Magnesium glycinate

This is a general magnesium reference for a page labelled magnesium glycinate. It does not diagnose magnesium deficiency, recommend a supplement, or determine what is appropriate for an individual.

Magnesium is a mineral present in food, dietary supplements and some medicines. It contributes to normal processes including muscle and nerve function, energy production and normal heart rhythm.

Sources: National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements

Magnesium glycinate is one form of magnesium supplement. This page describes general magnesium evidence and safety context; it does not claim that this form treats a condition or is right for a particular outcome.

For healthy adults, the magnesium intake reference values used by NIH range from 310 to 420 mg per day by age, sex and life stage. These are nutrient-reference values, not a personalised supplement prescription. Food sources include legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains and leafy green vegetables.

Sources: National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements

A Supplement Facts panel reports elemental magnesium rather than the weight of the full magnesium-containing compound. Magnesium absorption can vary across forms. This pilot does not treat magnesium glycinate as uniquely absorbed or superior for a health outcome.

Sources: National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements

This page does not claim that magnesium glycinate treats sleep problems, stress, muscle symptoms, blood-pressure conditions, migraine or another condition. Any condition-specific statement needs its own outcome-specific evidence review and qualified clinical review.

NIH lists a tolerable upper intake level of 350 mg a day for magnesium from dietary supplements and medicines for adults. This limit does not include magnesium naturally present in food and beverages. Higher supplemental or medicinal intake can cause diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal cramping; very high intake can be toxic.

Sources: National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements

Risk of magnesium toxicity increases with impaired kidney function. Magnesium can interact with oral bisphosphonates, tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics; diuretics and proton-pump inhibitors can affect magnesium status. People using these medicines, living with kidney disease, pregnant, or managing a medical concern should seek advice from an appropriate health professional before changing supplement use.

Sources: National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements