Magnesium Glycinate from NOW Foods delivers 200 mg of elemental magnesium per capsule in the bisglycinate form—a chelated compound known for superior absorption and gastrointestinal tolerance. Magnesium is a foundational mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including those regulating blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, and neuromuscular function. Despite its importance, dietary intake often falls short, especially in individuals with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, or gastrointestinal disorders that impair absorption.
This supplement uses magnesium glycinate, a form preferred for its high bioavailability and reduced likelihood of causing laxative effects compared to oxide or citrate forms. Clinical evidence supports the use of magnesium supplementation—particularly in doses between 300–400 mg daily—for improving cardiometabolic markers such as systolic and diastolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, and insulin resistance. While this product provides a moderate dose per serving, it aligns well with incremental dosing strategies to reach therapeutic ranges safely and effectively.
Quick Summary
Full transparency: the exact amount of elemental magnesium is clearly listed, and there are no proprietary blends or hidden ingredients.
The primary ingredient—magnesium—is provided at 200 mg per serving, which is 67% of the clinical midpoint (350 mg). With suggested intake of 2 servings daily, it reaches an effective range supported by research for improving metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes.
Magnesium glycinate is among the most bioavailable forms of magnesium, with studies showing superior absorption and retention compared to oxide and other inorganic salts.
Generally safe for healthy adults; however, potential interactions with antibiotics and bisphosphonates require attention. NOW Foods adheres to GMP standards, ensuring purity and quality control.
Suggested: 2 servings/day to reach clinical midpoint
Why Take This Product
Key Benefits
- Enhances HDL Cholesterol Levels: A 12-week trial found that 250 mg of magnesium oxide daily increased HDL-cholesterol in prediabetic individuals, suggesting potential cardiovascular protection [3].
- Promotes Better Vitamin D Utilization: Combining magnesium with vitamin D improves vitamin D status and leads to greater reductions in blood pressure than vitamin D alone in overweight and obese populations [4].
- High Bioavailability with Low GI Distress: Magnesium glycinate is one of the most absorbable forms of magnesium and is less likely to cause diarrhea compared to oxide or chloride forms, enhancing compliance and effectiveness.
Who Should Take This
Potential Side Effects
Ingredient Breakdown
The formulation centers on magnesium glycinate, a chelated form of magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine, which enhances intestinal absorption and promotes calming neurological effects. No additional supporting ingredients are present in this product, focusing solely on delivering a clean, high-quality source of elemental magnesium.
Primary Ingredients
Magnesium
Essential mineral cofactor for enzymatic reactions, nerve function, muscle relaxation, and cardiovascular regulation
Derived from magnesium glycinate, a chelated form that protects magnesium during digestion and facilitates efficient uptake in the small intestine. This form is associated with fewer laxative effects and improved retention compared to oxide or sulfate forms.
Provides elemental magnesium in the bisglycinate form, known for high absorption and gastrointestinal tolerance. Supports metabolic health, blood pressure control, and overall cellular function.
Practical Recommendations
- Optimize Timing And Pairing: Take magnesium glycinate with meals to enhance absorption and minimize any mild stomach discomfort. Consider pairing it with vitamin D for synergistic benefits on metabolic and cardiovascular health.
- Monitor For Medication Interactions: Avoid taking this supplement simultaneously with tetracycline antibiotics or bisphosphonates; separate doses by at least 2 hours to prevent interference with drug absorption.
- Consider Renal Health Status: Individuals with chronic kidney disease should consult a healthcare provider before use, as impaired excretion increases the risk of magnesium accumulation.
Is it Safe?
NOW Foods is a reputable brand with third-party testing and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification, contributing to product safety and quality assurance. Magnesium supplements are safe for most healthy adults when taken within recommended limits, though caution is advised for those with renal impairment or on interacting medications.
Safety & Considerations
- Medication Interaction: May reduce absorption of tetracycline antibiotics and bisphosphonates; administer at least 2 hours apart.
- Renal Impairment: Contraindicated in severe renal dysfunction due to risk of hypermagnesemia.
Reports for Similar Products
The Science
Efficacy hinges on achieving adequate daily intake of elemental magnesium through supplementation and diet. While clinical trials typically use 300–400 mg/day, this product provides 200 mg per serving, allowing flexible dosing to meet target levels. The use of the glycinate form adds a bioavailability advantage, increasing its functional impact even at moderate doses.
Magnesium supplementation (382 mg/day) reduced metabolic syndrome prevalence in hypomagnesemic individuals over 16 weeks.
Meta-analysis showing significant blood pressure reduction with magnesium supplementation, especially at higher doses and longer durations.
250 mg magnesium oxide daily for 12 weeks increased HDL-cholesterol in prediabetic patients.
Combination of magnesium and vitamin D improved vitamin D status and lowered blood pressure more than vitamin D alone in obese individuals.
400 mg magnesium daily for 12 weeks improved blood pressure and metabolic parameters in metabolic syndrome patients.
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