4 Min Read
Magnesium and Coffee: Does Caffeine Deplete Magnesium?
Does coffee deplete magnesium? Learn how caffeine affects magnesium levels, absorption, and what to do to stay balanced without ditching your morning brew.
Does Coffee Deplete Magnesium? Let’s Clear It Up
If you’ve ever wondered whether your morning cup of coffee is messing with your magnesium levels, you’re not alone. Questions like:
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Does coffee flush out magnesium?
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Does caffeine reduce magnesium?
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Does decaf coffee deplete magnesium too?
...are increasingly common as more people explore the role of magnesium in energy, sleep and stress.
Let’s get into the facts.
Caffeine and Magnesium Absorption: The Science
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea and many soft drinks. While it provides a quick boost in energy and alertness, it also has diuretic properties which means it increases urine production.
This matters because magnesium is a water-soluble mineral. When we urinate more, we can lose small amounts of minerals like magnesium along the way. So yes, coffee can indirectly contribute to magnesium depletion especially when consumed in large amounts or without adequate dietary intake.
Does Coffee Inhibit Magnesium Absorption?
Not directly. The main concern with coffee and magnesium is not that caffeine blocks magnesium absorption in the gut, but that it may increase how much magnesium is excreted via the kidneys.
That said, if you're drinking coffee with high-magnesium foods or supplements, it’s worth spacing them out by at least 30–60 minutes to ensure optimal absorption.
Does Decaf Coffee Deplete Magnesium?
Decaf coffee contains significantly less caffeine, so its impact on magnesium excretion is much lower. However, decaf still contains some caffeine, and overconsumption can have a similar effect if consumed in high amounts.
If you're a decaf lover, the risk is lower but still worth keeping in mind if your magnesium levels are borderline or if you're experiencing symptoms of deficiency.
Does Coffee Cause Magnesium Deficiency?
Coffee alone doesn’t cause magnesium deficiency, but it can contribute to it especially when combined with:
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A diet low in magnesium-rich foods
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Chronic stress (which depletes magnesium)
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Certain medications like diuretics, antibiotics or PPIs
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High levels of physical activity without replenishment
The symptoms of magnesium deficiency are easy to miss: poor sleep, low energy, anxiety, headaches, and muscle cramps. If you’re a regular coffee drinker experiencing these signs, magnesium could be part of the solution.
Is Coffee High in Magnesium?
Surprisingly, yes, coffee contains a small amount of magnesium. On average, a cup provides around 7 mg of magnesium, but considering your daily needs range from 300–400 mg, it's not enough to offset the loss.
So while coffee gives you a little magnesium, the diuretic effect and increased excretion usually outweigh that benefit.
How to Keep Your Magnesium Levels Balanced (Without Quitting Coffee)
You don’t have to give up your flat white or oat milk cappuccino. Instead, support your body with a daily magnesium ritual that replenishes what life (and caffeine) depletes.
Here’s how to stay balanced:
☀ Morning
Start your day with Magnesium Deodorant or 4–6 sprays of Magnesium Oil to your stomach or legs, especially helpful if you’ve already had your first cup.
⛅ Midday Reset
Feeling jittery or anxious after your second or third cup? Use our Magnesium Roll-On on your wrists or temples.
🏋 Post-Workout
Coffee is often used as a pre-workout stimulant. Afterwards, support recovery by applying Magnesium Recovery Cream or soaking in Magnesium Bath Salts.
🌙 Evening Wind-Down
Rebalance your system with another round of magnesium oil before bed. Apply to your feet or stomach. Need a reset? Try the Regenerate Bundle for deeper sleep and recovery.
Final Thoughts
So, does coffee interfere with magnesium? The short answer: yes, a little. But it’s not the end of the world.
If you love your coffee (and who doesn’t), make magnesium part of your daily recovery plan. A few sprays a day can make all the difference in how you feel, more energised, less anxious, and better rested.
Because good health is about balance, not restriction.
👉 Shop Salt Lab’s bestselling magnesium products and replenish what life (and coffee) takes out of you.
FAQs
1. Does coffee flush out magnesium?
Yes. Coffee’s diuretic effect can increase the loss of magnesium through urine, especially with high intake.
2. Should I stop drinking coffee to maintain magnesium levels?
Not necessarily. Just be aware of the effect and support your levels with daily magnesium use and magnesium-rich foods.
3. When should I apply magnesium oil if I drink coffee daily?
Morning and evening are ideal. Use Magnesium Oil in the morning to offset loss and again at night to promote restful sleep.
4. Does caffeine reduce magnesium in the long term?
Yes, consistent overconsumption without replenishment may contribute to long-term magnesium deficiency symptoms.
Customer Testimonial
“I didn’t realise how much coffee was affecting my body until I started using Salt Lab magnesium spray. I feel more relaxed, sleep better, and my energy isn’t as up and down. It’s a game changer.”
– Tahlia, Brisbane
