MAGNESIUM
Glycinate vs Citrate
Forms, label differences and what to compare before choosing.
Compare →Magnesium form
Magnesium Glycinate
In short
Magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine, usually sold as “magnesium bisglycinate chelate”. It’s often chosen by people who want a form less likely to cause loose stools, though direct comparative research is limited.
At a glance
- Compound
General reference - Magnesium bisglycinate (magnesium + 2 glycine)
- Approx. elemental magnesium
SuppScout calculation - ~14% by weight
- Typical formats
General reference - Capsules, tablets, powders
- Digestive tolerance
Published research - Commonly marketed as gentle; limited head-to-head data
- Label watch-out
From product label - “Buffered” blends that include magnesium oxide
SuppScout calculation About 14% elemental magnesium by weight (magnesium bisglycinate, anhydrous). Buffered products blended with oxide will be higher.
About magnesium glycinate
What it is
Magnesium glycinate is a chelate: magnesium bonded to glycine molecules. Because glycine is fairly heavy relative to magnesium, glycinate carries a lower percentage of elemental magnesium than oxide, so products often need two to four capsules to reach 200 mg.
What the research says
Most human research on magnesium absorption compares organic salts like citrate with oxide. Studies directly measuring glycinate against citrate in healthy adults are limited, so claims that glycinate is “the most absorbable” form go beyond the published evidence. The NIH notes that forms which dissolve well in liquid are generally absorbed better than less soluble forms.
How to read a glycinate label
- Check the amount in the Supplement Facts panel — it should be elemental magnesium.
- Look at the parentheses: “(as magnesium bisglycinate chelate)” alone is pure glycinate; “(as magnesium bisglycinate, magnesium oxide)” is a buffered blend.
- Compare cost per 100 mg elemental magnesium, not cost per capsule.
Compare Glycinate
MAGNESIUM
Glycinate vs Oxide
Elemental content, solubility and cost per 100 mg.
Compare →Magnesium Glycinate products
Cost comparison
| Product | Format | Per serving | Servings | Price | Cost / serving | Cost per 100 mg elemental magnesium | Other ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harbor & Pine Magnesium Glycinate (Buffered) 240 mg Harbor & Pine · demo |
Capsules 2 capsules |
240 mg elemental magnesium | 90 | $19.49* | $0.22 | $0.09 | 2 |
| Plainlabel Magnesium Glycinate Plainlabel Nutrition · demo |
Capsules 2 capsules |
200 mg elemental magnesium | 120 | $29.99* | $0.25 | $0.12 | 1 |
| Northfield Labs Magnesium Glycinate 200 mg Northfield Labs · demo |
Capsules 2 capsules |
200 mg elemental magnesium | 60 | $24.99* | $0.42 | $0.21 | 3 |
SuppScout calculation Sorted by cost per 100 mg elemental magnesium. * Demonstration prices from fictional listings, used to show the calculation — not current market prices.
Products
Harbor & Pine Magnesium Glycinate (Buffered) 240 mg
Harbor & Pine · Demo
- Primary ingredient
- Magnesium Glycinate
- Per serving
- 240 mg elemental magnesium
- Servings
- 90
- Format
- Capsules
- Price
- $19.49*
- Per serving cost
- $0.22
Not verified
Northfield Labs Magnesium Glycinate 200 mg
Northfield Labs · Demo
- Primary ingredient
- Magnesium Glycinate
- Per serving
- 200 mg elemental magnesium
- Servings
- 60
- Format
- Capsules
- Price
- $24.99*
- Per serving cost
- $0.42
Manufacturer claim only
Plainlabel Magnesium Glycinate
Plainlabel Nutrition · Demo
- Primary ingredient
- Magnesium Glycinate
- Per serving
- 200 mg elemental magnesium
- Servings
- 120
- Format
- Capsules
- Price
- $29.99*
- Per serving cost
- $0.25
Not verified
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Other magnesium forms
Frequently asked questions
Is magnesium glycinate the same as bisglycinate?
In practice, yes. “Bisglycinate” specifies two glycine molecules per magnesium; most products labeled “glycinate” are bisglycinate chelates.
Why do glycinate capsules have less magnesium?
Glycine adds weight. At roughly 14% elemental magnesium, a 1,000 mg portion of magnesium bisglycinate provides only about 140 mg of magnesium.
Sources & references
- Magnesium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ods.od.nih.govGovernment
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.