Magnesium 101: Understanding the Different Forms and Benefits

Magnesium Supplements

 Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions. It's needed for the normal functioning of muscles, nerves, and enzymes, as well as the maintenance of strong bones and healthy heart. However, not all forms of magnesium supplements are created equal. This is why it's important to understand the different forms of magnesium supplements available, their unique properties, and potential benefits. In this post, we'll dive into Magnesium 101, providing a comprehensive guide to understanding the different forms of magnesium supplements and their potential benefits for your health. From magnesium oxide to magnesium threonate, we'll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision about which form of magnesium supplement is right for you.

There are several different forms of magnesium supplements available, each with their own unique properties and potential benefits. Some of the most common forms include:

  • Magnesium oxide: This form of magnesium is not easily absorbed by the body, but is often used as a laxative.

  • Magnesium citrate: This form of magnesium is well absorbed by the body and is often used to relieve constipation.

  • Magnesium gluconate: This form of magnesium is also well absorbed by the body and is often used to support heart health and blood sugar regulation.

  • Magnesium glycinate: This form of magnesium is well absorbed by the body and is often used to support muscle and nerve function.

  • Magnesium lactate: This form of magnesium is well absorbed by the body and is often used to support energy production and metabolism.

  • Magnesium chloride: This form of magnesium is well absorbed by the body and is often used to support skin and immune system health.

  • Magnesium threonate: This form is unique in that it has the ability to penetrate the brain-blood barrier more easily and therefore it is used to support cognitive function

It's important to note that the bioavailability of magnesium supplements can vary depending on the form, dose, and individual factors such as gut health. It's best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.


Different forms of magnesium supplements may have different health benefits due to their unique properties and absorption rates. Here are some of the potential health benefits associated with some common forms of magnesium supplements:

  • Magnesium oxide: This form of magnesium is often used as a laxative, so it may provide relief from constipation.

  • Magnesium citrate: This form of magnesium is well absorbed by the body and is often used to relieve constipation. It may also help to prevent kidney stones and may improve heart health by reducing inflammation

  • Magnesium gluconate: This form of magnesium is also well absorbed by the body and is often used to support heart health and blood sugar regulation. It may also have anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce muscle cramps and spasms.

  • Magnesium glycinate: This form of magnesium is well absorbed by the body and is often used to support muscle and nerve function. It may also help to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.

  • Magnesium lactate: This form of magnesium is well absorbed by the body and is often used to support energy production and metabolism. It may also improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

  • Magnesium chloride: This form of magnesium is well absorbed by the body and is often used to support skin and immune system health. It may also help to reduce muscle cramps and spasms, and may improve sleep quality.

  • Magnesium threonate: This form is unique in that it has the ability to penetrate the brain-blood barrier more easily and therefore it is used to support cognitive function. It may also help to improve memory and learning.

It's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the health benefits of these different forms of magnesium supplements. As always, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.


While magnesium supplements are generally considered safe for most people, there are potential health concerns associated with each form of magnesium supplement. Here are some potential health concerns associated with some common forms of magnesium supplements:

  • Magnesium oxide: This form of magnesium is not easily absorbed by the body, so it may cause diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and other gastrointestinal side effects in some people. It may also interfere with the absorption of certain medications.

  • Magnesium citrate: This form of magnesium can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and other gastrointestinal side effects in some people, particularly in high doses. It may also cause an electrolyte imbalance in people with kidney problems.

  • Magnesium gluconate: This form of magnesium is generally considered safe, but it may cause diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and other gastrointestinal side effects in some people, particularly in high doses.

  • Magnesium glycinate: This form of magnesium is generally considered safe, but it may cause diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and other gastrointestinal side effects in some people, particularly in high doses.

  • Magnesium lactate: This form of magnesium is generally considered safe, but it may cause diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and other gastrointestinal side effects in some people, particularly in high doses.

  • Magnesium chloride: This form of magnesium is generally considered safe, but it may cause diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and other gastrointestinal side effects in some people, particularly in high doses.

  • Magnesium threonate: This form of magnesium is generally considered safe, but it may cause diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and other gastrointestinal side effects in some people, particularly in high doses. Also, as it is able to penetrate the brain-blood barrier, it may interact with other medications that affect the brain.

It's important to note that these are only potential health concerns and that more research is needed to fully understand the risks associated with these different forms of magnesium supplements. As always, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.


Magnesium is a mineral that is found in many different foods and natural resources. Here are some examples of natural sources of magnesium for each forms of magnesium supplements:

  • Magnesium oxide: Magnesium oxide is not found in significant amounts in food sources, but it can be found in some mineral water sources.

  • Magnesium citrate: Magnesium citrate is not found in significant amounts in food sources, but it can be found in some mineral water sources.

  • Magnesium gluconate: Magnesium gluconate can be found in small amounts in foods such as almonds, cashews, soybeans, and spinach.

  • Magnesium glycinate: Magnesium glycinate is not found in significant amounts in food sources, but it can be found in some mineral water sources.

  • Magnesium lactate: Magnesium lactate can be found in small amounts in foods such as almonds, cashews, soybeans, and spinach.

  • Magnesium chloride: Magnesium chloride can be found in small amounts in foods such as seaweed, spinach, and pumpkin seeds.

  • Magnesium threonate: Magnesium threonate is not found in significant amounts in food sources, but it can be found in some mineral water sources.

It's important to note that the bioavailability of magnesium from food sources can vary depending on factors such as the form of magnesium present in the food, the presence of other minerals and compounds, and individual factors such as gut health. Therefore, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.


In conclusion, magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and wellness. With so many different forms of magnesium supplements available, it's important to understand the unique properties and potential benefits of each. From magnesium oxide for relief from constipation, to magnesium citrate for kidney stones prevention, to magnesium threonate for cognitive function improvement, each form of magnesium supplement has its own unique benefits. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. We hope that this post has provided you with valuable information to help you make an informed decision about which form of magnesium supplement is right for you. Remember that a balanced diet rich in magnesium-rich foods like spinach, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and seaweed is also important, but in some cases, a supplement may be necessary to meet your daily needs.




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