MAGNESIUM
Glycinate vs Citrate
Forms, label differences and what to compare before choosing.
Compare →Magnesium
How to Compare Magnesium Supplements
A five-step checklist: elemental amount, form, blends, other ingredients and cost per 100 mg.
The short answer
Compare magnesium products on five things: elemental magnesium per serving, form(s) in parentheses, whether it’s a blend, other ingredients, and cost per 100 mg elemental magnesium. Keep the 350 mg/day adult upper limit for supplemental magnesium in mind.
Key takeaways
- Use the elemental amount from the Supplement Facts panel.
- Two forms in parentheses = a blend.
- Normalize price to 100 mg elemental magnesium.
1. Find elemental magnesium per serving
The number next to “Magnesium” on the Supplement Facts panel is elemental magnesium. Ignore compound weights like “magnesium glycinate 1,000 mg” on the front.
2. Identify the form
Glycinate, citrate, oxide, malate, chloride and L-threonate differ in elemental percentage, solubility, digestive effects and research depth. See magnesium forms.
3. Check for blends
“(as magnesium bisglycinate, magnesium oxide)” means a blend; the split usually isn’t disclosed. Blends aren’t bad, but they aren’t the same as single-form products. See an example.
4. Read other ingredients
Capsule material, fillers, sweeteners and flavors — especially in powders and gummies.
5. Calculate cost per 100 mg
(Price ÷ servings) ÷ mg elemental per serving × 100. SuppScout does this automatically on each product page.
Mind the upper limit
The adult Tolerable Upper Intake Level for supplemental magnesium is 350 mg/day. Some products exceed this per serving. Discuss higher amounts with a clinician, especially if you have kidney problems or take interacting medications.
Sources & references
- Magnesium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ods.od.nih.govGovernment
- 21 CFR 101.36 — Nutrition labeling of dietary supplements. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. ecfr.govRegulatory
SuppScout links to primary and authoritative sources wherever possible. See our editorial policy for how sources are selected and how corrections are handled.
This page is educational and is not medical advice. Talk to a healthcare professional before starting a supplement, especially if you have a medical condition, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.