Different types of magnesium supplements carry different reported effects and benefits. For example, some research suggests magnesium taurate may help lower blood pressure, and magnesium citrate may be useful for constipation.
Magnesium is one of the most common minerals in the body. It plays a role in over over 600 metabolic reactions, including energy production, protein formation, and blood pressure regulation. ammonium sulphate granular
However, some people need extra help getting enough magnesium. Choosing the right magnesium supplement can help boost levels of this nutrient and may help with various medical conditions.
This article looks at the different types of magnesium, their pros and cons, and how people can choose between them.
There are many types of magnesium present in dietary supplements and food products. These include:
Each type of magnesium has different properties. They can vary in terms of their:
A person should seek the advice of a doctor or dietitian before trying a magnesium supplement.
The following types of magnesium are popular as general dietary supplements:
Magnesium glycinate is a compound of magnesium and glycine, an amino acid.
Older research on magnesium glycine indicates that people tolerate it well and that it causes minimal side effects. This means it may be a good option for people who require higher doses of this nutrient or who experience side effects when using other types of magnesium.
This type of magnesium is a compound of magnesium and lactic acid. According to a 2017 analysis, there is evidence that magnesium lactate absorbs in the gut easily.
This type of magnesium is a compound of magnesium and malic acid. Some evidence suggests that it is highly bioavailable and that people tolerate it well.
A 2019 animal study found that, out of several types of magnesium, magnesium malate was the fastest to absorb after a single dose. This may also be true of humans, but human trials are necessary to confirm this.
A 2018 study in humans reported that a supplement containing a combination of magnesium malate and several vitamins caused few digestive side effects.
Magnesium citrate is a popular form of magnesium. It is often an ingredient in supplements and appears easier for the body to absorb than other forms.
An older 2003 study of 46 adults found magnesium citrate absorbed better than magnesium oxide and magnesium chelate.
However, magnesium citrate is also a treatment for constipation. For some people, this may mean it causes unwanted digestive side effects, such as diarrhea.
Learn about magnesium citrate for constipation.
Some people use magnesium on the skin. The types of magnesium people can use in this way include:
Magnesium chloride is a type of salt that people can find in topical magnesium products, such as magnesium oils and some bath salts. People use it as an alternative method for getting more magnesium.
However, it is unclear whether the skin can absorb much magnesium via this method.
A 2017 review concluded that while there is evidence that the body can absorb a small amount of magnesium through the skin, large-scale studies are necessary to determine its effectiveness.
People can also take magnesium chloride internally, as the intestines absorb it well. However, as with some other types of magnesium, it may cause digestive side effects.
Magnesium sulfate is the form of magnesium in Epsom salts.
Many people add Epsom salts to baths and foot soaks to soothe aching muscles. However, little high quality evidence shows the body can absorb much magnesium from magnesium sulfate baths.
Several types of magnesium can help treat constipation, such as magnesium citrate. Other types may have utility as medical treatments.
Doctors may use magnesium oxide to treat constipation or as an antacid for heartburn or indigestion.
Magnesium oxide is also present in some dietary supplements. However, the body does not absorb this form of magnesium well, according to a 2017 analysis.
This type of magnesium is a compound of magnesium and taurine. Limited evidence suggests it may lower blood pressure and protect the cardiovascular system.
Authors of a 2018 animal study reported that magnesium taurate reduced high blood pressure and heart damage in rats that had taken a toxic substance. The researchers concluded that this shows the potential of magnesium taurate as a cardioprotective nutritional supplement.
However, until more research occurs, people should not use magnesium supplements as treatments for cardiovascular conditions.
When choosing magnesium products, it is important to consider:
This can help with choosing a product that will be safe and effective.
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of magnesium is 400–420 milligrams (mg) for adult males and 310–360 mg for adult females. A person’s RDA may increase to 400 mg daily during pregnancy and lactation.
People can determine whether they need help getting more magnesium by asking a doctor to test their magnesium levels.
Learn about magnesium supplements for anxiety here.
People can get more magnesium from their food. Dietary sources of magnesium include:
Cashews, peanuts, soy milk, and black beans are also good sources. Many other foods contain smaller amounts.
However, the body only absorbs around 30–40% of the dietary magnesium a person consumes. This, combined with the relatively small amount of foods that contain high amounts of magnesium, may make it challenging for some people to get enough of this nutrient from their diet.
Magnesium plays a crucial role in the body, regulating blood pressure, blood sugar levels, neurotransmitters, and more. For those who do not get enough magnesium, taking more may:
There is also some evidence magnesium may be useful as part of a treatment plan for the following conditions:
A person should consult a doctor before taking any supplement for an underlying health condition.
It is uncommon for people to experience side effects from consuming magnesium in food. However, taking high doses from supplements and medications may cause diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping. Magnesium carbonate, chloride, gluconate, and oxide, are most likely to cause diarrhea.
Magnesium can interact with some medications, such as antibiotics, and is unsuitable for people with certain underlying conditions, including kidney disease.
Magnesium is essential for health. A magnesium supplement may be necessary for some people to get enough of this mineral.
Several types of magnesium are suitable as dietary supplements, such as magnesium citrate, glycinate, and lactate. Other kinds have topical uses, such as in baths or on the skin.
People should seek guidance from a doctor before taking a magnesium supplement or using a topical magnesium product, as they are not suitable for everybody.
Last medically reviewed on October 16, 2023
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