Most people get the vitamins and nutrients they need from a healthy, balanced diet. However, a deficiency can occur if you’re lacking a specific vitamin or mineral. This is often the case with magnesium — a crucial mineral that helps the body regulate blood sugar and pressure, supports muscle and nerve function and aids in bone, DNA and protein production. If you have a magnesium deficiency, you may experience fatigue, weakness, nausea and vomiting.
For those with a magnesium deficiency, your doctor may recommend magnesium supplements. If you and your doctor decide this is the right path forward, this is what you should know about magnesium and its supplements.
What is magnesium and what types are there?
Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in the human body — it plays a vital role in various bodily processes such as muscle movements and brain function. Studies reveal magnesium may improve depression symptoms, sleep, heart health and blood sugar levels.
There are many types of magnesium, which include magnesium aspartate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium chloride, magnesium citrate, magnesium gluconate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium lactate, magnesium oxide and magnesium phosphate. The form of magnesium is determined by what it is bound with (for example, magnesium citrate is magnesium bound with citric acid), and some forms are more easily absorbed by the body than others.
Magnesium is found naturally in foods such as:
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Greens
- Soy milk
- Beans
- Whole grains
If your diet lacks many of these foods, you may need added magnesium. If you already take a multivitamin with magnesium, you don’t need a supplement. Consult your doctor before adding magnesium supplements to your diet.
We reviewed a number of magnesium supplements, along with their prices, brands, ingredients and consumer reviews. Here are our picks for the best magnesium supplements.
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Dosage: 2 softgels, daily with a meal
Form of magnesium: Magnesium citrate
Nature Made is a reliable brand that often makes our lists. Not only are its vitamins affordable, but Nature Made products are United States Pharmacopeia Verified. Its magnesium supplements are also gluten-free and don’t contain any dyes, synthetic colors or flavors. Each dosage of two softgels contains 250 milligrams of magnesium in the form of magnesium citrate, about 60% of recommended daily value. In addition to magnesium, the softgels also contain medium chain triglycerides, gelatin, rapeseed, glycerin, water and yellow beeswax.
Pros
Cons
- Only a 60-day supply in one bottle, less than the other brands on this list
- Larger pills may be difficult to swallow
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Dosage: 1 tablet, daily with a meal
Form of magnesium: Magnesium oxide
Nature’s Bounty is another well-known and accessible brand. Sold in Target, Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS, Nature’s Bounty has been producing quality vitamins for over 50 years. Its products, including its magnesium supplement, contain no artificial color, flavor, sweeteners, sugar, starch, soy, gluten, wheat, yeast or fish. The supplements contain 500 mg of magnesium oxide, which is about 119% of the daily recommended value. They also contain vegetable cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, citric acid, medium chain triglycerides, polydextrose and vegetable magnesium stearate.
Pros
- One bottle contains 200 tablets
- Suitable for vegetarians
Cons
- Magnesium oxide is harder for the body to absorb
- Dosage is slightly above the recommended daily value