9 of the best magnesium supplements Medical News Today Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe 9 of the best magnesium supplements For sleep anxiety weight loss and moreMedically reviewed by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD, Nutrition — By Danielle Dresden on June 23, 2022We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Magnesium is a mineral that is vital for human health and is available in many foods. People who need magnesium supplementation can purchase supplements online and in stores. Share on Pinterest A quick look at 9 of the best magnesium supplements Best overall Life Extension Neuro-Mag Magnesium L-ThreonateBest for an affordable supplement Nature Made Magnesium Oxide SupplementBest for a coated tablet Nature s Bounty MagnesiumBest for vegans Nested Naturals MagnesiumBest for allergies Pure Encapsulations Magnesium GlycinateBest for organic ingredients Naturelo Organic Magnesium GlycinateBest for added zinc Live Conscious Magwell MagnesiumBest for sensitive stomachs Klaire Labs Magnesium Glycinate ComplexBest for muscle function Rainbow Light Magnesium Calcium Research suggests that as many as two-thirds of people living in Western countries do not consume adequate amounts of magnesium. Magnesium deficiency can lead to symptoms such as arrhythmia, depression, and tremors. This article discusses what magnesium is, the benefits of this mineral, and where to buy magnesium supplements online. What is magnesium Magnesium is vital for many important bodily functions, such as:protein synthesissupporting muscles and nervesregulating blood sugar It is widely available in many different kinds of food, such as leafy greens and whole grains. Manufacturers may add the mineral to fortified foods such as cereals. People should always aim to consume enough magnesium through food, as food also contains a variety of other nutrients essential to health, including vitamins, protein, and other minerals. However, many people do not eat enough magnesium-rich foods and may benefit from taking a supplement. Learn more about which foods are high in magnesium here. Benefits of magnesium Benefits of magnesium include:helping maintain blood pressurereducing the risk of heart disease and strokereducing the risk of type 2 diabeteshelping increase bone mineral density in postmenopausal women There is also evidence that supplementing with magnesium may help reduce a range of physical and mental health conditions, such as muscle cramps, migraine, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Learn more about the benefits of magnesium here. What to look for in a magnesium supplement There are several factors a person may look for in a magnesium supplement: Form Magnesium supplements are available in different forms, such as:powderliquidcapsulestablets Type Some types of magnesium are not as easy for the body to absorb, such as:magnesium citratemagnesium aspartatemagnesium chloridemagnesium lactatemagnesium glycinatemagnesium malatemagnesium taurate People may wish to purchase supplements that have magnesium citrate, aspartate, chloride, or lactate, as these are the more absorbable forms. Dosage The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that the daily magnesium needs of people of different age groups are as follows:AgeMaleFemale0–6 months30 mg30 mg7–12 months75 mg75 mg1–3 years80 mg80 mg4–8 years130 mg130 mg9–13 years240 mg240 mg14–18 years410 mg360 mg19–30 years400 mg310 mg31–50 years420 mg320 mg51 years and over420 mg320 mg Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding will need different amounts of magnesium:AgePregnantBreastfeeding14–18 years400 mg360 mg19–30 years350 mg310 mg31–50 years360 mg320 mg How we choose products Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria where possible:Ingredients. MNT chooses products containing safe and high quality ingredients that are clearly labeled. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.Dosage. MNT chooses products that must clearly state the supplement dosage.Serving size. MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a safe dosage.Third-party testing. MNT chooses products that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.Available certificate of analysis. MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) following receipt of its third-party lab results. Ranking The following table indicates how MNT chooses to rank the products within this article:Third-party testedCOA availableClear ingredientsMagnesium dosage clearly markedServing suggestionScoreLife Extension5.0Nature Made4.0Nature’s Bounty4.0Nested Naturals4.0Pure Encapsulations4.0Naturelo4.0Live Conscious4.0Klaire Labs3.0Rainbow Light3.0 Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. 9 of the best magnesium supplements The following are some magnesium supplements available to purchase online. Best overall Life Extension Neuro-Mag Magnesium L-ThreonatePrice: $30Bottle size: 90 capsulesDosage: 3 vegetarian capsules for a total of 144 mg of magnesium Life Extension states that the proprietary magnesium in this product is highly absorbable and does not have a laxative effect. Additionally, this product is suitable for vegetarians and does not contain GMO ingredients or gluten. The company uses third-party labs to test each batch for safety. Additionally, people can call the company’s toll-free number to receive the product’s certificate of analysis. Life Extension recommends taking three capsules per day. Pros and cons This product is third-party tested, and people can receive the product’s certificate of analysis from the company. However, those who left more negative reviews say that they found it difficult to digest this supplement. Additionally, this product requires people to swallow three capsules.SHOP NOW Best for an affordable supplement Nature Made Magnesium Oxide SupplementPrice: $5.49Bottle size: 100 tabletsDosage: 1 tablet of 250 mg of magnesium Nature Made states that U.S Pharmacopeia tests all of its products for quality and safety. Additionally, the supplement does not contain gluten or artificial colors or flavors. The company recommends taking one tablet per day with meals and water. Pros and cons This supplement is gluten-free and third-party lab tested, which means it does not contain any ingredients that are harmful to human health. However, this supplement may not be suitable for use on an empty stomach. The company recommends taking the tablets with meals and water. Additionally, this product contains magnesium oxide. The body does not absorb this type of magnesium well.SHOP NOW Best for a coated tablet Nature s Bounty MagnesiumPrice: $6.49Bottle size: 100 tabletsDosage: 1 tablet of 500 mg of magnesium This supplement offers 500 mg of magnesium per serving. It does not contain GMO ingredients and is free from many common allergens, such as soy, gluten, dairy, and fish. The company recommends taking one tablet per day. Pros and cons Each tablet is coated, which may make them easier for a person to swallow. However, this supplement contains a high amount of magnesium and may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, the supplement contains magnesium oxide, which the body cannot absorb easily.SHOP NOW Best for vegans Nested Naturals MagnesiumPrice: $21.95Bottle size: 120 vegan capsulesDosage: 2 capsules providing 200 mg of magnesium The manufacturer states that this product is vegan and does not contain any GMO ingredients. The active ingredient is magnesium bisglycinate. Additionally, it does not contain any calcium. Nested Naturals recommends taking two capsules per day. Pros and cons This supplement is suitable for vegans and does not contain any soy, gluten, or GMO ingredients. However, This magnesium supplement is more expensive than some other options.SHOP NOW Best for allergies Pure Encapsulations Magnesium GlycinatePrice: $22.70Bottle size: 90 capsulesDosage: 1–4 capsules a day, with each capsule containing 120 mg of magnesium This supplement is free from artificial colors and sweeteners, binders, fillers, and preservatives. Pure Encapsulations states that it manufacturers products that are suitable for people with allergies. This supplement does not contain:peanutstree nutseggswheatgluten The company recommends taking 1 to 4 capsules a day with food. Pros and cons This product is free from most common allergens, which may make it more suitable for those with allergies and sensitivities than other products. However, people who require four capsules of this supplement may prefer to purchase a product that contains a similar amount of magnesium in fewer capsules.SHOP NOW Best for organic ingredients Naturelo Organic Magnesium GlycinatePrice: $34.95Bottle size: 120 vegetarian capsulesDosage: 1 capsule that provides 200 mg of magnesium Naturelo states that this product combines magnesium glycinate chelate with a blend of organic, magnesium-rich, vegetables and seeds. The blend includes spinach, okra, quinoa, pumpkin seed, sunflower seeds, and flaxseed. The company recommends taking one capsule per day. Pros and cons This product has third-party testing. However, the capsules may be too large for some people to swallow easily.SHOP NOW Best for added zinc Live Conscious Magwell MagnesiumPrice: $19.99Bottle size: 120 capsulesDosage: 2 capsules per day providing 225 mg magnesium Live Conscious states that this supplement may help support the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, nervous, and immune systems. Each bottle contains three different types of magnesium alongside zinc and vitamin D3. This supplement is free from soy, gluten, dairy, and preservatives. The company recommends taking two capsules with 8 ounces of water once per day. Pros and cons Customers state that these supplements have helped improve their sleep and bowel function. However, this product also contains zinc and vitamin D3. A person who is taking other vitamin and mineral supplements may wish to ensure that they do not exceed the daily recommended intake of zinc and vitamin D3.SHOP NOW Best for sensitive stomachs Klaire Labs Magnesium Glycinate ComplexPrice: $16.99Bottle size: 100 capsulesDosage: one capsules of 100 mg of magnesium, 1–3 times per day This product combines magnesium with glycine, an amino acid that the manufacturer states may make the supplement easier for the body to tolerate and absorb. The company recommends taking one capsule, 1 to 3 times per day. Pros and cons These supplements are vegetarian and free from most common allergens, such as shellfish, yeast, and eggs. Klaire Labs does not state whether its supplements are third-party lab tests. Additionally, this supplement provides a lower dose of magnesium per serving than some other products.SHOP NOW Best for muscle function Rainbow Light Magnesium Calcium Price: $17.49Bottle size: 90 tabletsDosage: 1 tablet providing 321 mg of magnesium Rainbow Light states that this supplement has a 2:1 ratio of magnesium to calcium. The company states that it may help support healthy muscle function and recovery. Additional ingredients include an herbal muscular support blend, a digestive support complex, and vitamins C, D3, and B6. Rainbow Light recommends taking one tablet per day. Pros and cons Some customers state that these tablets are easy to swallow and do not upset the stomach. However, Rainbow Light does not state whether its supplements are third-party lab tested. Additionally, it contains other vitamins, and a person may wish to ensure they do not exceed their recommended daily intake if they also have multivitamins. How to choose a magnesium supplement People may wish to consider the following factors when choosing a magnesium supplement:Third-party lab tests. People may wish to purchase products that have testing from a third-party lab. These labs check to ensure the products do not contain any ingredients that may be harmful to health and verifies that the products contain the ingredients on their labels.Dosage. People should ensure that the amount of magnesium in the supplement is enough for their requirements.Type of magnesium. Some types of magnesium are easier for the body to absorb, such as magnesium aspartate, chloride, lactate, and citrate. What are the side effects of magnesium Magnesium is generally safe to consume. The NIH states that the upper tolerable limit of magnesium is 350 mg per day for people aged 9 and over. Studies show that higher doses are safe to consume. For example, 500 mg of magnesium may help improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia. The NIH also says that consuming too much magnesium through food does not pose a health risk to most people as the kidney filters the excess mineral in the urine. However, the main side effects of having too much magnesium supplementation include diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping. Very high doses of magnesium, often in the form of antacids, can cause magnesium toxicity. This is more common in people who consume around 5000 mg of magnesium with antacids. Symptoms of magnesium toxicity include:low blood pressurenauseavomitingfacial flushingdifficulty urinatingileusdepressionlethargy If a person does not receive treatment for magnesium toxicity, they will experience:muscle weaknessirregular heartbeatvery low blood pressuredifficulty breathingcardiac arrest People with kidney failure are more likely to develop magnesium toxicity as their kidneys cannot filter the excess magnesium in the urine. Learn more about magnesium toxicity here. Frequently asked questions Below are some common questions about magnesium. Can magnesium help with sleep Research on the effects of magnesium on sleep is limited. However, one study found that taking a 500 mg magnesium supplement led to an improvement in insomnia. What is the best time of day to take magnesium People should try to take any supplements at the same time each day, as this may help form a habit and make it less likely for a person to forget to take the supplement. However, the NIH warns that people should not take a magnesium supplement within 2 hours of oral bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax. Additionally, people should take a magnesium supplement at least 4 to 6 hours before taking tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics, or at least 2 hours afterward. Who should not take magnesium As with any supplement, a person should consult with a healthcare professional before taking magnesium. People with kidney conditions face a higher risk of side effects. A healthcare professional will advise whether it is safe to take magnesium after checking a person’s health conditions and any medications they take. Summary Magnesium is a vital mineral for human health. However, many people do not consume enough of this mineral through food and may need supplementation. There are several magnesium supplements available to purchase online. However, taking too much magnesium may lead to nausea, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. People should always consult with a healthcare professional before deciding to take magnesium supplements. Last medically reviewed on June 23, 2022UncategorizedFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD, Nutrition — By Danielle Dresden on June 23, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageMagnesium supplements for anxiety: 7 options in 2022Medically reviewed by Alexandra Perez, PharmD, MBA, BCGP Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital part in many bodily functions. It may also have benefits for those with anxiety. Learn more here.READ MOREWhy do we need magnesium?Medically reviewed by Miho Hatanaka, RDN, LD Magnesium is essential for bones, metabolism, and heart health. This article looks at magnesium for health, sources, symptoms of deficiency…READ MOREThe uses and benefits of magnesium glycinateMedically reviewed by Alan Carter, PharmD Magnesium glycinate is the best-absorbed form of magnesium and the gentlest on the stomach. Magnesium is a vital nutrient, essential to the body’s…READ MOREHow can I tell if I have low magnesium?Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH Early signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency can include vomiting, loss of appetite, and tiredness. However, magnesium deficiency is rare, and…READ MORETypes of magnesium supplements and their benefitsMedically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R.D. There are many types of magnesium that people can use as dietary supplements, on the skin, and for specific conditions, such as constipation. Learn…READ MORE