Trimagnesium Phosphate is produced by reacting magnesium hydroxide or magnesium carbonate with phosphoric acid at a 3:2 molar ratio, typically crystallizing as the octahydrate (Mg₃(PO₄)₂·8H₂O) or pentahydrate form. It is approved as food additive E343(iii) in the EU and recognized by FDA. Due to its very low water solubility it provides mineral fortification without introducing taste or solubility issues into food matrices.
The highest magnesium content among the three magnesium phosphate food additives makes it preferred for applications requiring concentrated magnesium delivery. Typical applications include nutritional supplements, infant formulas, enteral feeds, and pharmaceutical tablets. It also functions as an anticaking agent, preventing moisture absorption and clumping in powdered products. Food-grade Trimagnesium Phosphate conforms to Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) and JECFA specifications.