Magnesium is a mineral that performs a vital position in over 300 biochemical reactions within the physique (5). However completely different sorts of magnesium present completely different advantages. So understanding in regards to the various kinds of magnesium can are available very helpful.
It helps protein synthesis, nerve functioning, blood glucose management, blood strain regulation, and power manufacturing,” says Daisy Mercer, MyFitnessPal registered dietitian (1).
However past these normal advantages, magnesium dietary supplements are gaining reputation for addressing particular wellness objectives like selling higher sleep, digestive regularity, and easing muscle rigidity (1, 6).
In the event you’re contemplating a magnesium complement, there are some things to know in regards to the completely different kinds. Preserve studying to study when you may profit from taking a magnesium complement and the way to decide on the precise kind on your wants.
Ought to You Take A Magnesium Complement?
Important for a lot of bodily capabilities, magnesium is briefly provide for a lot of. Knowledge suggests that nearly half of adults get insufficient magnesium by means of meals alone (5). So, a complement might be helpful for some. Seek the advice of a health care provider earlier than including new nutritional vitamins or vitamins to your routine, particularly when you’ve got underlying well being situations, are pregnant or nursing, or take drugs which will work together.
Individuals who won’t be getting sufficient magnesium embody:
Older adults (1)
Folks with GI illnesses like celiac and Crohn’s illness (5)
Folks with kind 2 diabetes (5)
Folks with alcohol dependence (1)
Athletes (1)
Folks taking sure drugs (5)
Dietary supplements may be useful for folks with sure well being situations, like:
Migraines (1)
Stressed Leg Syndrome (1)
Insomnia and sleep issues (6)
Muscle rigidity (1)
That stated, taking magnesium dietary supplements while you don’t really want them isn’t an important thought. Supplementation can result in negative effects like diarrhea, nausea, or an upset abdomen, particularly if taken in excessive doses (1).
And Mercer says you’re unlikely to wish a complement when you devour a balanced weight loss plan (5).

Sorts of Magnesium
Some types of magnesium are simpler on the digestive system, making them a sensible choice for selling rest and sleep (6). Others could also be tougher on your physique to soak up, however may be efficient for situations like heartburn (5).
Right here’s a fast overview of six completely different kinds of magnesium, plus the conditions they may also help goal.
Citrate
What it’s finest for: This way may also help relieve occasional constipation (4). It really works by drawing water into the intestines and softening stool (4).
Further concerns: Some individuals are delicate to magnesium citrate and should expertise negative effects corresponding to cramping or diarrhea (4).
Glycinate
What it’s finest for: This kind is a well-liked selection for rest and sleep as a result of it combines magnesium with glycine, an amino acid identified for its calming results (6). This will likely improve the mineral’s means to cut back stress and promote restful sleep (6).
Further concerns: It’s mild on the abdomen, making it best for many who expertise digestive points with different kinds of magnesium (6). Whereas many types of magnesium could assist with rest, anxiousness, sleep, and stress, I typically counsel magnesium glycinate since it’s much less prone to trigger negative effects (6).
Oxide
What it’s finest for: This one is steadily used to alleviate heartburn (5). Nevertheless, it has decrease bioavailability in comparison with different kinds, that means the physique absorbs much less of the mineral from this complement (5).
Further concerns: Whereas magnesium oxide is useful for managing acid reflux disease, it may have a laxative impact, so it’s not best for people who find themselves susceptible to abdomen discomfort (5).
In regards to the Specialists
Samantha Cassetty, MS, RD, is a nationally acknowledged meals and diet professional, media character, diet marketing consultant, and creator. Cassetty is a former diet director for Good Housekeeping and the co-author of the guide Sugar Shock.
Daisy Mercer, RD, is a Meals Knowledge Curator at MyFitnessPal. She graduated along with her bachelors of Meals Science and Dietetics from Colorado State College and accomplished her dietetic internship with the VA San Diego Healthcare system.
Chloride
What it’s finest for: This kind could also be an excellent choice when you battle to take capsules, as a result of it’s typically present in liquid type (7). It’s additionally utilized in topical merchandise, like lotions, and different functions to appease sore muscle mass (7).
Further concerns: This way is well-absorbed and could also be much less prone to trigger a laxative impact, making it an choice for folks with digestive points (7).
Malate
What it’s finest for: Malic acid, mixed with magnesium, performs a job in power manufacturing throughout the cells, making magnesium malate particularly interesting for these preventing fatigue and ache from fibromyalgia (8).
Further concerns: Whereas proof linking magnesium malate to those situations is restricted, some anecdotal stories and small research counsel it could enhance signs (8). This way is often well-tolerated and fewer prone to trigger digestive points in comparison with kinds like magnesium citrate or oxide (7).
Lactate
What it’s finest for: Rising low magnesium ranges
Further concerns: This type of magnesium is much less generally used for particular well being issues but it surely’s pretty nicely absorbed (7).
How To Select the Finest Magnesium Complement For You
Once you’re prepared so as to add a magnesium complement to your routine, these 5 steps may also help you decide the precise one.
Think about your objectives. Are you searching for a complement that may assist enhance sleep, calm down muscle mass, or relieve constipation? Select your kind of magnesium accordingly.
Take into consideration your abdomen. When you’ve got a gastrointestinal (GI) situation or a delicate tummy, take into account magnesium glycinate because it’s well-tolerated (3).
Search for third-party certifications like NSF, USP, or testing by ConsumerLab.com. This helps guarantee efficiency and security–that your complement is free from undesirable components, like heavy metals (7, 9).
Learn the label. Select merchandise that embody the magnesium kind and dosage per serving moderately than a proprietary mix of substances with the dosing listed for the mix (10).
Examine for pointless fillers, components, colours, and allergens (11). These can present up in dietary supplements, so do your due diligence.
Steadily Requested Questions (FAQs)
What’s the finest type of magnesium to take?
The most effective kind is dependent upon your wants. Glycinate could be a sensible choice when you’ve got a delicate gastrointestinal (GI) system (6).
What’s the distinction between magnesium citrate and magnesium glycinate and magnesium oxide?
Magnesium is sure to various kinds of carriers to maintain it secure and enhance absorption. Nevertheless, these carriers—citrate, glycinate, and oxide—all influence the bioavailability and potential makes use of. Citrate helps promote regularity and is well-absorbed. glycinate could promote rest and sleep with minimal GI negative effects, and magnesium oxide is much less bioavailable however typically used for heartburn (4, 5, 6).
What’s the draw back of magnesium glycinate?
It’s normally well-tolerated, however excessive doses could trigger digestive upset in some folks (6).
What kind of magnesium is sweet for weight reduction?
Research point out that magnesium consumption could also be inversely related to weight problems, so getting sufficient magnesium could also be a long-term technique for weight administration (12).
The Backside Line
Whether or not you’re seeking to ease muscle rigidity, enhance sleep high quality, or handle digestive well being, magnesium dietary supplements could be a useful addition to your wellness routine (4, 6, 7). Understanding the completely different types of magnesium and their particular advantages permits you to tailor your option to your well being wants (5, 7).
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