Magnesium is one of the most important and most deficient minerals in our body. For athletes, this applies twice as much. However, it is very easy to get caught out when choosing a dietary supplement containing magnesium. In fact, magnesium is found in many products in very poorly utilized forms. That's why it's very important to choose a really good quality supplement that will be more than just a waste of money. Our comparison of the best magnesium supplements on the market will help you choose. All products contain magnesium in a bioavailable form. This makes sure you get all the positives that getting enough magnesium brings. Which one should you choose?
The 10 best magnesiums
| Ranking | Image | Product | Main advantages | Price | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
|
Reflex – Magnesium Bisglycinát | Patented form of Albion Magnesium, 30 doses per pack, Gelatin capsules | $11,00 | Best price More information |
| 2. |
|
Czech Virus –Supreme Magnesium | Complex of bisglycinate, citrate and magnesium malate, 60 doses per pack, Water-soluble flavoured blend | $23,96 | Best price More information |
| 3. |
|
Prom-IN – Magnesium Chelate | Magnesium bisglycinate, 80 doses per pack, Water soluble powder | $23,96 | Best price More information |
| 4. |
|
BrainMax – Energy Magnesium | Magnesium malate, 100-200 doses per pack, Vegetarian capsules | Best price More information Reviews | |
| 5. |
|
Golden Nature - Exclusive Triple Magnesium | Three types of magnesium, 50 doses per pack, Vegan capsule | Best price More information Reviews | |
| 6. |
|
Vilgain Magnesium | Magnesium bisglycinate, 30 doses per pack, Vegan capsules | Best price More information | |
| 7. |
|
Extrifit – Magnesium Chelate | Magnesium bisglycinate, 40-120 doses per pack, Gelatin capsules | $13,56 | Best price More information |
| 8. |
|
Jigsaw Health MagSoothe | Patented form of Albion Magnesium, 60 doses per pack, Soluble blend | Best price More information Reviews | |
| 9. |
|
BrainMax – Performance Magnesium | Magnesium bisglycinate, 50-100 doses per pack, Vegetarian capsules | Best price More information | |
| 10. |
|
MedPharma – Magnesium citrát Forte | Magnesium citrate, 33-67 doses per pack, Tablets | Best price More information | |
| 11. |
|
Now Foods – Magnesium Malate | Magnesium malate, 180 doses per pack, Tablets | Best price More information | |
| 12. |
|
HiTec – Magnesium Citrate | Magnesium citrate, 30 doses per pack, Flavored water-soluble powder | $10,76 | Best price More information |
Detailed comparison of the best magnesium
The imaginary prize for the best magnesium on the market goes to Reflex Albion Magnesium. It is a patented form of magnesium consisting of buffered magnesium bisglycinate combined with citric acid and magnesium oxide. Albion Magnesium boasts excellent absorption, which is, after all, the key to supplements of this type. Combine a perfectly usable form of magnesium with the renowned quality of Reflex products and, as a result, theAs a result, you get a first-class dietary supplement that you simply must give a chance.
Benefits:
- A perfectly usable form of magnesium
- Pure composition and quality workmanship
- Proven manufacturer with countless positive reviews
- Maximum effectiveness
Disadvantages:
- Higher price
About the Manufacturer:
Reflex Nutrition is a long-standing fixture in the sports supplement market. The company's strength is its emphasis on quality. Since 1996, it has built its reputation on the premium quality ingredients of its products, which it also manufactures itself. All products are subjected to independent tests to underline their quality. In addition, it also contributes to a better environment by recycling all the plastic waste it produces. We've covered a number of the brand's supplements in the past - examples include the multivitamin Nexgen PRO or the protein Instant Whey Pro.
In one serving (3 capsules) you will find:
- 375 mg of magnesium
Albion Magnesium's patented formulation is a proven form of magnesium buffered magnesium bisglycinate in synergistic combination with citric acid and magnesium oxide. It sounds nice, but what does it mean? In practice, this combination helps to better absorb all the ingredients (including the otherwise very difficultdifficult to use magnesium oxide) by lowering the pH in the small intestine. Magnesium bisglycinate serves as a buffer for this purpose. The result is a maximally usable form of magnesium that gives you all the necessary benefits associated with this mineral.
Final assessment:
Reflex Albion Magnesium is a top-notch product that definitely deserves to be on the first place. It represents an extremely well absorbed form of magnesium in what I consider to be the ideal amount. Admittedly, you will have to pay a little extra for it, but that is to be expected given the high quality. But fans of the Reflex brand have long known that paying extra for quality is worth it. So if you're really serious about your training and want to make sure you get enough of that crucial micronutrient, you couldn't make a better choice.
Supreme Magnesium Complex from Czech Virus is a combination of bisglycinate, citrate and magnesium malate. As a result, you get the benefits of all three of the most common forms of magnesium in every dose. You have a choice of two flavours, as unlike most supplements it is a powder, not a capsule or tablet. This usually comes with the presence of unnecessary colourings or flavourings, but in this case it is up to meCzech Virus is to be commended for using only natural dyes and avoiding all controversial substances.
Benefits:
- Pleasant taste
- Quality ingredients
- Combines the benefits of three forms of magnesium
- One pack will last you two months
Disadvantages:
- High price
About the Manufacturer:
You must know Czech Virus very well. It is one of the top companies on the Czech market and has a number of successful products in its repertoire. In addition, it cooperates with a number of well-known athletes and its supplements have found their way to even more athletes. The impetus for the establishment of the company was the poor quality of available supplements. Therefore, the founders decided to take matters into their own hands and start their own brand of supplements. Today, Czech Virus is one of the largest fitness manufacturers in our country. We have rich and very positive experience with Czech Virus products - see for yourself in our reviews of Beast Virus pre-workout or Joint Max joint nutrition.
In one dose (5.7 g) you will find:
- 1450 mg magnesium bisglycinate
- 1450 mg magnesium citrate
- 1450 mg magnesium malate
Each scoop of Supreme Magnesium Complex contains a combination of three highly usable forms of magnesium - bisglycinate, citrate and malate. Each of these forms has its own particular benefits (see accompanying text below the ladder), but their combination with each other does not necessarily have all these advantages. I am thinking in particular of the energizing effect of citrate (and noMalate) in contrast to the calming effect of bisglycinate. According to the manufacturer, however, the energizing effect is predominant, and the length of time you take this magnesium should depend on that. But apart from the fact that you are depriving yourself of the calming effect of bisglycinate, which works perfectly well before bedtime, because of this combination, I don't see any negatives.
Final assessment:
If I had to pick the main negative of Supreme Magnesium Complex, it would be the price without a doubt. And that would probably be the end of my list. While the higher price is understandable, it doesn't make it any less of a negative. Again, you simply have to pay extra for quality. The individual flavours also get a positive rating. Although taste is a highly subjective criterion, I don't think any significant proportion of customers will be disappointed after tasting them. All in all, Supreme Magnesium Complex is a very good supplement that deserves its place in such a high position in our ranking.
Pros:
- Perfect quality
- Very effective form of magnesium
- Helps to relax before bedtime
- No unnecessary flavourings (unflavoured version)
- Unpleasant taste (unflavored option)
- Higher price (flavored option)
The Prom-IN brand is one of the stalwarts on the Czech sports supplement market. The products of this manufacturer are famous for their high quality and often embody the well-known saying "a lot of music for little money". The company's repertoire is very wide, in its offer you can find really everything - from proteins to joint nutrition and probiotics. What experience have we had with Prom-IN products? You can read our reviews of the legendary CFM Evolution protein or Vita Solution multivitamin.
In one serving (5.2 g) you will find:
- 3.2 g magnesium bisglycinate
- 1.4 mg of vitamin B6
If we take a closer look at the ingredients of the unflavored magnesium variant from Prom-IN, we find nothing that doesn't belong here. Apart from magnesium and vitamin B6, the manufacturer used only the dye beta-carotene and beetroot extract. In terms of the form of magnesium used, of course, there is nothing to complain about, as bisglycinate is extremely well used.
If you decided to try a more flavoured version, you would get the same amount of magnesium and vitamin B6 in each dose, howeverThe recommended amount in this case is 6.5 grams, so per 100 grams the active content is understandably lower. However, we must appreciate the flavouring with natural flavouring and sweetening with stevia. Thanks to this, there are no controversial added substances here either.
Final assessment:
Prom-in 100% Magnesium Bisglycinate is a long-proven product to which we really have no serious reservations. The unflavored version doesn't taste all that pleasant, but it's nothing that can't be survived. The alternative is the newer flavored version, which will run you more money, but you get a much better taste experience for the extra cost. Bisglycinate works absolutely great especially at bedtime, which you'll especially appreciate after a long day and a hard workout. We also write about the importance of magnesium in the chelate bond before falling asleep in our article on sleep.
BrainMax Energy Magnesium was next in the order. This is a product with an exceptionally pure composition, because in addition to magnesiumin the form of malate and a vegetarian capsule in the list of substances used, you will not find anything else. Magnesium malate is one of the most absorbable forms of magnesium. The resulting usability of the whole product is therefore absolutely excellent.
Benefits:
- Extremely pure composition
- Highly absorbable form of magnesium
- Energising effect
- High dose of magnesium
Disadvantages:
- Not suitable for use before bedtime
About the Manufacturer:
The Czech brand BrainMax was created as a result of a desire to produce dietary supplements based on the latestlatest scientific findings while providing the natural power of nature. The company focuses on dietary supplements that support brain function and productivity, so it's no surprise that itshigh quality vitamins, minerals or even less common products such as blue light goggles can be found in its repertoire. From BrainMax, we have found, for example, the Sleep Faster sleep enhancement complex or the Neurohacker Manifesto productivity support blend.
In one capsule you will find (the recommended daily dose is 1-2 capsules):
- 1,000 mg of magnesium malate
The ingredients of BrainMax Energy Magnesium are actually very concise. Apart from magnesium in the form of malate and the vegetarian capsule that carries it, you won't find anything else here. This is of course a big plus - the pure composition means the absence of unnecessary additives, which can often be controversial. The form of magnesium used is a great choice - malate is extremely well absorbed and also has energizing effect (malic acid contained in this bond participates in the process of cellular energy ATP formation). However, the use of malate, unlike citrate, does not lead to laxative effects.
Final evaluation:
It's probably no surprise that BrainMax Energy Magnesium gets a really positive review from us. The very affordable price is also worth mentioning. If you choose to dose just one capsule per day, the entire pack will last you for a long 200 days. You can read more about this product in our detailed review, in which we take an in-depth look at both the ingredients and the dosage.
Among the best magnesium supplements on the market, there is also a supplement called Exclusive Triple Magnesium, which, as the name suggests, contains combines three different types of magnesium in high doses and offers simple supplementation that will easily cover the recommended daily dose.
Benefits:
- Effective combination of three magnesium
- Easy dosing
- Proven Czech manufacturer
- Effective supplement
Disadvantages:
- Relatively high price
About the Manufacturer:
Golden Nature is a proven Czech brand that has a full line of supplements in its repertoire Nutritional supplements with high quality and maximum effectiveness as the main pillars. In Golden Nature's repertoire, you can find many different supplements ranging from common vitaminsto less traditional antioxidants, adaptogens or fish collagen, for example. A detailed evaluation of this company's products was, for example, covered in our review of Triple Zinc and Copper.
In one dose (2 capsules) you will find:
- 400 mg magnesium l-threonate
- of which elemental magnesium 32 mg
- 400 mg magnesium bisglycinate
- of which elemental magnesium 80 mg
- 400 mg tri-magnesium dicitrate
- of which elemental magnesium 60 mg
There is simply nothing to fault with this combination of three different types of magnesium with excellent usability. Already in two capsules you will cover more than 45% of the recommended daily dose of this very important element, so we cannot rate the product other than excellent. The manufacturer recommends taking 2-3 capsules 2 times a day, but for normal athletes with balancedFor normal athletes with a balanced and varied diet, two capsules are sufficient. However, it is up to you.
Final assessment:
If you don't care about the price of the supplement and you want a premium magnesium that lasts for quite a long timeExclusive Triple Magnesium is a really great choice. But if you are more interested in the best possible price/quality ratio, you might be a little better off with, for exampleFor example, magnesium from Reflex, which is still number one in this ranking.
A very good supplement with high quality magnesium content is also offered by the brand Vilgain. In this case, the manufacturer decided to bet on magnesium bisglycinate, which is of course a proven classic. Vilgain Magnesium is characterized by a very high quality, but at the same time it is not among the cheapest products, which can be decisive for many people.
Benefits:
- A high quality form of magnesium
- Vegan capsule
- Pure formula without unnecessary additives
Disadvantages:
- Higher price
About the Manufacturer:
Not too long ago, you may have come across Vilgain products under the brand name Actin. This is the company behind the Vilgain brand. The reason for the name change was to expand abroad, but otherwise the products of this manufacturer have not changed at all. Aktin as such perhaps does not even need to be introduced to anyone. In the Czech Republic, it is one of the most popular manufacturers and sellers of sports supplements. We have shared our experience with Vilgain products in the ranking of the best proteins or in the comparison of the best probiotics.
In one serving (3 capsules) you will find:
- 375 mg magnesium bisglycinate
Vilgain Magnesium contains no additives at all, apart from the active ingredient and the capsule material along with the necessary capsuling agents. A pure composition is always a great advantage, especially if it is based on quality ingredients. Bisglycinate is an over and over again praised form of magnesium, which is characterised by very good bioavailabilityIt is particularly suitable for evening use as it promotes sleep. In addition, the amount contained in three capsules is equivalent to a full daily dose, so you are sure to get your magnesium fix.
Final assessment:
Vilgain's magnesium gets a really good rating from us despite the fact that you'll have to pay a little extra for it. But the higher price goes hand in hand with the premium quality of the product and is definitely justified. At the same time, it is not some crazy amount that will automatically bankrupt you.
Our ranking of the best magnesium supplements would by no means be complete without Magnesium Chelate from Extrifit. Among its biggest advantages are of course the very usable form of magnesium and of course the overall quality of the whole product.
Benefits:
- Excellent bioavailability
- High quality processing
- Helps achieve better quality sleep
Disadvantages:
- Higher price
About the Manufacturer:
Czech brand Extrifit is one of the leading manufacturers of sports supplements in our country. Extrifit has been on the market since 2007 and since then has earned a reputation for producing exceptional quality sports supplements. It is popular mainly because it manufactures its products tailored to strength athletes and their needs. Since its inception, Extrifit has strived to offer its customers premium products that will help them in their journey towards their dreams. And what has been our experience with Extrifit? Don't overlook our review of High Whey 80 protein and one of the best pre-workouts on the market , Agrezz.
In one capsule you will find (recommended daily dose is 1-4 capsules):
- 94 mg magnesium bisglycinate
Extrifit Magnesium Chelate relies, as the name suggests, on magnesium in the form of bisglycinate. You get just under 100 grams of it in each capsule, which means a decent daily dose if you decide to take 4 capsules a day. There is no need to write about how well bisglycinate is absorbed. It is an excellent form of magnesium and its benefits will be felt especially whenHowever, the manufacturer recommends spreading the intake of the capsule throughout the day.
Final assessment:
Magnesium from Extrifit is a really good quality product, where we have not found any serious flaws. The only major negative is the relatively high price, but that depends on how many capsules you take per day. The manufacturer recommends dosing 1-4 capsules per day, which is pretty vague. For best results, it is of course ideal to give4 capsules, however, in this case the daily dose will become quite expensive.
Although the Jigsaw Health brand in the Czech Republic is definitely not one of the best known productsmanufacturers of sports supplements, its MagSootheTM magnesium does not do badly compared to the competition. It boasts an exceptionally high quality form of magnesium, Albion Magnesium, which is also used by Reflex in its product. The downside of this product, however, is its relatively high price, which may deter many potential buyers from purchasing it.
Advantages:
- High quality form of the active ingredient
- No unnecessary additives
- One pack will last you two months
Disadvantages:
- Very high price
About the manufacturer:
The American brand Jigsaw Health has been on the market since 2005. The company's inception is linked to health problems of the son of the company's founder, Pat Sullivan. When Pat noticed that his son was getting rid of most of his problems with magnesium supplementation, he decided to create his own product where he could be 100% sure of its quality. To this day, Jigsaw Health continues to produce exceptional quality supplements aimed at supporting the health and proper functioning of the body. You may have also come across products from this brand in our comparison of the best sleep supplements.
In one serving (5.5 grams) you will find:
- 200 mg of magnesium in the form of bisglycinate
- 130 mg of sodium in the form of sodium bicarbonate
- 180 mg of potassium in the form of potassium bicarbonate
As far as the magnesium content and its form are concerned, we can't fault the manufacturer at all. It is true that the products at the top of our rankingon our list contain a little more magnesium, but 200 mg per dose is still quite sufficient. We must also praise the form of the active ingredient, as it is the patented MetaMag® form from Albion Minerals. In addition to magnesium, we also find sodium and potassium in the formula, both in the form of bicarbonate. However, sodium is not one of the deficient minerals, as most people suffer from ...because it's found in most foods in the form of table salt. Potassium is slightly more useful, but the bicarbonate form is not among the best.
Final assessment:
Jigsaw Health MagSootheTM is a very hilarious product, but its main benefit is its very high price. One daily dose is several times the price of most products. Although MagSootheTM is definitely one of the higher quality products on the market, the resulting price/quality ratio is really not a bargain. However, if the high price is not a problem for you, we can highly recommend it.
The next place was taken by another product from BrainMax. This time it is Performance Magnesium, which unlike BrainMax Energy Magnesium contains magnesium in the form of bisglycinate. For the best effect we also find vitamin B6 here. BrainMax Performance Magnesium has unquestionable qualities, however, when taken as recommended, it givesit is also the second most expensive product on the entire list.
Benefits:
- High quality product
- Excellent bioavailability of the magnesium used
- Magnesium available in a high dose
Disadvantages:
- High price
In one capsule you will find (recommended daily dose is 1-2 capsules):
- 1,000 mg magnesium bisglycinate
- 1.4 mg of vitamin B6
BrainMax Performance Magnesium has a very pure formula. In addition to magnesium in the form of bisglycinate and vitamin B6, there are no other fillers or other unnecessary substances. As with other BrainMax products, high quality is evident at first glance, which is the most important criterion. Compared to other products in capsule form, BrainMax Performance Magnesium contains a really high dose of magnesium, which makes it even more effective.
Final evaluation:
The only negative we have to criticize this product is the high price. If you dose two capsules, one daily dose will cost you almost the most expensive of all the supplements in this ranking. While you do get a good amount of quality for the high price, I still think you can find equally high quality products for a lower price. But of course it also depends on what form of magnesium you are looking for, and whether complete purity of the ingredients is a priority for you.
We are moving from the most expensive product in the ranking to the cheapest. This is Magnesium Citrate Forte from MedPharma. In addition to its low price, we were impressed by its surprisingly good composition and use of magnesiumin the form of citrate and not oxide, as is usual with products in a similar price range. It is therefore a great choice for someone who looks primarily at price when choosing supplements.
Benefits:
- Very good price
- Great value for money
- Contains extra vitamin B6
Disadvantages:
- Tablet size may be a problem for some
About the Manufacturer:
MedPharma is a Czech company that has been developing, manufacturing and selling dietary supplements since 2000. MedPharma products are aimed at supporting human health and are characterized by their affordable price. In addition, the company has a repertoire of cosmetic and medical products. You can find their products mainly in pharmacies, but gradually they are also beginning to appear in the offer of e-shops with sports nutrition. And what has been our experience with MedPharma products? You can find them, for example, in the comparison of the best collagens or probiotics.
In one tablet you will find (the recommended daily dose is 1-2 tablets):
- 150 mg magnesium citrate
- 6 mg of vitamin B6
Magnesium citrate is a proven form of magnesium that you definitely can't go wrong with. Moreover, the amount in which it is contained in the tablets is not so large that you have to worry about anythe laxative effects that can accompany the citrate if it is dosed in larger quantities. The presence of vitamin B6 is, of course, a positive. You'll even find a lot more of it here than you would with magnesium from Prom-IN or BrainMax. But the question is whether such a high dose is somehow more beneficial.
Final assessment:
MedPharma Magnesium Citrate Forte is a great choice for anyone looking for a solid product at the lowest possible price. Admittedly, it is not the highest quality option on the market, but if you want to supplement magnesium more for preventative reasons, it will serve you perfectly well. One pack will last you for at least a month, which is absolutely perfect considering the price. The resulting price/quality ratio is therefore really excellent.
Magnesium Malate from Now Foods also found its place in the list of the best magnesium supplements. It contains up to 1,000 mg of magnesium malate in each capsule. The energizing form of magnesium in such a dose is guaranteed to energize you and reliably kick-start your day. What's more, malate is known for its excellent usability, so you'll be sure that all the magnesium it contains ends up in fertile soil.
Benefits:
- A highly usable form of magnesium
- High quality design
- High dose of magnesium
Disadvantages:
- Higher price
About the Manufacturer:
Now Foods' history dates back to the 1960s. Even then, it took pride in producing healthful products that serve to help people achieve a truly healthy lifestyle. In addition to sports supplements, the company's repertoire includes health foods, cosmetics and even pet food. Of course, the emphasis in all products is on premium quality. This is of course key when evaluating supplements, which is why you may have already come across Now Foods products in our comparisons of the best nootropics or vitamin D supplements.
In one daily dose (3 tablets) you will find:
- 345 mg of magnesium malate
In addition to the substances holding the individual tablets together, you will only find pure magnesium malate in the ingredients. It is known to be one of the most bioavailable forms of magnesiumwhich also has mild energising effects. The manufacturer recommends a daily dosage of 3 tablets, which together represent the majority of the recommended daily dose of magnesium. Assuming that you also take some magnesium in your normal diet, this will safely get you to the required amount.
Final assessment:
Now Foods Magnesium Malate is a quality supplement that will easily help you achieve all the positives associated with consuming sufficient amounts of magnesium. I consider the relatively high price to be a slight negative, but it is nothing terrible. However, for a similar price you can also get Reflex Albion Magnesium from the top of our ranking. But if you prefer magnesium in the form of malate, you definitely can't go wrong with this product.
If you are sick of unflavoured supplements and want something fresh, try HiTec Magnesium Citrate. In addition to its great taste, it has very good bioavailable magnesium in the form of citrate. The presence of sweeteners, however, reflects negatively on the purity of the ingredients and unfortunately there are a few controversial substances that spoil the overall impression of the product.
Pros:
- Great taste and solubility
- Bioavailable form of magnesium
- Contains extra vitamin B6
Disadvantages:
- Controversial sweeteners and dyes
About the Manufacturer:
HiTec Nutrition has over 20 years of experience in manufacturing sports nutrition supplements. The company has been in the Czech market for over 20 years and has grown since then. The company's priority is to provide products of the highest possible quality, whileAccording to the manufacturer, the health of customers is always the first priority. That is why every product undergoes a very strict quality test, so that you always get a first-class dietary supplement into your hands. You may have already come across HiTec Nutrition products in our comparisons of the best smart drugs or vitamins D.
In one serving (10 grams) you will find:
- 500 mg magnesium citrate
- 80 mg of vitamin C
- 1.4 mg of vitamin B6
Citrate is a proven form of magnesium, so it's a safe bet. We must also appreciate the presence of vitamin B6, and vitamin C is certainly not offensive, but it does not play a role in terms of magnesium utilization. On the other hand, some of the other added substances deserve criticism. The sweetener acesulfame K is found in quite a lot of products and, although it is still quite controversial, it is not a disaster in small quantities. On the other hand, SY yellow is chemically derived from the proven carcinogen Sudan I, which also appears as an impurity in SY yellow. SY yellow is permitted in limited quantities throughout the EU, yet we would welcome an alternative.
Final assessment:
Even though some of the substances on the HiTec Magnesium Citrate ingredients list do not really concern usIt is ultimately a good source of well utilized magnesium. The great taste and easy solubility is also a definite advantage. But as we saw with the flavored version of Prom-in 100% Magnesium Bisglycinate, even a great-tasting supplement can do without unnecessary sweeteners and flavorings. But if you're looking for a quality citrate with a hilarious flavor, you've found your favorite.
How important is magnesium really?
Few vitamins or minerals have been written about as much as magnesium. I can't even count how many times we at MyFitnessio have covered this micronutrient. Magnesium is an absolutely crucial mineral for our bodies and plays an absolutely indispensable role in the human body. Most people immediately associate an increased incidence of cramps with a magnesium deficiency. Although this is undoubtedly a very unpleasant issue, it is far from the worst negative waste your body has to deal with if you're magnesium deficient. Magnesium in the human body contributes to the proper functioning of muscles and nerves, promotes strong bone structure, positively influencesIt is very important for maintaining mental well-being, muscle regeneration and for achieving good quality sleep.
Why is magnesium a deficiency mineral?
Given its importance, it is surprising how deficient this mineral is in the majority of the population. In fact, there are a large number of factors that contribute to the excretion of magnesium from the body. The most common is stress. High levels of stress lead to a bit of a vicious circle. Excessive stress negatively affects the amount of magnesium in the body, but a lack of magnesium in turn leads to a greater susceptibility to stress. Add to that poorer sleep quality, which is also closely related to magnesium deficiencyand you're bound to wake up every morning feeling even more stressed.
In our article on stress, we pay close attention to the fact that stress is not only psychological. Even excessive physical stress triggers a stress response in the human body. This is why magnesium is highly deficient especially in athletes. This population group, in particular, would need even more magnesium than the rest of the population, given the muscle regeneration and the higher demands on muscle function.
While we are on the subject of magnesium deficiency in the body, we must not forget another factor that contributes greatly to it. This is alcohol. It is probably no surprise that its consumption is not beneficial to healthbut in the context of magnesium, it is something to be particularly careful about. Based on the above, it is clear that magnesium supplementation should be a priority for athletes in particular.
What form of magnesium is best?
You've probably noticed a shelf of vitamins and minerals in your local supermarket, including magnesium, of course. These could have been classic capsules or, for example, effervescent tablets. As a rule, these products do not cost many crowns, so customers give them a chance from time to time. In the vast majority of cases, it is magnesium in the form of magnesium oxide. It is the cheapest option, but it is definitely not twice as effective. That is also why such products are not suitable for athletes as supplementation. So what form is suitable?
Magnesium bisglycinate
Magnesium in the form of bisglycinate is one of the most widespread and most widely used forms ever. It is bound to the amino acid glycine, which makes it highly bioavailable and easily digestible, so it does not cause digestive problems. It is recommended to be taken in the late hours as it helps to calm the body and induce great conditions for sleep.
Magnesium Citrate
Another very usable form of magnesium is citrate. Some studies suggest that this is the best-utilized form of magnesium ever. Unlike bisglycinate, citrate has mild energizing effects and is therefore more suitable for morning use. However, there is a rather unpleasant disadvantage associated with this form: It causes a laxative reaction in many people, which leads to the fact that it is often recommended to combine this form with bisglycinate, for example.
Magnesium malate
Magnesium malate is also a very popular form of gentian. This is mainly due to its excellent availability combined with very good digestibility. Magnesium in the form of malate does not cause a laxative reaction and is therefore often used as a replacement for citrate. It also has a mild energising effect.
All of the above forms are very good to use, which is why you can see them in our ranking. However, the choice of a particular form is up to you, as it is impossible to say without further ado which one is the absolute best. It mainly depends on whether you are looking for a soothing or rathere energizing effect, if you have a negative reaction to citrate and much more. On the other hand, you should avoid, for example, the aforementioned magnesium oxide, which has a low potency and can often cause a laxative reaction. You may also encounter magnesium sulphate (referred to as magnesium sulphate by foreign manufacturers) in some products. This form is also very inexpensive, but offers very low availability and, as an added bonus, a really unpleasant taste.
How to supplement magnesium from the normal diet?
Ideally, you should take in as much magnesium as possible in your normal diet. In this case, your need for supplementation will be reduced, however if you exercise regularly, it will most likely not disappear completely. It is still worth including magnesium-rich foods as much as possible in your diet. An example would be the banana, which is perhaps the most popular fruit among strength athletes in general. In addition to its high magnesium content (34 mg/100 g), it is also rich in potassium, phosphorus, iron, copper and vitamins C, D, E and B vitamins. Almonds are also a great source of magnesium and are perfect for some Porridge or can be enjoyed in the form of almond butter(Czech Virus Coconela or LifeLike Coconut Twister).
What substances to supplement with magnesium?
All the processes in our body are interconnected, so it is appropriate to consider the question of how magnesium supplementation affects other micronutrients in the body. Along with magnesium, zinc, the most deficient trace element in our body, is often mentioned. Both substances are often found in the form of bisglycinate (typically Prom-IN products), so it is advisable to take them at the same time. This is because, among other things, they are oppositional to most other substances. This is also why supplementing with multimineral supplements in which magnesium and zinc are found side by side along with all the other minerals kind of doesn't make sense. Magnesium should definitely not be taken at the same time as calcium, for example, which in excess causes an even greater magnesium deficiency. So if you are supplementing with other minerals in addition to magnesium, make sure that there is enough time between them.
Sources
- VRBOVÁ, Lucie. Magnesium in nutrition and education [online]. Ostrava, 2020 [cit. 2023-02-16]. Available from: https://theses.cz/id/g04fmy/. Bachelor thesis. University of Ostrava, Faculty of Science. Thesis supervisor RNDr. Michal Živný, Ph.D.
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