E530 · Magnesium oxide
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E530?
Magnesium oxide is a mineral compound used in food mainly as an anticaking agent, keeping powdered products free-flowing, and it also serves as a source of dietary magnesium. It is well known as the active ingredient in many over-the-counter antacids and laxatives at higher, medicinal doses. At the small amounts used in food, it is considered safe by EFSA and the FDA.
Also appears on labels as: E530, E 530, E-530, INS 530, Magnesium oxide, Oxide of magnesium, Magnesia, Calcined magnesia, Light magnesium oxide, Heavy magnesium oxide, MgO, Food grade magnesium oxide.
What the evidence says
- At high (medicinal, not food-additive) doses it acts as a laxative and can cause diarrhea or stomach upset.
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-additive levels.
Frequently asked questions
Is E530 safe?
Our overall verdict for E530 (Magnesium oxide) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E530 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Magnesium oxide — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E530 and why is it used?
Magnesium oxide is a mineral compound used in food mainly as an anticaking agent, keeping powdered products free-flowing, and it also serves as a source of dietary magnesium. It is well known as the active ingredient in many over-the-counter antacids and laxatives at higher, medicinal doses. At the small amounts used in food, it is considered safe by EFSA and the FDA.
Does E530 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Magnesium oxide.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.