Magnesium citrate is a popular form of magnesium. It is often an ingredient in supplements and appears to be easier for the body to absorb than some other forms. An older 2003 study of 46 adults found that magnesium citrate absorbed better than magnesium oxide and magnesium chelate.
Research has found that magnesium glycinate is one of the most absorbable forms, along with citrate, chloride, lactate, and aspartate5 . It is also important to note that zinc and calcium can reduce magnesium's absorption6 , so be mindful of what you take it with.
Phytates in the diet bind to magnesium and impair its absorption. However the quantities present in normal diet do not affect magnesium absorption. Other dietary factors that are thought to affect magnesium absorption are oxalate, phosphate, proteins, potassium and zinc.
Magnesium citrate is a more common choice if you want to maintain magnesium levels for general whole-body health. On the other hand, magnesium glycinate has less bioavailability but can have a calming effect.
You might have trouble absorbing magnesium from food if you drink too much alcohol, have kidney problems, take certain medicines, or have celiac disease or long-lasting digestive problems.
Magnesium absorption increased linearly from 28-39 per cent intake with increasing dietary vitamin D. Urinary magnesium was not affected, thus magnesium retention also increased linearly as a function of vitamin D intake. Plasma calcium and magnesium were not altered by vitamin D.
Magnesium—just like calcium—is absorbed in the gut and stored in bone mineral, and excess magnesium is excreted by the kidneys and the faeces (Figure 4).
While there are many forms of magnesium available, we often prefer to use magnesium citrate and/or magnesium glycinate. Magnesium citrate is most helpful for people suffering from constipation, while the glycinate form is more useful for conditions like anxiety, insomnia, chronic stress, and inflammatory conditions.
Magnesium glycinate/glycerophosphate - best for sleep and anxiety. Magnesium glycerophosphate is ideal for stress relief and sleep. Glycerophosphate has the lowest rate of diarrhea, as compared to other forms of magnesium.
How is magnesium deficiency diagnosed? Magnesium deficiency is diagnosed via a blood test and sometimes a urine test. Your doctor may order the blood test if you have symptoms such as weakness, irritability, abnormal heart rhythm, nausea and/or diarrhoea, or if you have abnormal calcium or potassium levels.
Magnesium and calcium/multivitamin
But if you do take magnesium, Erin Stokes, ND, recommends not taking it at the same time as your multivitamin, as it may interfere with the absorption of smaller minerals found in the multivitamin, like iron and zinc.
If you're looking to get more vitamin D in your diet, take it with a side of magnesium. That mineral appears to help regulate levels of vitamin D, which in turn manages the levels of other minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.
Since magnesium works closely with calcium, it is important to have an appropriate ratio of both minerals in order for them to be effective. A good rule of thumb is a 2:1 calcium-to-magnesium ratio. For example, if you take 1000mg of calcium, you should also take 500mg of magnesium.
The micronutrient combination (DMB) comprises daily doses of 1,000 IU vitamin D, 150mg magnesium, and 500mcg vitamin B12, for up to 14 days. “Patients who received DMB had a significant reduction of clinical deterioration compared to patients without DMB.
The benefits of magnesium glycinate
promote bone health. manage blood sugar in people with diabetes and may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. maintain normal heart rhythms. reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Liquids, powders, or some other forms of this product may contain sugar and/or aspartame. Liquid products may also contain alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet.
Therefore, magnesium supplements can be taken at any time of the day, as long as you're able to take them consistently. For some, taking supplements first thing in the morning may be easiest, while others may find that taking them with dinner or just before bed works well for them.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with MAGNESIUM. Magnesium might slow blood clotting. Taking magnesium along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Magnesium begins to take effect after one week of consistent supplementation.
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency
Weakness and fatigue. Tremors or muscle twitching. Muscle cramping. Heart palpitations or heart arrhythmias.