magnesium hydroxide will be fully reacted in the solution. It will not prevent the magnesium hydroxide being turned into magnesium bicarbonate. Carbon Dioxide is what make the reaction happen!  if there is a little carbonation left it’s okay.  However, this means you can use more mMagBicarb next time to make it fully carbonated (and use up all the bubbles).

Q10: Can I premake a bunch and leave it in the fridge? How long will it last?

A10: We recommend consuming reacted mMagBicarb within two weeks.

Q11: The supplement facts say there are 375 mg in ⅛ tsp., but the “How To” section says 1 tsp. Has 375 mg - can you clarify?

A11: Yes, it says .375g in 1/8 tsp for the serving size and 375mg for the amount per serving (grams vs. milligrams).  To convert grams to milligrams, you multiply by a factor of 1,000. So, .375g*1000=375mg However, there are 8 teaspoons in 1/8th tsp so, for one serving, this would be multiplied by a factor of 8.  1 teaspoon of magnesium hydroxide weighs 3,000mg or 3g.  However, when you make mMagBicarb, you are making a BATCH, not a serving. 

Q12: I am experiencing increased cramping and muscle twitching all over. Is my body rejecting it?

A12: Cramping/twitching are usually signs of a magnesium deficiency, which may mean your body is needing more. Try increasing your dose by a little at a time. Representations regarding the efficacy and safety of Crucial FOUR™ have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease.  We cannot give medical advice, always consult with your health care physician before taking supplements, if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have any health concerns.

Q13: Does your mMagBicarb work the same way or better than pill form?

A13: The majority of magnesium pills on the market are excreted through the urine or stool and not absorbed by the body. Magnesium Bicarbonate is the most absorbable form of magnesium. As found in nature, magnesium bicarbonate is absorbed with water into the bloodstream.

Q14: I have low stomach acid, is there a way to make this less alkaline?

A14: Our best advice would be to drink this on an empty stomach (30-60 minutes away from food) if you have low stomach acid. Although it sounds counterintuitive, this can stimulate the production of stomach acid.

Q15: How much magnesium hydroxide is in one scoop?  

A15: 3 grams

Q16: Can I sip it throughout the day?

A16: Yes, just try to sip in between meals.

A17: Because we don’t believe in ripping people off.

Q18: My magnesium bicarbonate has a fishy taste, how can I get rid of it?

A18: mMagBicarb will always have a “taste,” but is not supposed to taste “fishy.” Check your water source. We often find this is due to the presence of contaminants in the water.

Q19: Can I just mix the powder in a glass of water?

A19: No. In order for the magnesium hydroxide to turn into magnesium bicarbonate, carbonated water is necessary.

A20: As much as you want, up to 8-9 oz. daily (depending on your bowel tolerance).

A21: We cannot give medical advice, always consult with your health care physician before taking supplements, if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have any health concerns. 

Q22: Is it safe for senior citizens?

A22: We cannot give medical advice, always consult with your health care physician before taking supplements, if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have any health concerns. 

Q23: Why does the bottle have to cave in?

A23: It’s not necessary for the bottle to cave in each time, but it does mean that the reaction is complete and is at its maximum potency.

Q24: I have a glass bottle. Should I switch to plastic so my bottle can implode?

A24: We recommend making it in a plastic bottle, but you can transfer to a glass bottle once made. This is to reduce the risk of breakage when under pressure.

Q25: Sometimes my magnesium bicarbonate ends up flat and sometimes it stays carbonated. Why does this happen?

A25: This is a common issue, and means different amounts of mMagBicarb are absorbed into the carbonated water each time. Make sure your water is as cold as possible and shake thoroughly.

Q26: Once the mag is made, can I carbonate it again?

A26: Yes.

Q27: Does the mMagBicarb expire if left unopened?

A27: No, it does not expire.

Q28: What’s the best way to store extra bags of mMagBicarb until I use them?

A28: Keep them in a cool, dry place.

A29: We cannot give medical advice, always consult with your health care physician before taking supplements, if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have any health concerns.  

A30: Gravity type water filters remove contaminants but leaves minerals. This may make your mMagBicarb less potent, but do the best you can with what you have.

A31: Think of it this way - you revved up hundreds of enzyme systems and your body didn't know what to do or how to handle it. However, usually this means that you actually DO need more magnesium!  Just take it slow, and very gradually build up to a larger dosage as you want your body to slowly adapt to a mineral you have been deficient in for a long time. We cannot give medical advice, always consult with your health care physician before taking supplements, if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have any health concerns.

A32: Check your water source, remember it must be added into cold, carbonated water. Check out our mMagBicarb highlight for a step by step tutorial.  

Q33: How many weeks will one bag last me?

A33: It depends on how much you're consuming. If there are 125 servings in the bag at 1/8tsp serving size, there are (125/8) approximately 15.6 teaspoons. If you use 1 teaspoon per bottle, you could make just over 15 bottles. A standard bottle size is 33.81 ounces (1L). If you take 8 ounces a day, 1 tsp would last approximately 4 days. And at that rate, one bag would last about 60 days. 

Q34: What’s the difference between mMagBicarb and mSalt brine?

A34: mMagBicarb is magnesium hydroxide that makes magnesium bicarbonate when added to carbonated water. mSalt brine is a concentrated Icelandic Salt solution.

A35: Yes, but the water will amplify all flavors, so even a few drops will completely change it.

Q36: Why does the water need to be chilled?

A36: To help keep the carbonation in the solution. You can use freezer water to get the water colder than the usual refrigerator temperature (set a timer so it doesn't freeze!).

37: Do I need to keep it refrigerated at all times?

A37: Ideally, yes.

Q38: Your powder seems to have a higher concentration of magnesium per teaspoon. Is there a mg per lb. of body weight we should go for?

A38: Bowel tolerance is a good gauge, starting with 1oz. and slowly working up to the amount you want (up to 8-9 ounces).  If you get diarrhea, back off.  

Q39: Can I dilute the mixture with regular water?

A39: No, you have to carbonate the water or add to already carbonated water first.  Then you can dilute. 

Q40: I don’t want to use distilled water because it comes in a plastic container from the store, but a distiller/RO machine is too expensive. Any suggestions?

A40: If you’re worried about plastic leaching, fill up a large container with distilled or RO water through a self-serve area at a grocery store and then quickly transfer to a container of your choice.

Q41: I read somewhere on your site about storing mMagBicarb water in a Water Cradle? I did get one, however, will this leave a residue in the Water Cradle? Would I just be adding the 1 oz concentrate into the Water Cradle?

A41: This depends on other factors, but usually no.

Q42: I forgot to shake my mMagBicarb again after making it yesterday and ended up doing it in the morning. Is my batch ruined?

A42: Just continue the process. The magnesium bicarbonate may not turn out as potent, but it’s not ruined. You're looking for a clear solution; if it isn't cloudy, you're good to go.

A43: Yes, but you won’t need to add much since the mMagBicarb carbonated water will amplify all flavors. Also, a reminder that the quality of water can change the taste dramatically. 

Q44: Do you have to drink the magnesium bicarbonate on an empty stomach?

A44: We recommend it. If you take it with food, the bicarbonates will be neutralized by your stomach acid and won't be of much value. The alkalinity can weaken the stomach acid for people with low stomach acid. It's best absorbed in the morning on an empty stomach but if you take it during the day, try to leave at least 30-60 minutes in between meals.

Q45: How many ounces a day can I drink?

A45: Up to 8-9 ounces a day, depending on your tolerance. For children, we recommend up to 4 oz. Bowel tolerance is a good gauge, starting with 1oz. and slowly working up.  If you get diarrhea, back off.  

Q46: Do you have to shake the bottle up each time before drinking?

A46: No. We recommend letting all of the sediment stay at the bottom once it is made or else it may be tough to digest. You want your liquid to be clear when drinking, and discard the sediment when you’re almost at the bottom.

A47: Using 1/8th teaspoon (what's included in bag to measure) in 1L of water (standard carbonation size bottle), fully reacted would be .375g per bottle.

In 1L there are 33.81 ounces.375g/33.81oz=.01109139g/oz=11.09139mg/oz Therefore, 1 ounce of fully reacted mMagBicarb solution has approximately 11mg/ounce.  Using 1tsp of mMagBicarb would multiply that by a factor of 8, so approximately 88mg magnesium bicarbonate/ounce (if fully reacted). The amount listed on the bag is based on elemental magnesium hydroxide.  Check out this video our CEO and Founder did on debunking the RDA myth.  We cannot give medical advice, always consult with your health care physician before taking supplements if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have any health concerns.  

Q48: Does the mMagBicarb powder also contain potassium bicarbonate?

A48: mMagBicarb is magnesium hydroxide.