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Preventing Digestive Issues: Overview on Types of Magnesium

by Samit Patel on January 18, 2022

Many people take magnesium supplements, hoping it would improve their sleep or reduce tension from muscular cramps. However, many discontinue this self-treatment because it makes them feel nauseated or diarrhoeic.

While these adverse effects have given supplementary magnesium a poor reputation, it doesn't have to! In reality, these symptoms are caused by magnesium in your supplement. Thankfully, side effects can be avoided by switching the type of magnesium you take.

Let's take a deeper look at the various magnesium supplements available so you can be sure you're getting the most value for your money.

 

1. Magnesium Bisglycinate

Magnesium Bisglycinate is considered by many to be the best form of magnesium, as it is one of the most well-tolerated of all forms and to be easier to absorb.

Studies have suggested that it is also one of the most effective forms of magnesium to take. Experts say there is an increase in average serum magnesium levels of 2.46 per cent in just 45 days of use.

Bisglycinate is chelated magnesium bonding to another material to make absorption simpler. In this case, it is bound together with the amino acid glycine. This means that the mineral is delivered to the body already broken down, so it's easily absorbable.

 

2. Magnesium Oxide

The usual form of magnesium found in supplements is magnesium oxide. It is cheap and often used in low-quality or bulk-produced supplements. It is an inorganic form of magnesium, and it is often found in multivitamins.

The reason why it is cheap is that it is highly absorbable, despite being poorly soluble. It goes straight into your bloodstream and can be felt quickly, which is short-lived because of its poor solubility. This can lead to diarrhoea as the body tries to push excess magnesium out through your stool.

 

3. Magnesium Oxide with Malic Acid

This form of magnesium is magnesium oxide with the addition of the organic compound malic acid—a naturally occurring substance found in apples and is thought to have some antioxidant properties. 

Due to its organic content, this form of magnesium is slightly more expensive than magnesium oxide. However, the price increase is worth it to get a more whole-food approach to your magnesium supplement.

 

4. Magnesium Citrate

A magnesium citrate supplement is simply a combination of magnesium and citric acid. It's thought that the citric acid causes the magnesium to be absorbed at a higher rate, which often results in loose stools.

 

5. Magnesium Chloride

This goes straight into circulation, so the excess can be expelled through the stool, leading to loose waste.

 

6. Magnesium Glycinate

This form of magnesium is often the second-best form of magnesium. Many people find it is more tolerable than magnesium oxide. The difference between this form and magnesium bisglycinate is that it is bound to the amino acid glycine instead of the amino acid glycine.

 

7. Magnesium Acetate

This form is thought to have laxative effects and is a less effective form than other forms of magnesium.

 

8. Magnesium Sulfate

This is also a soluble form of magnesium that may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhoea.

 

9. Magnesium Gluconate

Magnesium gluconate treats low magnesium levels. GIT issues, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, renal illness, and other ailments induce low magnesium levels. Many people find that this form of magnesium causes gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhoea.

 

Which Is Best for You?

Generally, the best form of magnesium to use is magnesium bisglycinate or magnesium glycinate.

Magnesium glycinate can be purchased from most health food stores and online and is often included in magnesium supplements. Magnesium bisglycinate is also a great form of magnesium and is readily available from most health food stores and online.

 

Conclusion

It is simple to see why so many people are reaching for magnesium supplements these days. A high-quality magnesium supplement like magnesium bisglycinate is ideal, but switching the type of magnesium may assist if you have a laxative or diarrhoeal effects.

At Unichem Greenhithe Pharmacy, we provide the best medicine management services ni New Zealand. Our pharmacists have training from the Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental medicine to assure you our expertise in your healthcare needs. Your doctor just needs to fax it to us on 09 413 9325, and we can dispense your prescription the same day for FREE. Call us today!

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