Mineral

Magnesium

Also known as: Mg, magnesium chloride, magnesium oxide, magnesium glycinate, elemental magnesium

Overview

Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including those regulating blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and cardiovascular function. Evidence suggests that magnesium supplementation may improve metabolic health, particularly in individuals with hypomagnesemia or metabolic syndrome. Supplementation has been shown to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, especially in those with baseline hypertension or low magnesium levels [4][8]. It may also improve metabolic parameters such as HDL-cholesterol in prediabetes [6] and enhance the metabolic profile in metabolically obese, normal-weight individuals [7]. However, not all benefits are consistent—some studies show no effect on insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes despite correcting serum magnesium [2]. Magnesium also supports vitamin D metabolism, and co-supplementation may enhance cardiometabolic outcomes [3]. Overall, benefits are most evident in magnesium-deficient populations.

Dosage Guide

Recommended Daily Allowance

For generally healthy individuals

Adult men (19-30 years)400 mg/day
Adult women (19-30 years)310 mg/day
Adult men (31+ years)420 mg/day
Adult women (31+ years)320 mg/day
Pregnant women350-360 mg/day
Breastfeeding women310-320 mg/day

Therapeutic Doses

For treatment of specific conditions

Deficiency (hypomagnesemia)300-400 mg/day elemental magnesiumContinue 3-6 months with monitoring of serum levels
Metabolic syndrome382 mg/dayAs magnesium chloride; shown to reduce MetS criteria
Prediabetes250-360 mg/dayImproves HDL and metabolic markers
Hypertension support300-410 mg/dayModest BP-lowering effect, especially if baseline deficiency

Upper Intake Limit

Maximum safe daily intake

350 mgApplies to supplemental magnesium only, not food sources

Special Forms

Alternative forms for specific needs

Magnesium glycinate

High bioavailability, well-tolerated; preferred for chronic supplementation and metabolic support

Magnesium chloride

Used in clinical trials for metabolic syndrome; good absorption

Magnesium oxide

Common but lower bioavailability; used in studies for prediabetes

Clinical Notes

  • Monitor serum magnesium in patients with renal impairment; avoid high-dose supplementation in severe kidney disease
  • High-dose magnesium may cause diarrhea, especially with oxide or citrate forms
  • Magnesium can interact with certain antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones) and bisphosphonates—separate dosing by 2-4 hours
  • Correction of magnesium status may support vitamin D activation and cardiovascular health
  • Benefits are most consistent in individuals with baseline deficiency or metabolic disturbances

Research

Key FindingsPubMed
1

382 mg/day of elemental magnesium for 16 weeks reduced prevalence of metabolic syndrome in hypomagnesemic individuals.

Oral Magnesium Supplementation and Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
Advances in chronic kidney disease2018
2

15 mmol/day (≈360 mg) of magnesium for 6 weeks did not improve insulin sensitivity in insulin-treated type 2 diabetes with low serum magnesium.

Oral magnesium supplementation does not affect insulin sensitivity in people with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes and a low serum magnesium: a randomised controlled trial.
Diabetologia2024
3

Combining magnesium (360 mg/day as glycinate) with vitamin D increased 25OHD levels and improved blood pressure compared to vitamin D alone.

The effect of combined magnesium and vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D status, systemic inflammation, and blood pressure: A randomized double-blinded controlled trial.
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)2022
4

Meta-analysis showed modest but significant reduction in blood pressure with magnesium supplementation (mean dose 410 mg/day).

Effect of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis.
European journal of clinical nutrition2012
5

Limited evidence for blood pressure reduction in hypertensive adults; effects more pronounced in magnesium-deficient individuals.

Magnesium supplementation for the management of essential hypertension in adults.
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews2006
6

250 mg/day of magnesium oxide for 12 weeks increased HDL-cholesterol in prediabetic individuals.

Effect of oral magnesium supplement on cardiometabolic markers in people with prediabetes: a double blind randomized controlled clinical trial.
Scientific reports2022
7

382 mg/day of magnesium chloride for 4 months improved metabolic parameters in metabolically obese, normal-weight individuals with hypomagnesemia.

Oral magnesium supplementation improves the metabolic profile of metabolically obese, normal-weight individuals: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
Archives of medical research2014
8

400 mg/day of magnesium for 12 weeks improved blood pressure and metabolic profile in metabolic syndrome patients.

Positive effects of magnesium supplementation in metabolic syndrome.
International journal of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics2024

Products Containing Magnesium(7 reports)

Magnesium Glycinate
Magnesium Glycinate
NOW Foods
A-
You get: 200 mgGoal: 300-400mg

Magnesium Glycinate by NOW Foods provides 200 mg of elemental magnesium per serving in the highly bioavailable glycinate form. This product is formulated to support optimal magnesium status, which plays a critical role in cardiovascular health, glucose metabolism, and blood pressure regulation, particularly in individuals with suboptimal intake or metabolic concerns.

Calcium Magnesium Zinc + D3
Calcium Magnesium Zinc + D3
21st Century
B-
You get: 400 mgGoal: 300-400 mg

This supplement combines calcium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D3—nutrients essential for bone health, metabolic function, and immune support. The formulation delivers clinically relevant doses of vitamin D3 and magnesium, while calcium is provided at the daily recommended level, though evidence for fracture prevention is limited.

MAGNESIUM L-THREONATE L-THEANINE APIGENIN
MAGNESIUM L-THREONATE L-THEANINE APIGENIN
WELBUDA
B+
You get: 150 mgGoal: 300-410 mg

This supplement combines magnesium L-threonate, L-theanine, and apigenin to support cognitive function, relaxation, and metabolic health. The primary ingredients—magnesium and L-theanine—are dosed within clinically studied ranges and are associated with improved brain health, reduced anxiety, and enhanced sleep quality. Apigenin is included at a modest dose, potentially contributing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, though human evidence remains limited.

Calcium & Magnesium with Zinc
Calcium & Magnesium with Zinc
Nature Made
C+
You get: 250 mgGoal: 300-410 mg

This supplement combines calcium and magnesium as primary minerals to support bone and cardiovascular health, with zinc as a supporting nutrient for immune function. The calcium and magnesium doses are within clinically studied ranges, though calcium intake should be considered in the context of total dietary and supplemental sources due to potential cardiovascular risks.

Magnesium
Magnesium
Nature Made
B
You get: 425 mgGoal: 300-410 mg

This Nature Made Magnesium supplement provides 425 mg of elemental magnesium per serving, a dose shown in clinical studies to support metabolic health and blood pressure regulation, particularly in individuals with hypomagnesemia or metabolic syndrome. The product focuses on delivering a high-dose, bioavailable form of magnesium to address common deficiencies and support cardiometabolic function.

Magnesium + Ashwagandha
Magnesium + Ashwagandha
NEW CHAPTER
C
You get: 325 mgGoal: 300-410 mg

This supplement combines magnesium and organic Ashwagandha, with magnesium as the primary active ingredient. The dose of magnesium (325 mg) falls within the clinically effective range for supporting metabolic health, blood pressure regulation, and correcting deficiency. Ashwagandha is included at an unspecified dose, limiting assessment of its contribution to stress and anxiety support.

PRIME TEST PRO TESTOSTERONE BOOSTER
PRIME TEST PRO TESTOSTERONE BOOSTER
PRIME LABS
B
You get: 100 mgGoal: 300-410 mg

PRIME TEST PRO TESTOSTERONE BOOSTER is a dietary supplement formulated to support healthy testosterone levels, primarily through clinically relevant doses of Ashwagandha and Fenugreek, two botanicals with emerging evidence for endocrine modulation. The inclusion of supportive nutrients like Vitamin D3, Zinc, and Magnesium—key players in hormonal and metabolic health—further aligns the formula with evidence-based strategies for optimizing male vitality.