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Magnesium L-Threonate - has the most potent therapeutical effect because it can effortlessly cross blood-brain barrier. The drawback is that some people are sensitive to this form of magnesium, those people can have nausea, vomit, migraines, etc. IMHO, I would advise against everyday use because this form is more a medication than a supplement. It is used for serious conditions like dementia, neurological impairment, nutrimental deficiencies.

Magnesium Taurate - a combination of magnesium and taurine. A good form for people with metabolic conditions: T1DM, T2DM, hyperlipidemia, vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Magnesium Glycinate (aka Magnesium Bisglycinate) - a bit less potent form of magnesium, but has good bioavailability, fewer side-effects. This form is also a source of glycine which is an important amino acid beneficial for metabolism, has a mild calming and stabilizing effect on nervous system. Helps to cope with anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia.

Magnesium Citrate - a cheaper but ok magnesium form for everyday use.

Magnesium Oxide - the cheapest and the least efficient form of magnesium. Unfortunately, this is the most widespread form in many countries due to its low price. Try to avoid this form if you have a choice.

Bonus point: if you have a specific condition, you can combine several forms of magnesium to reach multiple therapeutic goals. For example, some popular combinations are presented below:

  a. Magnesium Taurate + Magnesium Glycinate
  b. Magnesium L-Threonate + Magnesium Taurate
  c. Magnesium L-Threonate + Magnesium Taurate + Magnesium Glycinate



I have been taking 300mg of Magnesium Bisglycinate 30 mins before sleep for the past 5 months or so. I have anxiety which can lead to insomnia. It has been a great help.


4 Years ago I got 4 pounds of food grade Magnesium Chloride for $30. I'm pretty sure that I'll die of old age before I run out.

No idea if it gives buffs.


Doesn’t it lose potency over time!


I think you may be confusing it for something else, magnesium chloride is literally a salt so there's nothing to degrade, and it's not going to react with air (if it did, it'd release chlorine gas).

Like sodium chloride, the most it will do is grab moisture out of the air and try to recrystallize into bigger clumps.

Edit It occurs to me you may have mean "It doesn’t lose potency over time!", in which case, true!


I take Magnesium Glycinate as a laxative but have reached 500mg per day and it's not enough. Too much already, or is it safe to take more?


For laxative purposes you should prefer the forms which are most poorly absorbed, i.e. magnesium oxide or magnesium citrate


They're also the cheapest.


Magnesium glycinate not very effective for being a laxative. Magnesium citrate is probably what you want.


Yeah, there's that drinkable laxative called citroma, which is pretty much magnesium citrate and seltzer water as far as I can tell.


Thanks! How about overdose with Glycinate? Eg taking daily for sleep with a normal magnesium level in blood test.


My retinal specialist prescribed me threonate ater surgery.




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