All living things need minerals to survive. Minerals such as magnesium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus are present in different amounts and proportions both in animal tissues and in all feeds. Although minerals are less needed than energy and protein, they play important roles in living organisms.

Magnesium is one of the cations that can be detected directly with the EDTA compound. The EDTA compound is an abbreviated check of the chemical compound called ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid. Magnesium can only be analyzed by direct titration method. During the analysis, 50 ml solution is taken from the magnesium sample and converted into 100 ml solution. Then 10 ml of buffer solution and a suitable indicator are added and titrated with EDTA solution. The color of the solution was initially wine red. When this color turns blue, titration is discontinued and the spent EDTA volume is recorded. This volume gives the amount of magnesium spent in the solution.

Titrimetric method for the determination of magnesium is carried out in the authorized laboratories within the scope of chemical tests. These studies comply with the standards published by national and international organizations and test methods accepted worldwide. Here are a few standards for the determination of magnesium in various food products and animal feeds:

• TS EN 1134 Fruit and vegetable juices - Determination of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS)
• TS EN 15505 Foodstuffs - Determination of trace elements - Determination of sodium and magnesium by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) after microwave digestion
• TS ISO 8070 Milk and dairy products - Determination of calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium - Atomic absorption spectrometric method
• TS 6228 EN ISO 7980 Water quality - Determination of calcium and magnesium - Atomic absorption spectrometric method
• TS 5886 Animal feed - Determination of magnesium