Our unilateral diet has resulted in a deficiency of specific elements needed for the well-functioning of the human body. Especially magnesium is low in our processed food. It has been recognized that magnesium plays an important role in cognition and positively affects sleep and calmness (anti-stress). Commercially available magnesium supplements (magnesiumoxide, and magnesium citrate glycerophosphate, etc.) are claiming the above-described and are available at supermarkets, groceries, and webshops.
However, the bioavailability, the amount of magnesium entering the bloodstream, is still rather low. Furthermore, value would be created if the organic acid coupled to magnesium not only functions as a carrier but also is biologically active (dual ligand). Our magnesium supplement (Magnesium (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate) combines the activity of magnesium with a biologically active organic acid ((R)-3-hydroxybutyrate), a natural compound (ketone body) that results in energy and also positively influences several processes in our body. Preliminary in vivo studies have shown high bioavailability (better than magnesium citrate and glycerophosphate). Our compound can be efficiently prepared from glucose/xylose using a fermentative/chemical route, resulting in an acceptable cost price.
This project is aimed to optimize and scale up the synthesis of our target magnesium supplement, start with a novel food application, and perform a market study to further study its market potential.
