Magnesium

Magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine

💡 High bioavailability, gentle on stomach. Glycine itself has calming properties.

📝 Best all-around choice for most people

Chelated magnesium with two glycine molecules (same as glycinate)

💡 High bioavailability, identical to glycinate

📝 Marketing term often used interchangeably with glycinate

Magnesium bound to threonic acid, derived from vitamin C metabolism

💡 Uniquely crosses blood-brain barrier. Raises brain magnesium levels.

📝 Best choice for cognitive/brain health focus (Magtein brand)

Magnesium bound to the amino acid taurine

💡 Good bioavailability. Taurine adds cardiovascular benefits.

📝 Excellent choice for cardiovascular focus

Magnesium bound to malic acid

💡 Good bioavailability. Malic acid supports ATP production.

📝 Best for daytime energy and muscle support

Magnesium bound to citric acid

💡 Good bioavailability at normal doses

📝 Good budget option, may help with constipation

Magnesium bound to orotic acid

💡 Good bioavailability. Orotic acid may support heart tissue.

📝 Popular in Europe for cardiovascular support

Magnesium salt with chloride

💡 Moderate oral bioavailability. Often used topically.

📝 Best for topical magnesium oil/spray

Epsom salt - magnesium with sulfate

💡 Poor oral absorption. Strong laxative effect.

📝 Best for Epsom salt baths, not oral supplementation

Magnesium bound to oxygen - highest elemental magnesium but poorest absorption

💡 Only ~4% absorbed. Most passes through as laxative.

📝 Avoid for supplementation - only ~4% absorbed

Magnesium salt with carbonate

💡 Poor bioavailability, requires stomach acid

📝 Common in cheap supplements, not recommended

Milk of Magnesia

💡 Poor absorption. Primarily a laxative/antacid.

📝 Medical use only (Milk of Magnesia)