Disclosed are high loading, controlled-release dosage forms for oral administration of magnesium salts. For example, an oral dosage form can comprise from about 80% to about 95% magnesium lactate and one or more components. As another example, an oral dosage form can comprise at least about 50% magnesium salt and exhibit a controlled release dissolution profile. Also disclosed are methods for making controlled release dosage forms for oral administration of a therapeutically effective amount of magnesium salt to a mammal. Also disclosed are methods for treating a disorder characterized by magnesium deficiency and methods for preventing or alleviating low magnesium levels.