Name:  Magnesium trisilicate

Synonyms:  Dicarbocalm; Trisilicalm; Silicic acid, magnesium salt (1:2); Magnesium trisilicate anhydrous

Molecular Structure:  

Molecular Formula:  Mg₂O₈Si₃

Molecular Weight:  260.862

CAS Number:  14987-04-3

EINECS:  239-076-7

 

Magnesium trisilicate is a compound of magnesium oxide and silicon dioxide with varying proportions of water. Magnesium trisilicate occurs in nature as meerschaum, pararepiolite, and repiolite. Magnesium trisilicate is used mostly as a gastric antacid. This is a good form for the body to accept this combination in, as Magnesium trisilicate is helpful and most absorbable to the digestive system, and more easily used by the body, taking it into the bloodstream to the skelaton where it is needed.

Magnesium trisilicate is a food additive that is used as a kind of absorbent to filter unwanted residue fat from used frying oil. Magnesium trisilicate is often employed by fast food chains to absorb fatty acids and remove impurities which form in edible oils during the frying process. Magnesium Trisilicate can be used as an antacid in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. Magnesium trisilicate increases the pH of gastric juice via a neutralisation reaction. Magnesium trisilicate also precipitates colloidal silica, which can coat gastrointestinal mucosa conferring further protection.