Descubra para que é utilizado o hidróxido de magnésio – desde medicamentos e alimentos até retardadores de chama e tratamento de águas residuais. Learn its real benefits, uses, and safety tips.

Para que é usado o hidróxido de magnésio?

Ever wondered why you see hidróxido de magnésio on both medicine labels and industrial chemical specs?
That’s because this one compound wears many hats — medical, comida, environmental, and industrial.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what magnesium hydroxide is used for, in plain English — no chemistry degree needed.

A Quick Recap: O que é hidróxido de magnésio?

Before diving into its uses, let’s define it quickly.

Hidróxido de magnésio (Mg(OH)₂) is a white, powdery compound made of magnesium, oxygen, and hydrogen.
It’s only slightly soluble in water, which gives it a mild alkaline property — useful in everything from antiácidos to fireproof materials.

Main Uses of Magnesium Hydroxide

Let’s look at where magnesium hydroxide shows up in real life.
Hint: you’ve probably used it without realizing.

1. In Medicine

One of the most well-known uses is in antacids and laxatives.

If you’ve heard of Milk of Magnesia, that’s magnesium hydroxide suspended in water.

How it works:

It neutralizes stomach acid, easing heartburn and indigestion.

It acts as a gentle laxative, drawing water into the intestines to soften stool.

Common uses:

Relieving constipation

Reducing acid reflux

Treating upset stomach

Why doctors like it:

Non-habit-forming

Works naturally

Fewer side effects compared to harsher laxatives

2. In Food and Nutrition

Magnesium hydroxide also appears in food-grade form, used as a food additive and acidity regulator.

Typical uses include:

Stabilizing pH in processed foods

Acting as an anti-caking agent in powders

Serving as a magnesium supplement

You’ll find it in things like:

Cereal mixes

Powdered drinks

Nutritional tablets

Its role is subtle — it’s there to balance acidity and keep products from clumping.

3. In Flame Retardants

Here’s where it gets interesting.
Magnesium hydroxide is a powerful inorganic flame retardant used in plastics, cables, and building materials.

Why it works:
At high temperatures, it releases water vapor and absorbs heat, which slows down fire spread and reduces smoke.

Benefits:

Non-toxic and halogen-free (unlike many chemical retardants)

Environmentally friendly

Improves fire safety in electrical components and construction materials

Common industries using it:

Cable insulation

Rubber and polymer compounding

Coating and paint formulations

4. In Environmental Protection

High-purity magnesium hydroxide is used to treat wastewater and flue gases.

In wastewater treatment:

Neutralizes acidic waste streams

Precipitates heavy metals

Stabilizes pH in biological treatment systems

In air pollution control:

Used in flue gas desulfurization

Helps capture SO₂ emissions from factories

Why industries prefer it:

Safer alternative to caustic soda or lime

Lower operating costs

Less corrosive to equipment

5. In Industrial Manufacturing

Industrial-grade magnesium hydroxide also plays roles in ceramics, paper, and coatings.

Applications include:

Filler for rubber and plastics

Catalyst base material

Coating pigment to improve whiteness

Paper pulp neutralizer

It’s popular because it’s chemically stable, safe to handle, and cost-effective.

Grades of Magnesium Hydroxide and Their Uses

Not all Mg(OH)₂ is made equal — its purity and particle size decide where it fits best.

If you’re sourcing Mg(OH)₂, make sure to request a COA (Certificate of Analysis) to verify purity.

Safety and Handling

Magnesium hydroxide is generally safe and non-toxic, but here are a few handling tips:

Avoid dust inhalation in powder form (use masks).

Store in a dry place — it absorbs moisture easily.

Follow labeled dosage for medical use; more isn’t better.

Use certified grades for food or pharma purposes.

In industrial settings, it’s seen as a green, sustainable chemical alternative.

A Quick Story

When I first worked in a flame-retardant plant, we switched from a halogen-based system to hidróxido de magnésio.
The difference was huge — lower smoke, no toxic fumes, and easier compliance with green-material standards.

A few years later, I found the same compound in my bathroom cabinet — labeled “Milk of Magnesia.”
Same chemistry, totally different world.
That’s the versatility of magnesium hydroxide.

FAQs About Magnesium Hydroxide Uses

1. Is magnesium hydroxide safe for long-term use?

For medical use, yes — when taken as directed. But don’t exceed dosage without medical advice.

2. Can it be used in eco-friendly materials?

Absolutely. It’s one of the best halogen-free flame retardants, ideal for green manufacturing.

3. What’s the difference between food-grade and industrial-grade magnesium hydroxide?

Food grade is highly purified and safe for consumption. Industrial grade is meant for chemical processes only.

4. Is it safe for wastewater treatment plants?

Yes. It’s a non-corrosive neutralizer and safer alternative to strong bases like sodium hydroxide.

5. Does magnesium hydroxide occur naturally?

Yes — the mineral form is called brucite, found in metamorphic rocks and seawater deposits.

Conclusion: Why Magnesium Hydroxide Matters

So, what is magnesium hydroxide used for?
Pretty much everything — from medicine and food to fire safety and environmental protection.

It’s one of those rare materials that are effective, safe, and sustainable across industries.

Whether you’re developing medical products, eco-friendly materials, or industrial systems, hidróxido de magnésio deserves a place on your ingredient list.

Because at the end of the day — it’s not just chemistry, it’s smart design.