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Which type of magnesium is best?

Written by Caroline Lanson

Published on
Updated on
Une femme se questionnant sur quel magnésium choisir
Une femme se questionnant sur quel magnésium choisir
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in over 300 biochemical processes in your body, from maintaining strong bones to supporting muscle and nerve function. However, not all magnesium supplements are created equal. With so many types of magnesium available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when deciding which one is right for you. Should you choose magnesium citrate, glycinate, or malate? What about oxide or threonate? And what is the best magnesium to take for specific health concerns like sleep, digestion, or energy? In this article, we’ll break down the most common forms of magnesium, explain their unique benefits, and help you determine which type of magnesium is best for your needs. Whether you're looking for better absorption, relief from specific symptoms, or general wellness support, understanding the different magnesium types is key to making an informed decision. Let’s dive in!
SUMMARY
  1. What is Magnesium?
  2. Why Do We Lack Magnesium?
  3. Why Use Magnesium Supplements?
  4. The Forms of Magnesium: A Brief Guide to Keep from Getting Lost
  5. The Forms of Magnesium: Which One to Choose?
  6. [MY] Serenity Essentials: Three Complementary Forms of Magnesium for Every Day
  7. When to Take Magnesium?
  8. How Long Does It Take for Magnesium to Work?
  9. Can You Take Magnesium All the Time?
  10. In Conclusion

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Magnesium is a vital mineral involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions, essential for bone health, muscle relaxation, and nervous balance.

To support nervous balance, promote better sleep, and navigate periods of stress with greater serenity, magnesium bisglycinate is the most recommended form due to its high absorption rate and gentleness on the stomach.

If your goal is to boost your energy or reduce muscle soreness, magnesium malate is ideal because it directly participates in cellular energy production (ATP).

Magnesium citrate is an effective option for improving digestion and relieving mild constipation, although it may have a laxative effect in sensitive individuals.

It is advisable to avoid magnesium oxide and marine magnesium to address a deficiency, as their low bioavailability limits their actual effectiveness despite a high concentration.

What is Magnesium?

Before asking yourself which magnesium to take, you should know that magnesium is an essential mineral vital to the human body, ranking as the eleventh most abundant element. It is essential in more than 300 enzymatic reactions that promote health and well-being.

This element is absorbed through the intestine and is distributed primarily within the bones, muscles, liver, and nervous system. Notably, 50 to 60% of the body's magnesium is found in bones, contributing to the regulation of calcium and phosphorus for optimal bone strength.

Additionally, magnesium plays a role in several major biological processes, including nerve transmission, muscle relaxation, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, protein synthesis, and maintaining the body's electrolyte balance.

Wondering which magnesium to take among the many options available? Follow our comprehensive guide on this subject.

Why Do We Lack Magnesium?

Magnesium deficiency is common and can be attributed to various factors. Let's find out why we often fall short on magnesium.

 

  • Insufficient dietary intake: Many of us do not eat enough foods rich in magnesium. While dairy products, fish, bread, and bakery goods contain magnesium, the most important sources like nuts, whole grains, and shellfish are less consumed.
  • Stress and anxiety: Stress increases magnesium loss. Under stress, our body releases adrenaline, accelerating the elimination of magnesium through the kidneys, which can intensify the deficiency and make the body more vulnerable to stress.

Why Use Magnesium Supplements?

Magnesium is an essential mineral offering multiple health benefits. Here are the main reasons justifying its intake in the form of a dietary supplement.


  • Helps maintain normal bones: Magnesium is vital for bone health, helping to regulate calcium and phosphorus, which play a key role in bone strength. This can help prevent osteoporosis.
  • Nervous and emotional balance: Studies have shown that magnesium contributes to normal psychological function by promoting the production of serotonin, the well-being hormone, thereby improving mood.
  • Blood pressure reduction: A diet rich in magnesium contributes to normal electrolyte balance, especially when combined with an adequate consumption of calcium and fiber.
  • Improved muscle and nerve function: Magnesium is essential for muscle relaxation and nerve transmission, helping to prevent cramps and improve muscle function.
  • Stress management: Used to reduce fatigue and stress, magnesium supports normal energy-yielding metabolism and can help moderate sympathetic nervous system activity.
  • Deficiency prevention: Many people, especially young adults and women, do not get enough magnesium from their diet. Supplementation can prevent these deficiencies and ensure an adequate level of magnesium in the body.

 

The Forms of Magnesium: A Brief Guide to Keep from Getting Lost

Magnesium exists in many forms, grouped into four main chemical families that determine their method of absorption and digestive tolerance.

The 4 major families are:


  • The soluble organic complexes (glycinate, bisglycinate...)
  • The inorganic salts (oxide, carbonate)
  • The soluble inorganic salts (chloride)
  • The soluble organic salts (citrate, lactate...)

This classification explains why not all forms are equal in terms of bioavailability: organic complexes are generally the best absorbed, while inorganic salts are the least.


Concretely, here is what each of these forms covers:

  • Bisglycinate and glycinate: Bound to glycine, these are the best-tolerated and most assimilated forms, ideal for the nervous system, sleep, and stress. No laxative effect.
  • Malate: Bound to malic acid, which is involved in cellular energy production. Suitable for physical fatigue and muscle recovery after exercise.
  • Citrate: Good bioavailability, mild effect on transit. Relevant in cases of associated digestive discomfort, but less targeted at nerve and muscle functions.
  • Chloride: Decent assimilation, available for topical use (magnesium oil), though cutaneous effectiveness remains debated.
  • Lactate: Well-tolerated digestively, often used in high doses.
  • Taurate: Bound to taurine, studied for its action on the cardiovascular system.
  • L-threonate: Crosses the blood-brain barrier. Studied for memory and concentration. It is specifically studied for its action on the central nervous system, notably to support memory, concentration, and mental clarity.
  • Pidolate: Good assimilation, oriented toward nervous balance and fatigue.
  • Orotate: Used mainly in athletic and cardiovascular contexts.
  • Aspartate: Decent assimilation, oriented toward muscle recovery.
  • Sulfate (Epsom salt): Used mainly in baths for muscle relaxation. Strong laxative effect when taken orally.
  • Carbonate: Antacid action, converts to chloride upon contact with stomach acid.
  • Gluconate: Gentle, well-tolerated form, used to correct mild deficiency.
  • Hydroxide (milk of magnesia): Occasional laxative and antacid use.
  • Oxide and Marine: The most concentrated form on paper, but its bioavailability is very low in practice. Poorly suited for correcting a deficiency. On the other hand, its primarily digestive action makes it the most widely used form as an antacid or osmotic laxative.

The Forms of Magnesium: Which One to Choose?

Now that you have a comprehensive overview, let's get to the point: which forms should you prioritize according to your needs?

Not all deserve the same attention; some remain anecdotal in the context of daily supplementation.


  • Digestive comfort and transit: Magnesium citrate
  • Energy and muscle recovery: Magnesium malate
  • Stress, sleep, daily nervous balance: Magnesium bisglycinate
  • Memory and cognitive function: Magnesium L-threonate
  • Occasional laxative use: Magnesium oxide

It is with this exact logic in mind that MiYé selected a blend of three complementary forms in its formulas: bisglycinate, malate, and citrate. Each brings its specific properties—nervous relaxation, energy support, optimal bioavailability—without any laxative effect.

[MY] Serenity Essentials: Three Complementary Forms of Magnesium for Every Day

Our product [MY] SERENITY ESSENTIALS combines three forms of magnesium: bisglycinate, malate, and citrate, to support nervous balance, sleep quality, and daily stress management.

When to Take Magnesium?

Choosing the ideal time to take magnesium depends on your health and well-being goals. Here are some tips to get the most out of this vital mineral.


  • Take magnesium in the morning for an energy boost: Consuming magnesium at the start of the day can provide the energy needed to get off to a good start. It helps convert carbohydrates into energy, making it ideal for a busy day.
  • Before exercising to boost your performance: For those who engage in physical activity, taking magnesium before working out can enhance your performance. It plays a key role in muscle contraction, helps reduce fatigue, and speeds up post-exercise recovery.
  • During meals to optimize absorption: It is advisable to take magnesium with your meals to improve its absorption. Food helps buffer stomach acidity, thereby promoting better assimilation of the magnesium.
  • In the evening for better sleep: Known for its relaxing effects, magnesium can improve the quality of your sleep. Taking it in the evening can help you unwind and prepare for a night of restorative sleep.
  • During periods of stress and anxiety: Often called the "anti-stress mineral," magnesium can soothe the nervous system during times of stress or anxiety, promoting a feeling of well-being.

How Long Does It Take for Magnesium to Work?

The time it takes for magnesium to start working depends on several elements, including the form of magnesium chosen, the amount consumed, and the goals targeted by its use. Here is an overview of magnesium's onset times based on these criteria.

 

  • Short-term effects: For specific uses such as muscle relaxation or reducing cramps, effects can be felt quickly, often within 30 minutes to a few hours after ingestion. This is particularly true for forms of magnesium that are well-absorbed by the body, such as magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate.
  • Medium-term effects: For more general benefits, such as improving sleep, reducing anxiety and stress, or increasing physical performance, it may take several days to several weeks before you notice the effects. A supplementation period of 3 to 4 weeks is often suggested to fully benefit from these effects.
  • Long-term effects: Regarding long-term benefits, like preventing osteoporosis or managing blood pressure, continuous and long-term supplementation is required. Studies indicate that positive effects on cardiovascular and bone health generally appear after several months of regular consumption.
  • Importance of consistency: It is essential to consume magnesium regularly to maintain its levels in the body and maximize its effects. Irregular consumption can reduce the effectiveness of magnesium's benefits.

Can You Take Magnesium All the Time?

Continuous intake of magnesium can offer benefits for certain individuals, but it is essential to weigh the advantages against the risks and necessary precautions when considering long-term supplementation.

The benefits of prolonged supplementation include improved cardiovascular health, reduced arterial stiffness, and better management of glucocorticoid metabolism, according to several studies. However, these benefits must be evaluated while keeping in mind each person's unique health conditions and needs.

Recommended magnesium doses vary based on age and sex, but generally should not exceed 250 mg per day for adults, according to the tolerable upper intake limit (UL).

In Conclusion

Magnesium is not a mineral to be chosen lightly. The form makes all the difference between effective supplementation and a supplement that passes through the body without any real benefit.

For daily use geared toward nervous balance, sleep, and stress management, bisglycinate remains the benchmark—rendered even more powerful when paired with malate for energy support and citrate for bioavailability.

This is precisely the choice MiYé made in its formulas: a synergy of three complementary forms, without any laxative effect, designed for women whose nervous and hormonal balance is at the core of their daily concerns.

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