Magnesium in Beer
Magnesium, alongside calcium, sulfur, and sodium, is a mineral that is naturally present in water and in beer. It is a major nutrient for yeast and enzymes during fermentation. Similar to calcium, magnesium in beer contributes to water hardness and makes beer bitter.
What is Magnesium?
Magnesium is a chemical element with the symbol “Mg” and atomic number 12. It is a shiny, grayish-white metal and is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. Magnesium is an essential mineral for living organisms and plays a crucial role in various biological processes.
When you drink way too much beer… pic.twitter.com/o7mKwKFREk
— undertherosebrewing.com (@undertherosebre) January 4, 2024
Magnesium Levels in Beer
Let’s start with the common facts: Budweiser, which is one of the most common beer brands in the United States, has an average content of magnesium of 34 mg per liter. Other major American beer brands have virtually the same amount of magnesium. American brews are famous for their low magnesium content, with some companies even bragging about their pure mountain water used in brewing them (snow-melt springs), which are very low in naturally-occuring magnesium.
On the other hand, European beer brands have a higher amount of magnesium. For example, British beers have magnesium levels of 60 to 200 mg per liter, depending on the type of beer and brewer. Burton beers have a very high amount of magnesium, so many brewers dilute the water to reduce its amount. German beers have 75 to 250 mg of magnesium per liter (mean of 114 mg per liter), while Lagers have 34 to 162 mg of magnesium per liter (mean of 82 mg per liter).
Quick fact: Higher levels of magnesium make beer bitter, dry, and unpleasantly sour. Very high levels of magnesium lead to harsh bitterness. The amount of magnesium varies a lot depending on the type of beer, but there is no ideal level that is accepted by most brewers (most common beer brands hover around 30 to 40 mg of magnesium per liter). Magnesium carbonate makes beer more bitter than calcium carbonate.
Magnesium in beer – during the fermentation process
Yeast growth is contingent upon the presence of magnesium. This mineral plays a crucial role in facilitating ATP synthesis, which serves as the primary energy source for cells. When magnesium is in short supply, yeast adapt by producing alternative compounds to partially compensate for its other functions. Additionally, magnesium works as a protective agent, preventing cell death caused by high concentrations of ethanol within the cell. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that magnesium enhances cellular resilience against stressors, augmenting the cell’s ability to withstand challenging conditions.
Why Are American Beers So Low in Magnesium?
According to Dave Radzwanowski, who was Vice President of the Siebel Institute of Brewing Technology in the 1990s, many American brewers limit the magnesium in beers because the mineral has a laxative effect when combined with the sulphates in beer. Major brewers produce beers for the heavy drinkers market, who routinely drink multiple beers in one sitting, so a higher magnesium intake may lead to diarrhea. As a result, large brewers don’t increase the magnesium in their beers. On the other hand, micro-brewers produce beer rich in vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, making the beer taste better and having a richer texture. Typically, magnesium levels higher than 125 mg per liter have a laxative and diuretic effect to most consumers.
Magnesium works similar to calcium. However, magnesium salts are more soluble, but calcium is more efficient during the fermentation process. Magnesium, like calcium, reduces the mash’ pH levels, but much slower than calcium. The process is similar, magnesium reacts with phosphates to lower the pH levels and contribute to yeast and enzyme growth (like pyruvate decarboxylase). The wort should have a minimum of 5 mg of magnesium per liter to promote yeast growth.
I am a young architect with a passion that goes beyond blueprints… it’s beer! undertherosebrewing.com is more than just a blog, it’s a manifestation of my lifelong dream to explore, read, and learn everything about beer. Join the blog on this unfiltered and genuine adventure into the heart of beer culture. Cheers!
