Can magnesium orotate (MgOR) cause zinc depletion?

Magnesium Orotate and Zinc Depletion

There is no evidence that magnesium orotate (MgOR) causes zinc depletion; in fact, organic magnesium compounds like magnesium orotate show better tolerability than inorganic forms and are not known to interfere with zinc status. 1

Relationship Between Magnesium and Zinc

Magnesium orotate is a specific form of magnesium supplementation that combines magnesium with orotic acid. It has several characteristics that make it distinct from other magnesium supplements:

• Magnesium orotate is poorly soluble in water and does not bind gastric acid or cause laxative effects like more easily dissociable magnesium salts 2
• It's primarily indicated for the treatment of extracellular magnesium deficiency 2
• Organic magnesium compounds including magnesium orotate show better tolerability than inorganic forms like magnesium sulfate and magnesium chloride 3

Mineral Interactions

While certain mineral supplements can interact with each other, there is no specific evidence that magnesium orotate causes zinc depletion:

• Iron supplementation (not magnesium) is known to potentially cause zinc depletion when given in high doses 4, 5
• Iron can have a negative effect on zinc absorption when given together in a supplement, but not when present in a meal as fortificants 6
• Research has shown that excessive zinc supplementation can result in secondary copper deficiency, but there's no evidence of magnesium causing zinc depletion 4

Factors That Actually Affect Zinc Status

Several factors are known to affect zinc absorption and status:

• Phytates: Present in cereals, corn, and rice, have a strong negative effect on zinc absorption 6
• Iron supplements: Can inhibit zinc absorption when taken simultaneously 6, 5
• Cadmium: Environmental contaminant that inhibits zinc absorption 6
• Protein content: Higher protein in meals generally improves zinc absorption, though specific proteins like casein may have inhibitory effects 6

Clinical Implications

For patients taking magnesium orotate:

• No specific monitoring of zinc status is required solely due to magnesium orotate supplementation
• Regular monitoring of magnesium levels is recommended when supplementing with any magnesium product 3
• If a patient is taking multiple mineral supplements, it's advisable to space them apart to avoid potential interactions between different minerals 1

Recommendations for Zinc Supplementation (If Needed)

If zinc supplementation is indicated for other reasons:

• Standard dosage for zinc supplementation is 0.5-1 mg/kg/day of elemental zinc for 3-4 months for adults with acquired zinc deficiency 3, 1
• Organic compounds like zinc gluconate, zinc histidinate, and zinc orotate show better tolerability than inorganic forms 3, 1
• For optimal absorption, zinc supplements should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before meals 1

Monitoring Considerations

When monitoring mineral status:

• Plasma zinc levels should be measured alongside CRP and albumin for proper interpretation 3, 1
• Plasma zinc decreases significantly whenever CRP exceeds 20 mg/L, complicating result interpretation 3
• Alkaline phosphatase levels can also be monitored as an indicator of zinc status 1

In conclusion, there is no evidence supporting that magnesium orotate causes zinc depletion. The focus should be on ensuring adequate intake of both minerals through diet or appropriate supplementation when indicated.