Introduction
You want to give your body the best care possible, including ensuring it gets enough minerals for optimal health and wellness. Magnesium is one of those minerals, but not all magnesium is equal. This leaves you with an important question: magnesium oxide vs magnesium glycinate: which one should you choose?
Don’t worry; we’re here to help! At Epsilon Life, we offer high-quality food supplements and education to help you decide what to put in your body.
In this article, we’ll be discussing two different types of magnesium: magnesium oxide and magnesium glycinate. We’ll talk about their differences, their benefits, and ultimately which is right for you. So read on—and let’s prepare for the Magnesium oxide versus glycinate showdown.
What Is Magnesium and Its Benefits
You’ve probably heard about magnesium—the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body. It plays a key role in hundreds of metabolic and biochemical responses in your body, including muscle and nerve function, energy production, and nutrient absorption. Plus, research shows it helps people over age 40 by improving their sleep, reducing fatigue and supporting the health of their heart, bones, digestion and more.
So now that you know what magnesium is and why it’s important, let’s look at two types – magnesium oxide versus magnesium glycine. Both are forms of this essential mineral, but they have distinct differences that can greatly impact how your body absorbs them.
What Are Magnesium Oxide and Glycinate
Magnesium oxide and glycinate have different names, but you’ll find these two competing against each other in a showdown. So what exactly are they?
Magnesium oxide is a form of magnesium that is bound to oxygen. It’s often used in supplements because it’s cheap and has a high level of elemental magnesium. Magnesium oxide is often touted for its ability to relieve constipation and acid reflux.
However, one downside of magnesium oxide is that it has a low bioavailability. This means that only a small amount of magnesium is absorbed by the body. In fact, studies have shown that only about 4% of magnesium oxide is absorbed by the body, while the rest is excreted. The other major downside of magnesium oxide is that it can often cause digestive issues such as diarrhoea, especially if taken in high doses.
Magnesium glycinate (also known as magnesium bisglycinate) is a form of magnesium that’s bound to the amino acid glycine. It’s known for its high bioavailability, meaning it’s easily absorbed by the body. This is because glycine helps to transport magnesium across the intestinal lining and into the bloodstream, making it an excellent choice for people who struggle with magnesium deficiency or have trouble absorbing other forms of magnesium.
Unlike magnesium oxide, this type is less likely to cause upset stomachs or diarrhoea due to its gentle delivery system. While not quite as efficient at delivering elemental magnesium as its opponent, Magnesium Glycinate is considered a premium dietary supplement for those looking for a maximum absorption rate.
When Is It Better to Take Magnesium Oxide or Glycinate?
When it comes to deciding if magnesium oxide or glycinate is better for you, it depends on your body’s needs. Magnesium oxide is the most common supplement and is ideal if you want to increase your magnesium levels in a short time quickly. It has the highest concentration of elemental magnesium and is usually the least expensive. However, it’s also the harshest form of magnesium to your gut, and its absorption rate is very low.
Magnesium glycinate, on the other hand, offers a gentler way to boost magnesium levels over time as it takes longer to absorb but also gives more sustained benefits over time. It is designed for people who need more than just a quick release of energy for their bodies. For those with digestive sensitivity issues (like bloating, gas and constipation), glycinate may be the better option since it has been linked to improved bowel functions.
The Difference in Price of Magnesium Oxide and Magnesium Glycinate
In terms of price, magnesium oxide is generally less expensive than magnesium glycinate due to its manufacturing process and concentration of magnesium. However, it’s essential to consider the differences in absorption rates and potential digestive issues when deciding which form of magnesium to take.
Our Recommendation: How to Supplement With Magnesium Effectively
If you decide to supplement with magnesium, we recommend investing in the best possible product you can find, which means one with a high level of absorption and one that will not cause any negative side effects. This is where magnesium glycinate comes in.
Unlike magnesium oxide, magnesium glycinate has a much higher absorption rate – which means it’s absorbed quickly and efficiently into your system. Plus, because it uses a natural form of chelated minerals, it has fewer side effects than other forms, such as magnesium oxide.
While both magnesium oxide and magnesium glycinate have their benefits, magnesium glycinate is generally considered to be the superior form of magnesium supplement. Not only does it have a higher bioavailability, but it also has additional benefits for those who struggle with anxiety or sleep.
At our company, we used to sell magnesium oxide in the early 2010s but have later pivoted to magnesium glycinate. Our customers are very happy with the switch. We keep improving the formula, and the latest version is entirely free from artificial fillers and lesser forms of magnesium. It is important to note that there are some gimmicky titles in the market, like magnesium glycinate complex, which means that the good stuff (magnesium glycinate) is mixed with magnesium oxide or carbonate.
It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking medication.
Here are some of the benefits that make Epsilon Life Magnesium Glycinate a great choice:
- Chelated minerals are naturally absorbed by your body with no added excipients or fillers
- It only contains the purest form of magnesium glycinate, which is highly absorbable and gentle on the stomach
- Vegan Certified – made in the UK to GMP standards
- It contains no artificial fillers or lesser forms of magnesium – just pure magnesium glycinate
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that though magnesium oxide and glycinate are both types of magnesium supplements, they are not necessarily very similar. Magnesium oxide is known for its low price and widespread use. In contrast, magnesium glycinate is considered the easiest to absorb without a laxative effect associated with many other forms of magnesium, such as mg oxide or citrate.
In our opinion, magnesium glycinate is a far better option if you’re looking for a magnesium supplement that’s easily absorbed by the body.
However, it’s important to note that the absorption rate can also be affected by other factors, such as individual differences in digestion and overall health, as well as the dosage and form of the supplement.
It’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional or a qualified pharmacist to determine the most appropriate form of magnesium for your specific needs.
Epsilon Life is here to help you make the best choice for you and your health, so don’t hesitate to reach out and ask us any questions you may have.
