Also known as: Mg
Magnesium is involved in over 600 enzymatic reactions in the body. It supports muscle and nerve function, energy production, blood sugar control, and sleep quality. An estimated 50% of the population is deficient.
Best taken in the evening for sleep benefits. Split doses if taking >200 mg. Glycinate and threonate forms are well-tolerated any time.
Organic forms (glycinate, citrate, malate) are much better absorbed than oxide. Take away from high-dose calcium, zinc, and iron.
Daily
30–60 min before bed
Daily
Daily
Oxide or citrate forms studied
Magnesium is required to convert Vitamin D into its active form. Take together.
B6 enhances cellular magnesium uptake. Often combined in supplements.
Work together for immune function, but compete for absorption at very high doses. Take at different times if >50mg zinc.
High-dose calcium can compete with magnesium absorption. Maintain 2:1 Ca:Mg ratio or separate by 2 hours.
Magnesium can reduce iron absorption. Separate by 2 hours.
Abbasi B, Kimiagar M, et al. - Journal of Research in Medical Sciences (2012)
500 mg magnesium daily for 8 weeks significantly improved insomnia severity, sleep time, sleep efficiency, and melatonin levels.
Tarleton EK, Littenberg B. - Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine (2015)
Very low magnesium intake is significantly associated with depression, especially in younger adults.
Peikert A, Wilimzig C, Köhne-Volland R. - Cephalalgia (1996)
600 mg trimagnesium dicitrate reduced migraine frequency by 41.6% compared to 15.8% with placebo.