{"id":635321,"date":"2026-02-12T15:02:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T20:02:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=635321"},"modified":"2026-02-12T15:03:39","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T20:03:39","slug":"magnesium-glycinate-vs-citrate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/magnesium-glycinate-vs-citrate\/","title":{"rendered":"Which magnesium is right for you?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magnesium is an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">essential mineral<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found in many foods. Anyone searching for<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/magnesium-supplements\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium supplements<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to correct<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/low-magnesium-symptoms\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">low magnesium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-magnesium-for-sleep\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">improve sleep<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/home-remedies-for-constipation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> relieve <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">constipation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be confused by the variety of formulations: <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium glycinate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium citrate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and more. It&#8217;s a good idea to consult a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare provider<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about the best magnesium for your situation before taking over-the-counter generic <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium supplements<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In the case of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/low-magnesium-causes\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium deficiency<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, providers will likely prescribe a specific form and strength.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"why-magnesium-matters-to-your-body\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why magnesium matters to your body<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and plays a role in hundreds of biochemical reactions, including muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">energy production<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,&#8221; says Val Warner, RD, CSSD, CPT, a dietitian and founder of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wellnessbyval.com\/about\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wellness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by Val<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Albuquerque, New Mexico.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not everyone consumes enough<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/Magnesium-HealthProfessional\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is found in food, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dietary supplements<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and some medications. Over time, a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5637834\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium deficiency<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause symptoms such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle weakness or cramps<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart arrhythmia\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Numbness or tingling<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/low-magnesium-causes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magnesium deficiency<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> requires a medical diagnosis, but some individuals without low <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium levels<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> take <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium supplements<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for other reasons, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/counseling-patients-with-constipation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">constipation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> relief<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-sleep-better\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">better sleep<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"magnesium-citrate-the-gut-friendly-go-getter\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magnesium citrate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The gut-friendly go-getter\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/onelax-magnesium-citrate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magnesium citrate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">form of magnesium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> mixed with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">citric acid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. &#8220;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magnesium citrate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is most commonly used for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">constipation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,&#8221; says<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mainestreetmedical.com\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allison Buttarazzi, MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a double board-certified physician and co-owner of Maine Street Medical near Portland, Maine. She also says that it is one of the most commonly recommended forms for people with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium deficiency<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"absorption-and-bioavailability\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absorption and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bioavailability<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32162607\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggests that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium citrate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bioavailable<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">form of magnesium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. High<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/vitamin-absorption\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bioavailability<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> means the body can easily absorb the mineral from this form of supplementation.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What makes this <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium form<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> so <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bioavailable<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is also what makes it so great for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">constipation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Dr. Buttarazzi says <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium citrate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is only partially absorbed into the bloodstream, with the rest traveling to the intestines. In the intestines, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium citrate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> draws water into the stool, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/stool-softener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">softening it<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> so that it can move along more easily. Magnesium citrate typically promotes bowel movements <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/meds\/a619019.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">within 6 hours<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of taking it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"key-benefits\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key benefits<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The two key benefits of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium citrate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> supplementation are &#8220;bowel regularity&#8221; and &#8220;magnesium repletion,&#8221; Warner says.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC6024559\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Very limited research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggests that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium citrate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> could also help with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/migraine-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">migraine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> pain<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magnesium citrate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/laxative\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">laxative<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, according to The National Library of Medicine&#8217;s<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/meds\/a619019.html\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MedlinePlus<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High doses<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium citrate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are used to clean out the bowels <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/suprep-bowel-prep-kit\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">before a colonoscopy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Even in small doses, this <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium form<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> softens stool to relieve <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">constipation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, as the most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bioavailable<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">form of magnesium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium citrate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is commonly prescribed to people with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium deficiency<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"potential-drawbacks-and-considerations\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potential drawbacks and considerations<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People who are prone to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/diarrhea-causes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diarrhea<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or who have other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/ibs-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gastrointestinal<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> conditions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should consult a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare provider<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before starting <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium citrate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Because it has a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">laxative effect<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium citrate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/diarrhea-treatment-and-medications\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diarrhea<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It&#8217;s essential to drink enough water while taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium citrate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as diarrhea increases the risk of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dehydration-medication\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dehydration<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even over-the-counter supplements can interact with other medications, so it&#8217;s always a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional before starting <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium citrate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> supplementation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"magnesium-glycinate-the-gentle-high-absorption-champion\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magnesium glycinate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The gentle, high-absorption champion<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/compound\/Magnesium-Glycinate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magnesium glycinate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a magnesium salt <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chelated<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (bound) to the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amino acid glycine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Dr. Buttarazzi says it is best known as a gentler <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">form of magnesium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the digestive system. &#8220;It&#8217;s bound to glycine, an amino acid that has calming properties, which may make it especially supportive for the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nervous system<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,&#8221; Warner adds.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"heading-7\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absorption and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bioavailability<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;[<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magnesium glycinate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">] is generally well absorbed compared to inorganic forms such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium oxide<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, chloride, or carbonate,&#8221; Buttarazzi says. Even though absorption is high,<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">noticeable effects on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s12011-022-03162-1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sleep or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nervous system<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> regulation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can take weeks<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magnesium glycinate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is also absorbed in the intestines, but Warner says most people can enjoy the benefits of this <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium supplement<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> without <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/medications-that-cause-constipation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">digestive <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"heading-8\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key benefits<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magnesium glycinate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is beneficial for individuals with low magnesium who do not want the digestive effects of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium citrate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Other possible <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">benefits of magnesium glycinate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> supplementation include <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">muscle relaxation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, exercise recovery, and sleep support.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"heading-9\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potential drawbacks and considerations<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magnesium glycinate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is generally well-tolerated. Warner warns that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high doses<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gastrointestinal<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> issues, but the risk is much lower with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium glycinate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium citrate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Buttarazzi says cost can also be a drawback of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium glycinate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It tends to have a higher average retail price than other <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">forms of magnesium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. As an example, even with a free <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/magnesium-glycinate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SingleCare coupon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, 60, 100 milligram (mg) capsules of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium glycinate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> cost about $9 at Walgreens pharmacy in zip code 23666. By contrast,<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">60, 125-mg capsules of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/magnesium-citrate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium citrate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> cost about $7<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at the same pharmacy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><small><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Note:<\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription-discount-card\"> <i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SingleCare discounts<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can only be applied if your <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare provider<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> prescribes magnesium.)<\/span><\/i><\/small><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"side-by-side-citrate-vs-glycinate-at-a-glance\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side-by-side: Citrate vs. glycinate at a glance<\/span><\/h2>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\" role=\"table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"3\">\n<h2 id=\"compare-magnesium-glycinate-vs-citrate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compare <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium glycinate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> vs. citrate<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><b>Feature<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Magnesium citrate<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Magnesium glycinate<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Primary use<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Correcting low magnesium or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">constipation<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relaxation and sleep<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Absorption rate<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starts working 30 minutes to 6 hours after taking it\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s12011-022-03162-1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absorption is high, but noticeable effects may take weeks<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Digestive impact<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Softens stool; may cause diarrhea<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mild, if any, digestive <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Bioavailability<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12011-019-01663-0\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High, but dose-dependent<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Calming effect<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Cost with SingleCare<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/magnesium-citrate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$7 for 60, 125-mg capsules<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at Walgreens<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/magnesium-glycinate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$9 for 60, 100-mg capsules<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at Walgreens<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Ideal for<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Individuals with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium deficiency<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, sluggish digestion, or chronic <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">constipation<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Individuals with muscle tightness or sleep problems<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"which-magnesium-is-right-for-you\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which magnesium is right for you?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium supplement<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for you depends on your needs and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">health goals<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For example, stool-softening <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium citrate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> might be best for someone with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-long-does-constipation-last\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chronic <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">constipation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or irritable bowel syndrome with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">constipation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (IBS-C). On the flip side, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium glycinate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> might be the best choice for someone with mildly low <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium levels<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who is prone to diarrhea. For general health support, including better sleep and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/news\/how-to-improve-mental-health\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stress management<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Warner also recommends <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium glycinate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regardless of which<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/magnesium-supplements\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium supplement<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you prefer, keep these considerations in mind:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Start at a low dose.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Follow the \u201cstart low, go slow\u201d approach even with over-the-counter supplements. Starting with a low dose allows you to gauge how your body reacts to the new substance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stay consistent. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Results often take time, so try taking magnesium daily for a few weeks before judging whether you\u2019ve reaped any health benefits.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Listen to your body. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, if <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gastrointestinal<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> upset are severe or unrelenting, consider lowering your dose or discontinuing the medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Check in with your provider. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even generic over-the-counter supplements can interfere with some medications, so consult your provider before starting magnesium. \u201cThis is especially important for people with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kidney disease<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or those taking medications that can interact with magnesium,\u201d Dr. Buttarazzi says.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium supplementation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is not always necessary or beneficial. Too <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">much magnesium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of any kind can cause unpleasant <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gastrointestinal<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. And<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK554593\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium toxicity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or magnesium overdose, is rare but possible in individuals with chronic <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kidney disease<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"other-forms-of-magnesium-to-know\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">forms of magnesium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to know<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magnesium citrate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium glycinate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are two of the most common <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">forms of magnesium supplementation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Other forms include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Magnesium chloride.<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/magnesium-chloride\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">form of magnesium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is also available as a supplement<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/compound\/Magnesium-chloride\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for people with low <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> levels<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Some companies also produce magnesium chloride lotions for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">muscle soreness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 though<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S2095496415601959\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on the benefits is limited.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Magnesium L-threonate.<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9786204\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limited research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggests that this <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">form of magnesium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> might be beneficial for brain function.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Magnesium lactate. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">form of magnesium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is less common in supplement form\u2014but like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium glycinate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it is<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5837242\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">known to be gentle on the digestive system<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Magnesium oxide<\/b><b>. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This form of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/meds\/a601074.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be taken for the short-term relief of constipation, upset stomach, or heartburn.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Magnesium sulfate. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium citrate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/drugs-supplements\/magnesium-sulfate-oral-route-topical-application-route-route-not-applicable\/description\/drg-20088513\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium sulfate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be an effective <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">short-term<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> solution for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">constipation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is also used in Epsom salt for soaking sore muscles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Magnesium taurate. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">form of magnesium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is bound to the amino acid taurine instead of glycinate. Research suggests that this combination may help support<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6468751\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood sugar<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/22254206\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood pressure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> regulation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magnesium-rich foods<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are still important and shouldn\u2019t be overlooked,\u201d Warner says. \u201cThese include pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate [that is] 70% cocoa or higher, spinach, avocado, black beans, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">whole grains<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"always-consult-a-healthcare-provider\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always consult a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare provider<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Various forms of magnesium may be <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">recommended to people with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">occasional constipation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/leg-cramps-causes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">muscle cramps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, stress, or insomnia. Important considerations include whether you have an underlying health condition and whether a supplement could interact with your other medications.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is always a good idea to talk to a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare provider<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before adding a new supplement to your daily routine. A healthcare professional familiar with your medical history, conditions, and medications can offer personalized medical advice for your situation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><small><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2\/12\/26<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Prices vary by pharmacy.<\/span><\/i><\/small><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Magnesium is an essential mineral found in many foods. Anyone searching for magnesium supplements to correct low magnesium, improve sleep, or relieve constipation may be confused by the variety of formulations: magnesium glycinate, magnesium citrate, and more. It&#8217;s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider about the best magnesium for your situation before taking [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":137,"featured_media":635322,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[816],"coauthors":[20942],"class_list":["post-635321","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-sleep","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Magnesium glycinate vs. citrate: Which is the best?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Confused about magnesium citrate vs. glycinate? 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