10 Best Magnesium Glycinate Supplements (2026) — Reviewed
Magnesium glycinate has emerged as one of the most popular forms of supplemental magnesium, and for good reason. This chelated form binds elemental magnesium to the amino acid glycine, creating a compound that’s highly bioavailable, gentle on the digestive system, and particularly well-suited for supporting sleep, relaxation, and overall wellness.
Unlike magnesium oxide or citrate, which can cause GI distress at higher doses, magnesium glycinate is absorbed through a different pathway in the intestines, making it an excellent choice for those who need consistent magnesium supplementation without digestive side effects. The glycine component also provides its own calming benefits, which may enhance the relaxation properties of this supplement.
For this guide, we researched dozens of magnesium glycinate products, cross-referencing third-party testing results from organizations like ConsumerLab, reviewing brand reputations, and verifying formulation quality. Here are our top picks across different categories, formats, and budgets.

Table of Contents
- Quick Comparison Table
- Magnesium Glycinate Formats Compared
- Individual Product Reviews
- Buying Guide
- How to Take Magnesium Glycinate
- Potential Benefits
- Safety Considerations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Bottom Line
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Form | Serving Size | Key Differentiator | Best For | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate | Capsules | 120mg per capsule | Hypoallergenic, third-party tested | Sensitive individuals | 🏆 TOP PICK |
| Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate Powder | Powder | 200mg per scoop | NSF Certified for Sport | Athletes | 🥇 Best Powder |
| Doctor’s Best High Absorption Magnesium | Tablets | 200mg per 2 tablets | TRAACS chelate technology | Value seekers | 🥇 Best Value |
| NOW Foods Magnesium Glycinate | Tablets | 100mg per 2 tablets | Albion™ verified chelate | Quality assurance | 🥇 Best Verified |
| Life Extension Magnesium Glycinate | Capsules | 105mg per capsule | Research-backed brand | Longevity focus | |
| Nature Made Magnesium Glycinate | Capsules | 200mg per 2 capsules | USP verified, pharmacist recommended | Mainstream choice | 🥇 Best Drugstore |
| Sports Research Magnesium Glycinate | Softgels | 160mg per 2 softgels | MCT oil enhanced absorption | Enhanced absorption | 🥇 Best Softgel |
| Nature Made Magnesium Glycinate Gummies | Gummies | 100mg per 2 gummies | Pectin-based, no gelatin | Pill-averse users | 🥇 Best Gummy |
| KAL Magnesium Glycinate with BioPerine | Capsules | 350mg per 4 capsules | BioPerine for enhanced absorption | Higher dose needs | |
| Nutricost Magnesium Glycinate | Capsules | 210mg per 3 capsules | Budget-friendly bulk option | Budget buyers | 🥇 Best Budget |
Magnesium Glycinate Formats Compared
Capsules
Capsules are the most common delivery format for magnesium glycinate. They offer precise dosing, easy swallowing, and typically contain fewer additives than tablets. Vegetarian capsules (made from cellulose) are widely available for those avoiding gelatin. The main tradeoff is that achieving higher doses often requires taking multiple capsules per serving.
Tablets
Tablets can pack more magnesium per unit than capsules due to compression technology. They’re often more economical and have longer shelf stability. However, they may contain more binders and fillers to hold their shape, and some people find them harder to swallow.
Powders
Powder forms offer maximum dosing flexibility and faster absorption since there’s no capsule to dissolve. They’re ideal for those who prefer mixing supplements into beverages or have difficulty swallowing pills. Unflavored powders can be added to any drink, while flavored options make supplementation more enjoyable.
Softgels
Liquid-filled softgels may enhance absorption through their oil-based delivery system. They’re easy to swallow and can include complementary ingredients like MCT oil or lecithin. However, they’re typically not suitable for strict vegetarians or vegans.
Gummies
Gummies provide the most palatable option, especially for those who struggle with pills. They do contain added sugars or sweeteners and typically deliver lower doses per serving. The absorption rate may also differ from other forms.
Individual Product Reviews
Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate — Best Overall
Pure Encapsulations sets the standard for hypoallergenic supplements, making their magnesium glycinate the top choice for those with sensitivities or who prioritize clean formulations.
Pure Encapsulations has built a reputation among healthcare practitioners for producing supplements free from common allergens, unnecessary fillers, and artificial additives. Their magnesium glycinate delivers 120mg of elemental magnesium per capsule, sourced from high-quality chelated magnesium bisglycinate.
The company maintains rigorous third-party testing protocols and manufactures in facilities that exceed FDA Good Manufacturing Practices. Each batch is verified for potency and purity. The vegetarian capsules contain only the active ingredient and cellulose, with ascorbyl palmitate as the sole additional component to prevent oxidation.
This product is particularly well-suited for individuals following elimination diets, those with multiple chemical sensitivities, or anyone who prefers pharmaceutical-grade supplements. The 120mg per capsule dosing allows for precise customization of your daily intake.
Key Specifications:
- Elemental magnesium: 120mg per capsule
- Serving size: 1-4 capsules daily
- Bottle size: 180 capsules
- Certifications: Free from common allergens, Non-GMO
- Form: Vegetarian capsules
Considerations: The premium quality comes with a higher price point compared to mainstream brands. Those needing higher doses will need to take multiple capsules.
Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate Powder — Best for Athletes
Thorne’s NSF Certified for Sport powder delivers 200mg of highly absorbable magnesium per scoop, making it the go-to choice for competitive athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Thorne Research has positioned itself as the preferred supplement brand for professional athletes, with partnerships spanning over 100 professional sports teams. Their magnesium bisglycinate powder carries NSF Certified for Sport designation, meaning each batch is tested for compliance with label claims and screened for nearly 300 substances banned by major athletic organizations.
The powder format allows for rapid absorption and easy addition to pre- or post-workout beverages. Thorne uses a lightly sweetened formula with monk fruit concentrate and citric acid, creating a pleasant taste without artificial sweeteners. The bisglycinate form is particularly valued by athletes for supporting muscle relaxation and recovery without GI distress.
At 200mg per scoop with 60 servings per container, this product offers excellent value for those who train regularly. The glycine component may provide additional benefits for sleep quality and recovery, making it suitable for evening use.
Key Specifications:
- Elemental magnesium: 200mg per scoop
- Serving size: 1 scoop (3.11g)
- Container size: 6.5 oz (60 servings)
- Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport, Third-party tested
- Sweetener: Monk fruit concentrate
Considerations: The powder must be fully dissolved before consumption. Some users may prefer unflavored options for mixing into protein shakes.
Doctor’s Best High Absorption Magnesium — Best Value
Doctor’s Best delivers pharmaceutical-quality chelated magnesium at an accessible price point, using patented TRAACS technology for enhanced absorption.
Doctor’s Best has established itself as a science-based supplement company that doesn’t compromise on quality despite competitive pricing. Their High Absorption Magnesium uses TRAACS (The Real Amino Acid Chelate System), a patented chelation technology from Albion Minerals that binds magnesium to both glycine and lysine for optimal bioavailability.
The dual-amino-acid chelate approach may offer absorption advantages over standard magnesium glycinate. The formula is explicitly “not buffered,” meaning it doesn’t contain cheaper magnesium oxide mixed in to inflate potency claims—a common practice in the industry that Doctor’s Best actively avoids.
With 240 tablets providing 120 servings at 200mg each, this represents one of the most economical options among quality-verified magnesium glycinate supplements. The product is vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free.
Key Specifications:
- Elemental magnesium: 200mg per 2 tablets
- Serving size: 2 tablets
- Bottle size: 240 tablets (120 servings)
- Chelate type: Magnesium lysinate glycinate (TRAACS)
- Certifications: Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten-free
Considerations: Tablets are larger than some competitors’ capsules. The lysinate glycinate form differs slightly from pure magnesium bisglycinate.
NOW Foods Magnesium Glycinate — Best Verified Quality
NOW Foods uses genuine Albion™ magnesium bisglycinate and has conducted testing showing their product contains truly chelated magnesium—unlike many competitors.
NOW Foods made headlines in the supplement industry when they published testing results showing that many magnesium glycinate products on Amazon don’t actually contain properly chelated magnesium. Their in-house lab analysis revealed that while most products tested had adequate total magnesium, only NOW Foods products met label claims for water-soluble (truly chelated) magnesium.
This matters because non-chelated magnesium mixed with free glycine is significantly cheaper to produce but doesn’t offer the same absorption benefits as genuine magnesium bisglycinate. NOW Foods sources their magnesium from Albion Minerals, a respected specialty ingredient manufacturer that pioneered mineral chelate technology.
The company has been family-owned since 1968 and maintains ISO/IEC accredited in-house laboratories. Their A-rated GMP certification means every aspect of manufacturing is third-party verified. The eco-friendly packaging initiative plants one tree for every 20 bottles of 240-count product sold.
Key Specifications:
- Elemental magnesium: 100mg per 2 tablets
- Serving size: 2 tablets
- Bottle size: 180 tablets (90 servings)
- Magnesium source: Albion™ Magnesium Bisglycinate
- Certifications: GMP A-rated, Non-GMO
Considerations: Lower dose per serving (100mg) means more tablets needed for higher intake. Tablet form may be less convenient than capsules for some users.
Life Extension Magnesium Glycinate — Best for Longevity Focus
Life Extension brings over 40 years of research-driven formulation to their magnesium glycinate, appealing to those who prioritize science-backed supplementation for healthy aging.
Life Extension has distinguished itself through a commitment to clinical research and science-based formulations. The company funds and publishes peer-reviewed research, and their magnesium glycinate reflects this evidence-based approach with a straightforward, no-frills formula designed for optimal absorption.
Each capsule delivers 105mg of elemental magnesium from magnesium bisglycinate. The formulation uses vegetable cellulose capsules with vegetable stearate as the only additional ingredient. Life Extension provides Certificates of Analysis for all products, ensuring transparency about purity and potency.
The brand appeals particularly to consumers interested in longevity science and healthy aging. Magnesium plays crucial roles in over 600 enzymatic processes, including DNA repair, mitochondrial function, and inflammation regulation—all factors relevant to aging research.
Key Specifications:
- Elemental magnesium: 105mg per capsule
- Serving size: 1-3 capsules daily
- Bottle size: 90 capsules
- Form: Vegetarian capsules
- Additional ingredients: Vegetable stearate only
Considerations: Relatively newer addition to Life Extension’s lineup compared to their other magnesium products. Smaller bottle size than some competitors.
Life Extension Magnesium Glycinate, Heart Health, Bone Health, Nerve and Muscle Support, Highly absorbable, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Vegetarian, 90 Capsules
Nature Made Magnesium Glycinate — Best Drugstore Option
As the #1 pharmacist-recommended vitamin brand, Nature Made offers a reliable, widely-available magnesium glycinate backed by USP verification standards.
Nature Made combines mainstream accessibility with pharmaceutical-grade quality standards. Their magnesium glycinate is 100% chelated using magnesium bisglycinate, providing 200mg of elemental magnesium per two-capsule serving. The formula is designed to be gentle on the stomach while supporting muscle relaxation, heart health, nerve function, and bone health.
The brand has earned recognition as the #1 pharmacist-recommended vitamin and supplement brand based on a 2024 survey of pharmacists. Nature Made products are manufactured in the USA with quality global ingredients and undergo strict manufacturing processes to meet high-quality standards.
With 180 capsules per bottle providing a 90-day supply, this represents solid value from a brand available at most pharmacies and grocery stores. The gluten-free formula contains no artificial flavors or added colors.
Key Specifications:
- Elemental magnesium: 200mg per 2 capsules
- Serving size: 2 capsules
- Bottle size: 180 capsules (90-day supply)
- Form: Capsules
- Certifications: Gluten-free, No artificial flavors
Considerations: Not USP verified (some Nature Made products are, but this one relies on internal quality standards). Less specialized than practitioner brands.
Sports Research Magnesium Glycinate Softgels — Best Softgel Format
Sports Research enhances magnesium glycinate absorption by combining it with coconut MCT oil and sunflower lecithin in an easy-to-swallow liquid softgel.
Sports Research takes a unique approach to magnesium delivery by suspending chelated magnesium glycinate in a lipid base of coconut MCT oil and sunflower lecithin. This biolipid delivery system may enhance absorption since magnesium is transported more effectively when accompanied by certain fats.
Each serving provides 160mg of elemental magnesium in two softgels. The product is IGEN non-GMO tested, soy-free, and gluten-free. Manufacturing occurs in cGMP-compliant facilities in the USA, with the company maintaining rigorous quality standards typical of sports nutrition brands.
The softgel format is particularly appealing for those who prefer liquids over tablets or powders. The smooth gelatin coating makes swallowing easy, and the oil-based interior may be gentler on the stomach than dry capsule contents.
Key Specifications:
- Elemental magnesium: 160mg per 2 softgels
- Serving size: 2 softgels (1-2 times daily)
- Bottle size: 120 softgels
- Additional ingredients: Coconut MCT oil, Sunflower lecithin
- Certifications: Non-GMO tested, Gluten-free
Considerations: Contains gelatin (not vegetarian). Tree nut allergen warning due to coconut content. Lower magnesium per serving than some alternatives.
Nature Made Magnesium Glycinate Gummies — Best Gummy
For those who struggle with pills, Nature Made’s pectin-based magnesium glycinate gummies offer a delicious mixed berry option with truly chelated magnesium.
Nature Made has formulated their magnesium glycinate gummies using pectin rather than gelatin, making them suitable for vegetarians while maintaining an enjoyable chewy texture. Each two-gummy serving delivers 100mg of magnesium from chelated magnesium bisglycinate in a delicious mixed berry flavor.
The gummies are made without synthetic dyes (colors derived from natural sources), artificial flavors, or high fructose corn syrup. This makes them a cleaner option compared to many gummy supplements on the market. The pectin base also provides a softer texture than gelatin-based gummies.
While the 100mg dose is lower than capsule or tablet alternatives, the gummy format excels for compliance—people are more likely to take a supplement consistently when it’s enjoyable. This makes them ideal for those new to magnesium supplementation or anyone who experiences pill fatigue.
Key Specifications:
- Elemental magnesium: 100mg per 2 gummies
- Serving size: 2 gummies
- Bottle size: 40 gummies (20-day supply)
- Base: Pectin (vegetarian)
- Flavor: Mixed berry with natural flavors
Considerations: Lower dose requires multiple servings or supplementing with other sources. Smaller bottle size. Contains added sugars.
Nature Made Magnesium Glycinate 200 mg per serving, Magnesium Supplement for Muscle, Heart, Nerve and Bone Support, 180 Magnesium Bisglycinate Capsules, 90 Day Supply
KAL Magnesium Glycinate with BioPerine — Best Enhanced Absorption
KAL combines fully chelated magnesium glycinate with BioPerine black pepper extract for potentially enhanced bioavailability and higher-dose support.
KAL, a supplement brand dating back to 1932, has developed an innovative magnesium glycinate formula that includes 5mg of BioPerine® (piperine from black pepper extract) per serving. Research suggests piperine may enhance the absorption of various nutrients, potentially increasing the effectiveness of each dose.
The formula delivers 350mg of magnesium from fully chelated magnesium bisglycinate per four-capsule serving—among the highest doses available in a single product. This makes it suitable for those with increased magnesium needs or who prefer taking fewer products.
KAL manufactures in their own GMP-certified facility and tests products in their state-of-the-art Utah laboratory. The company packages their supplements in eco-friendly Post-Consumer Resin (PCR) bottles made from plastic removed from oceans and landfills, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
Key Specifications:
- Elemental magnesium: 350mg per 4 VegCaps (87.5mg per capsule)
- Additional: 5mg BioPerine® black pepper extract
- Serving size: 4 VegCaps
- Bottle size: 240 VegCaps (60 servings)
- Certifications: Non-GMO, Gluten-free, Vegan
Considerations: Requires four capsules per full serving. Those sensitive to black pepper should consider alternatives. Higher total magnesium may cause digestive effects in some individuals.
Nutricost Magnesium Glycinate — Best Budget
Nutricost delivers no-frills magnesium glycinate at an exceptional value, with third-party testing and NSF-certified GMP manufacturing at budget-friendly prices.
Nutricost has built a reputation for providing straightforward, quality supplements without premium branding markups. Their magnesium glycinate delivers 210mg of elemental magnesium per three-capsule serving from magnesium bisglycinate, manufactured in an NSF-certified GMP-compliant facility.
The 360-capsule bottle provides 120 servings—a four-month supply at full dose—making it one of the most economical options on the market. Despite the budget pricing, Nutricost maintains quality standards including third-party testing of each batch for potency, purity, and consistency.
The formula is non-GMO and vegetarian, using cellulose capsules. Multiple size options (90, 180, or 360 capsules) allow buyers to choose based on their needs and preferences.
Key Specifications:
- Elemental magnesium: 210mg per 3 capsules
- Serving size: 3 capsules
- Bottle size: 360 capsules (120 servings)
- Manufacturing: NSF-certified GMP facility
- Certifications: Third-party tested, Non-GMO, Vegetarian
Considerations: Less brand recognition than premium alternatives. Three capsules needed per full serving. Basic formulation without absorption enhancers.
Nutricost Magnesium Glycinate Capsules (360 Capsules, 210 mg Per Serving) - Magnesium Glycinate Supplement for Gentle Absorption
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Magnesium Glycinate Supplement
Verify It’s Actually Chelated
Not all supplements labeled “magnesium glycinate” contain properly chelated magnesium. Some manufacturers blend cheap magnesium oxide with free-form glycine, which doesn’t provide the same absorption benefits. Look for products that specify “magnesium bisglycinate chelate” or use verified chelate sources like Albion Minerals or TRAACS technology. Brands that publish third-party testing results provide additional assurance.
Consider the Elemental Magnesium Content
Supplement labels can be confusing. Some list the total weight of magnesium bisglycinate compound, while others list elemental magnesium. What matters is the actual magnesium content—the RDA is 400-420mg for adult men and 310-320mg for adult women. A “500mg magnesium glycinate” product typically contains only about 50-100mg of elemental magnesium.
Choose Your Format Wisely
Capsules and tablets offer precise dosing and convenience. Powders provide flexibility and faster absorption. Softgels may enhance absorption through lipid delivery. Gummies maximize compliance for pill-averse users but typically deliver lower doses. Consider your lifestyle, preferences, and dosing needs when selecting a format.
Check for Third-Party Testing
Quality certifications provide assurance that products contain what they claim. Look for NSF International, USP, ConsumerLab, or manufacturer-conducted third-party testing. For athletes, NSF Certified for Sport verification ensures products are free from banned substances.
Watch for Red Flags
Be cautious of products making disease treatment claims (this violates FDA regulations), extremely low prices from unknown brands, labels claiming impossibly high magnesium content per capsule, or products without clear contact information for the manufacturer. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
How to Take Magnesium Glycinate
Recommended Dosage
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for magnesium is 400-420mg daily for adult men and 310-320mg daily for adult women. However, most Americans don’t meet these targets through diet alone. Supplemental doses typically range from 100-400mg of elemental magnesium per day. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing helps minimize any potential digestive adjustment.
Best Time to Take
Magnesium glycinate can be taken any time of day, but many users prefer evening dosing due to its calming properties and potential sleep support benefits. Taking magnesium with food may enhance absorption and reduce any chance of stomach upset, though magnesium glycinate is generally well-tolerated on an empty stomach.
Dosage Splitting
For doses above 200mg, splitting into two servings (morning and evening) may improve absorption and reduce the risk of loose stools. This approach also maintains more consistent magnesium levels throughout the day.
Cycling Considerations
Unlike some supplements, magnesium glycinate doesn’t require cycling. It can be taken continuously as part of a daily wellness routine. However, periodic assessment of your magnesium status with a healthcare provider is advisable, especially if you’re taking higher doses.
Potential Benefits of Magnesium Glycinate
Sleep and Relaxation Support
Research suggests magnesium may help support healthy sleep patterns by regulating neurotransmitters and melatonin production. A 2022 study published in Sleep found associations between magnesium intake and sleep quality. The glycine component in magnesium glycinate may provide additional calming benefits, as glycine itself has been studied for its effects on sleep quality.
Muscle and Nerve Function
Magnesium is essential for proper muscle contraction and relaxation. It helps regulate nerve impulses and may support muscle recovery after exercise. Many people find magnesium glycinate helpful for occasional muscle tension and nighttime leg cramps.
Bone Health
Approximately 50-60% of the body’s magnesium is stored in bones. Adequate magnesium intake supports bone mineral density and may work synergistically with calcium and vitamin D for bone health. Research indicates that magnesium influences both bone formation and bone metabolism.
Heart and Cardiovascular Support
Magnesium helps maintain normal heart rhythm and supports healthy blood pressure already within normal ranges. It’s involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions that affect cardiovascular function. Some research suggests adequate magnesium intake may support overall cardiovascular wellness.
Mood and Stress Response
Magnesium influences GABA receptors and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, both involved in stress response. Some studies have found associations between magnesium status and mood. While more research is needed, many users report subjective improvements in their stress response with consistent magnesium supplementation.
Safety Considerations
Potential Side Effects
Magnesium glycinate is generally well-tolerated and less likely to cause digestive issues than other forms of magnesium. However, some individuals may experience mild symptoms including loose stools or diarrhea (especially at higher doses), nausea, or abdominal cramping. These effects typically resolve by reducing the dose or taking the supplement with food.
Drug Interactions
Magnesium may interact with several types of medications. It can reduce the absorption of bisphosphonates (osteoporosis medications), certain antibiotics (tetracyclines and quinolones), and thyroid medications. Potassium-sparing diuretics combined with magnesium may lead to excessive magnesium levels. Always separate magnesium supplementation from medications by at least 2 hours and consult your healthcare provider.
Who Should Avoid or Use Caution
People with kidney disease should not take magnesium supplements without medical supervision, as impaired kidneys cannot effectively eliminate excess magnesium. Those with heart block or myasthenia gravis should also exercise caution. Pregnant or nursing women should consult their healthcare provider before supplementing.
Upper Limits
The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for supplemental magnesium is 350mg daily for adults—this applies to supplements only, not magnesium from food. Higher doses may be appropriate under medical supervision but increase the risk of adverse effects. Signs of excess magnesium include low blood pressure, confusion, slowed breathing, and irregular heartbeat.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
Speak with your healthcare provider before starting magnesium supplementation if you take any prescription medications, have kidney disease or impaired kidney function, have heart disease or heart rhythm issues, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or plan to take doses above 350mg daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between magnesium glycinate and magnesium bisglycinate?
These terms are often used interchangeably. Magnesium bisglycinate (sometimes called diglycinate) technically refers to magnesium bound to two glycine molecules, which is the most common chelated form. Some manufacturers use “glycinate” as shorthand for this same compound. The key is ensuring the product contains truly chelated magnesium rather than a simple blend of magnesium oxide and glycine.
Can I take magnesium glycinate with other supplements?
Magnesium glycinate generally pairs well with most supplements. It’s commonly taken alongside vitamin D (which requires magnesium for activation), calcium, zinc, and B vitamins. However, high-dose zinc supplementation over time may interfere with magnesium absorption, so balance is important. Taking magnesium separately from calcium and iron by a few hours may optimize absorption of all minerals.
How long does it take to notice effects?
Many people notice improvements in sleep quality or muscle relaxation within the first 1-2 weeks of consistent supplementation. However, correcting a magnesium deficiency may take several weeks to months, depending on the severity. Consistent daily use provides better results than sporadic supplementation.
Is magnesium glycinate safe to take every day?
Yes, magnesium glycinate is safe for daily use within recommended dosages. Unlike some supplements that require cycling, magnesium can and should be taken consistently, as the body uses it continuously for hundreds of enzymatic processes. Daily supplementation helps maintain optimal magnesium status.
Why is magnesium glycinate more expensive than magnesium oxide?
Magnesium glycinate costs more because the chelation process is more complex and uses higher-quality raw materials. The glycine amino acid component adds cost, as does the manufacturing process to properly bond magnesium to the amino acids. Magnesium oxide is essentially a simple mineral compound that’s inexpensive to produce but offers significantly lower bioavailability.
Can magnesium glycinate help with sleep?
Research suggests magnesium may support healthy sleep patterns through several mechanisms, including regulation of melatonin and GABA neurotransmitter activity. The glycine component may provide additional benefits, as glycine has been studied independently for sleep support. Many users report improved sleep quality with evening magnesium glycinate supplementation, though individual results vary.
Should I take magnesium glycinate on an empty stomach or with food?
Magnesium glycinate can be taken either way. Unlike some magnesium forms that require food to prevent stomach upset, magnesium glycinate is generally gentle enough to take on an empty stomach. However, taking it with food may enhance absorption and is recommended if you experience any digestive discomfort.
How do I know if I’m getting enough magnesium from my diet?
Dietary magnesium sources include green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and some fish. However, studies consistently show that over half of Americans don’t meet the RDA through diet alone. Factors like soil depletion, food processing, and certain health conditions can further impact magnesium status. While blood tests exist, they don’t always reflect total body magnesium stores since most magnesium is in bones and tissues.
Bottom Line
For most people: Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate offers the best balance of quality, purity, and efficacy. Its hypoallergenic formula makes it suitable for virtually everyone, and the 120mg per capsule dosing allows precise customization.
For budget buyers: Nutricost Magnesium Glycinate provides solid quality at an unbeatable value. The 360-capsule bottle offers a four-month supply with third-party testing assurance.
For athletes: Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate Powder is the clear choice with its NSF Certified for Sport designation, ensuring competitive athletes can supplement with confidence.
For those who want verified quality: NOW Foods Magnesium Glycinate uses genuine Albion™ chelated magnesium with published testing proving it contains what it claims—a rarity in this category.
For pill-averse users: Nature Made Magnesium Glycinate Gummies makes supplementation enjoyable with their pectin-based, mixed berry formula.
For enhanced absorption: Sports Research Magnesium Glycinate Softgels combines chelated magnesium with MCT oil and lecithin for lipid-enhanced delivery.
