Dietary reference values: magnesium and phosphorus

Published: 29-Jul-2015
Ingredients Regulatory

EFSA has proposed adequate intakes (AIs) for magnesium and phosphorus as part of its ongoing review of dietary reference values in the European Union


Magnesium is a cofactor of more than 300 enzymatic reactions, such as the synthesis of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and proteins, and is necessary for specific actions in various organs in the neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems.

Phosphorus is involved in many physiological processes, such as the cell’s energy cycle, regulation of the body’s acid–base balance, cell regulation and signalling, and the mineralisation of bones and teeth, as well as being a component of cell structure.

EFSA’s Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) set an AI for magnesium of 350mg/day for men and 300mg/day for women. For children the AI ranges from 170 to 300mg/day, according to age.

For phosphorus the Panel set an AI for adults of 550mg/day. For children the range is between 250 and 640mg/day.

EFSA’s two Scientific Opinions were both finalised after public consultation. For the NDA Panel’s full findings please follow the links below.

Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for magnesium

Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for phosphorus

Outcome of a public consultation on the Draft Scientific Opinion of the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) on Dietary Reference Values for magnesium

Outcome of a public consultation on the Draft Scientific Opinion of the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) on Dietary Reference Values for phosphorus

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