A Guide to Magnesium Supplements: Types, Benefits, and How to Choose the Right One
When diet alone isn’t enough to meet needs, supplements can help fill the gap. But choosing one isn’t always straightforward, as magnesium doesn’t come in just one form. “The difference between magnesium supplements is in what compound the magnesium is chemically attached to, which impacts how it gets absorbed and used by your body,” explains Max Snider, RD, owner of Max Snider, RD in Sudbury, Ontario.
As a registered dietitian, I’ve seen firsthand how confusing the supplement aisle can feel. Labels highlight benefits, but rarely explain how magnesium forms differ or how to make an informed decision.
Some forms are better known for aiding digestion, while others are chosen for their ability to promote sleep or relaxation. This guide is designed to help you understand the different types of magnesium, what they do in the body, and why you might choose one over another.
To build this list, my dietitian colleagues and I reviewed ingredient quality, dosing transparency, third-party testing, and overall brand reputation. We also explain when certain magnesium forms may be useful and safety considerations to keep in mind.
When to Consult Your Doctor
Magnesium supplements are generally considered safe, but they aren’t appropriate for everyone. While dietary supplements are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they are not approved for safety, effectiveness, or labeling accuracy before being sold. Because quality can vary, choosing brands that undergo third-party testing for purity and potency is important.
If you’re unsure whether you need a supplement or if you have underlying health conditions or take medications, your doctor or a registered dietitian can help you make a safe choice.
Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium citrate can sometimes cause loose stools or gastrointestinal discomfort because it’s so effective. “This kind of magnesium has a laxative effect, so it’s not always the best option for sensitive stomachs,” notes Snider. For those who tolerate it well, however, it can be an affordable, accessible option.

NOW Foods Magnesium Citrate Powder
We like the simple formulation of Now Foods Magnesium Citrate with 450 milligrams of magnesium citrate in 1 teaspoon. Powdered options can be especially helpful for people who dislike swallowing pills or want more control over the amount they take.
This product stands out for its minimal ingredient list: only magnesium citrate, with no unnecessary fillers or additives. It’s also third-party tested, which means it’s been independently tested for purity and contaminants.

Solgar Magnesium Citrate Tablets
Lindsay-Adler likes Solgar Magnesium Citrate Tablets, an affordable option for those who prefer an easy-to-take capsule format. This product contains 400 milligrams in two tablets, with no fillers or artificial ingredients.
Solgar has a long-standing reputation for quality and uses extensive in-house quality control testing. The company reports that it analyzes all raw and finished materials using purity and quality standards set by United States Pharmacopeia (USP) guidelines.

Trace Minerals Magnesium Liquid
Trace Minerals Magnesium Liquid is a good option for people who prefer a liquid magnesium supplement over pills or powders. With 300 milligrams of magnesium (primarily as citrate) per serving, you can easily mix this into water or juice.
This liquid stands out for its straightforward ingredient list and third-party testing. Some people also prefer liquid for kids who need supplementation, since it can be easier to take.
Magnesium Glycinate

Klean Athlete Magnesium Glycinate
This formula is also non-GMO and vegan. Because magnesium plays a role in muscle function, relaxation, and recovery, this glycinate option can be a helpful addition for anyone who is active and needs a little more support.

Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate
Pure Encapsulations is a brand that nearly all our experts recommended or said they use themselves. All raw materials and finished supplements are third-party tested for heavy metals and contaminants. The vegan capsules and simple formula make it a good fit for people who prioritize transparent ingredients.

JSHealth Magnesium+ Powder
JSHealth won us over with its tasty raspberry lemonade flavor. Everyday Health writer and registered dietitian SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD, tested an entire container and found it tastes great mixed in plain water or other beverages (like orange juice and sparkling water).
Each two-scoop serving contains 400 milligrams of magnesium from a combination of magnesium citrate, magnesium amino acid chelate, and magnesium glycinate dihydrate. The inclusion of three different forms of magnesium also makes this product an excellent all-around magnesium supplement for people who aren’t necessarily looking for a specific benefit. JSHealth’s products are also third-party tested, and this magnesium supplement is vegan and non-GMO.

Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate
Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate is a powder I personally use and enjoy because it mixes easily and tastes good. Each scoop provides 200 milligrams of magnesium, and Thorne is known for its high-quality, rigorously tested supplements, which gives me extra confidence in the product.

Nature Made Magnesium Glycinate
Nature Made Magnesium Glycinate is a budget-friendly option that provides 200 milligrams per two-capsule serving. If you want a straightforward option without a higher price tag, this pick fits the bill.
This product is USP verified, meaning the U.S. Pharmacopeia (an independent, nonprofit scientific organization) has tested it to confirm that it contains the ingredients listed on the label and meets quality standards for purity and potency. It’s also easy to find at many retailers.
Magnesium L-Threonate

Life Extension Neuro-Mag Magnesium L-Threonate

Recess Mood Powder
Each stick pack provides around 210 milligrams of magnesium from 1,561 milligrams of Recess’s proprietary magnesium blend (containing magnesium L-threonate, magnesium glycinate, and magnesium citrate), so you get a combination of multiple types of magnesium. Recess products are also vegan and third-party tested.

Sports Research Magnesium-L-Threonate
Sports Research Magnesium L-Threonate is another Magtein-based magnesium supplement formulated for cognitive support. Each serving provides 2,000 milligrams of Magtein, delivering 144 mg of elemental magnesium.
Sports Research products are third-party tested, and the brand states that its supplements are manufactured in cGMP-controlled, certified facilities, which help support quality, purity, and consistency.
Other Types of Magnesium
There are several other magnesium forms you may encounter, though they aren’t used or recommended as often.

Nature Made Magnesium
Nature Made provides 400 milligrams of magnesium from magnesium oxide. It’s also gluten-free and contains no artificial flavors or preservatives. For a softgel that provides nearly 100 percent of your daily magnesium needs, the price point may work. Just keep in mind that this option is more likely to cause gastrointestinal symptoms.

Source Naturals Magnesium Malate
Source Naturals blends magnesium with malic acid to support energy and muscle function. It provides 425 milligrams of magnesium from magnesium malate trihydrate.
Van Adler recommends this option for its straightforward formulation and quality standards. Source Naturals products are third-party tested and free of common allergens, including yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, soy, and wheat. It also contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Jarrow Formulas Magnesium Taurate
What Are the Benefits of Magnesium?
“Magnesium is a vital mineral for human physiology because it participates in hundreds of biochemical reactions that keep cells functioning normally,” says Pallian. While magnesium supplements aren’t necessary for everyone, research suggests they may offer support for those who don’t get enough or need a higher therapeutic dose.
The list of magnesium benefits is long, but the following are some of the most common ways magnesium supports health:
- Sleep and Relaxation: Magnesium plays a role in regulating the nervous system, which helps explain its connection to sleep. “Higher intakes of magnesium are linked to better sleep quality and duration,” says Zenker.
- Muscle and Nerve Function: “Magnesium is also an essential electrolyte, helping support proper muscle and nerve function, making it important for active adults,” says Snider. Low magnesium levels may contribute to muscle cramps or weakness in some individuals.
- Digestive Health: “Some types of magnesium, like oxide and citrate, are used like a laxative to stimulate bowel movements,” says Zenker. Magnesium citrate, in particular, is often chosen for occasional constipation because it draws water into the intestines and tends to be more gentle than magnesium oxide.
- Mood: Magnesium may offer an additional tool to support anxiety and depression. “Clinical research shows supplementation can produce meaningful improvements in mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety symptoms, often within two weeks, and may enhance the effects of antidepressant medications,” says Pallian.
- Bone Health: “Magnesium plays an important role in bone structure and bone building,” says Zenker. Some studies suggest supplementation may help support bone density, especially for postmenopausal women.
- Blood Pressure: “Magnesium may also contribute to blood pressure regulation,” says Pallian. “Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials show supplementation leads to small but statistically significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.”
What Foods Are High in Magnesium?
Are Magnesium Supplements Safe for Everyone?
It’s also worth remembering that magnesium status isn’t always reflected in routine bloodwork. “About half of your magnesium is stored in bone, and most of the rest lives inside your cells — not floating in your bloodstream,” says Lindsay-Adler. “That’s why a normal blood magnesium level does not always mean your body has enough.”
What Form of Magnesium is Best?
There is no single “best” magnesium for everyone. “The choice depends on what you’re looking to address. The ‘best’ form is the one that aligns with your specific health needs,” says Stangland.
“For example, citrate is best supported for constipation, while glycinate is often preferred for general repletion, sleep, or stress support due to better tolerability,” says Corwin. “Claims that one form is universally superior are not supported by the evidence.”
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Caitlin Beale, MS, RDN
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Caitlin Beale, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian and freelance health writer with experience in clinical nutrition, education, research, and private practice. Caitlin’s special interests include women's health, gut health, autoimmunity, and reproductive health. Committed to the belief that health information should be accessible to all, she is passionate about empowering individuals to make positive changes for their well-being. Caitlin holds advanced training certificates in women's health and integrative and functional nutrition.
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