It resembles lactated Ringer's solution, but contains magnesium, a sugar (usually glucose) as an energy source and uses bicarbonate and phosphate as a buffer instead of lactate.
Some variations also include phosphate and sulfate ions.
It must be gassed with 95% oxygen and N2, 5% carbon dioxide when used for cell culture applications and physiology experiments in order to achieve an appropriate pH.
With the addition of extra potassium salt, it can be used to prepare a cardioplegic solution.
It was also recommended by at least one physician as a dietary supplement, because of its inorganic salt content, as part of a medically-prescribed weight loss diet (minus the sugar content).