Irregular Eating Habits of Modern People
Surging Demand for Magnesium Supplements
Pharmaceutical Companies Launch New Products
Containing Active Vitamins + Magnesium
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Following high-dose active vitamins, the domestic pharmaceutical industry has entered intense competition over the dominance of magnesium supplements. This is analyzed to be due to increased interest in health since the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising demand as magnesium is recognized as an essential mineral.
According to the pharmaceutical industry on the 18th, major domestic pharmaceutical companies have recently been launching high-dose magnesium combination products one after another. Magnesium is one of the fourth most abundant minerals in the human body. Due to modern irregular eating habits and nutritional imbalances, magnesium deficiency is easily caused. When magnesium is deficient in the body, symptoms such as eye twitching, muscle cramps, numbness in hands and feet, cold hands and feet, muscle pain, neuralgia, shoulder stiffness, neck stiffness, and physical fatigue may occur.
The leading product in the current magnesium market is Yuhan Corporation’s ‘Magbi.’ Magbi’s sales increased from 11.4 billion KRW in 2020 to 12.3 billion KRW last year. The cumulative sales up to the third quarter of this year reached 11.6 billion KRW, expected to surpass last year’s sales. Starting with Magbi soft capsules in 2013, the product line has been strengthened by launching Magbi Gamma containing the antioxidant gamma oryzanol, Magbi Active including vitamin B complex, the liquid formulation Magbi Speed Liquid, and Magbi Max with increased magnesium content.
Dong-A Pharmaceutical Magrangbi Soft Capsules (from left), Dongkook Pharmaceutical Sense On Speed, Taeguk Pharmaceutical Mag Vitamin Soft Capsules. [Photo by each company]
Latecomers are also releasing various products this year. Dong-A Pharmaceutical recently launched the high-dose magnesium combination ‘Magranbi Soft Capsules.’ It features high-dose magnesium combined with nutrients that help boost immunity, containing 350 mg of magnesium oxide along with active vitamin B1 benfotiamine, vitamins B2, B6, B12, E, gamma oryzanol, zinc, and selenium. Taeguk Pharmaceutical also introduced a new magnesium supplement ‘MagVitamin Soft Capsules’ this year, containing 400 mg of magnesium oxide per capsule along with vitamins B1, B6, and E.
Dongkook Pharmaceutical added a liquid formulation ‘SenseOn Speed’ following its existing soft capsule type magnesium ‘SenseOn Active.’ SenseOn Speed is a combination of 300 mg glycerophosphate magnesium and vitamins B2, B3, and B6. Instead of magnesium oxide, it contains glycerophosphate magnesium, which the company explains has fewer side effects such as diarrhea and higher absorption rates in the body compared to magnesium oxide. Its stick pack packaging allows easy consumption anywhere without water, which is also an advantage.
GC Green Cross Bimax MG Plus (left), Daewoong Pharmaceutical Impactamin One's. [Photo by each company]
Products that further reinforce magnesium in existing active vitamin products are also emerging one after another. GC Green Cross launched ‘B-Max MG Plus’ last month as a new product under its representative active vitamin brand ‘B-Max.’ It contains 350 mg of magnesium oxide and 69 mg of benfotiamine, an active vitamin B1 ingredient. Adding coenzyme Q10 to enhance the antioxidant effect of vitamin E is another distinguishing feature. With this launch, B-Max has expanded to a total of seven products.
Daewoong Pharmaceutical also released ‘Impactamin Once,’ a new product under its active vitamin brand ‘Impactamin,’ strengthening the vitamin B complex and newly adding magnesium oxide. Since magnesium oxide can neutralize stomach acid and alleviate gastrointestinal disorders, it is expected to reduce side effects such as heartburn that may occur after taking high-dose vitamin B.
However, since most magnesium supplements released by the domestic pharmaceutical industry are general medicines, they can only be purchased at pharmacies, and it is advisable to consult a pharmacist before buying. An industry official said, “As outdoor activities increase, cases of muscle cramps and fatigue are rising, leading to growing demand for magnesium,” adding, “With various product lines emerging, competition is expected to intensify.”
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