How to choose magnesium glycinate
Every product here uses magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine, but dose, format and extra ingredients differ.
Tablets, capsules or powder
Most options are tablets, including NOW Foods, Doctor's Best, Swanson Ultra and Novadiet. KAL, Double Wood Supplements and Solgar come as capsules, while the NOW Foods and Nutricost powders mix into water, handy if you prefer not to swallow pills.
What to compare on the label
- Elemental magnesium per serving. Some brands list the weight of the whole compound, others only the magnesium. Check the Supplement Facts panel rather than the number on the front.
- Serving size. Check how many tablets or capsules make up one serving. It varies between products and affects how long a bottle lasts.
- Chelate type. Doctor's Best pairs glycinate with lysinate, and Swanson Ultra uses Albion magnesium glycinate. Terms like "100% chelated" usually mean the product is not blended with magnesium oxide.
- Other ingredients. Look at fillers, flavours in powders, and whether capsules are vegetarian.
How people typically take it
Follow the label directions. Many people take magnesium glycinate with water in the evening or split the daily amount between meals. Magnesium also contributes to electrolyte balance and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. If you take medication, are pregnant or have a health condition, speak with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Magnesium glycinate FAQ
Is magnesium glycinate the same as bisglycinate?
Yes. Bisglycinate describes magnesium bound to two glycine molecules, and brands use both names for the same form. NOW Foods and Novadiet use both names across their products here, and Source Naturals labels its tablets bis-glycinate.
How is glycinate different from other forms?
Glycinate is often chosen by people who want a form that is easy on the stomach, while citrate, malate and threonate are used for other reasons. Our guide Which Magnesium Should You Take? compares them, and you can browse other forms in Magnesium Minerals.
Can I combine it with other supplements?
Many people take it alongside a multivitamin or other products from Vitamins & Minerals. Add up the magnesium from everything you take and stay within the amounts shown on the labels.
