Magnesium: why it's important & which form is for you
WHY IS MAGNESIUM SO IMPORTANT?
Magnesium gets depleted in times of stress, is poorly absorbed, and is involved in an estimated 300+ enzymatic reactions in the body, from hormone balance to detoxification.
It can be especially helpful for sleep problems, anxiety, muscle aches and cramps and to improve bowel movement.
There are many different forms of magnesium supplements and it can be confusing to know which type to use and when. Here's a little bit more information about each type.
We recommend choosing one that fits best with your current needs. It can also be helpful to try a few different ones to find the one that helps you the most.
MAGNESIUM CITRATE
Works especially well for people who have constipation as it will stimulate bowel movement. It's also great for people with oxalate toxicity.
There are many brands available on iherb and amazon and they're all good options (example: Solgar, NOW Foods)
MAGNESIUM GLYCINATE
A very well absorbed, highly bio-available form of magnesium, which makes is a great choice for people with a sensitive gut (or those who tend more towards loose bowel movement/ diarrhea). It's a calming form of magnesium, so can help improve anxiety and sleep.
* It's recommended that people with oxalate toxicity avoid this form as it can be converted to oxalate in some people.
We recommend:
Magnesium-HP by Healthy Gut available here in Australia and here in the USA.
MAGNESIUM MALATE
Magnesium malate is the combination of magnesium with malic acid, an acid found in vegetables and fruit. Malic acid is an important intermediate in the citric acid cycle, an important biochemical series of reactions for energy generation. The combination of magnesium and malic acid may be particularly helpful for healthy energy production in the cells. Typically best taken in the morning because of it's energizing effect.
We recommend:
Optimal Magnesium by Seeking Health, which has 80% magnesium malate and 20% magnesium glycinate, a great combination for most people.
MAGNESIUM L-THREONATE
The only form of magnesium that has been clinically tested and shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, which may support cognition, brain health, the nervous system, HPA axis, and mitochondrial function , as well as healthy short-term & long-term memory.
We recommend:
Magnesium-L-Threonate by LVLUP
COMBINATION PRODUCT OPTIONS
Magnesium Plus by Seeking Health: A combination of magnesium glycinate and malate as well as P5P, the active form of B6.
Optimal Magnesium by Seeking Health: A combination of magnesium glycinate and malate
Both are available from our website in Australia and through Seeking Health in other countries.
OIL, CREAMS AND BATHS
Magnesium is also really well absorbed through the skin, so Magnesium oil (such as Ancient Minerals) or Epsom Salt Baths are very effective.