Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in the body and is used in nearly every cell. It provides numerous functions and benefits for your body’s system but is often a common deficiency in adults. We want to answer a frequently asked question, “What are the different forms of magnesium?”, as well as discuss their benefits, good food sources, and our top-selling magnesium supplement.
Types of Magnesium
In total, there are over 10 different forms of magnesium. Here are a few of the most common types:
- Magnesium citrate
One of the most popular supplement formulas, magnesium is bound with citric acid (typically found in citrus fruit) to make absorption gentler on your digestive system. It may also provide relief for constipation.
- Magnesium oxide
This form combines magnesium and oxygen, forming a white powder or capsule. While it can be used to improve heartburn or indigestion, it typically isn’t absorbed very well on its own.
- Magnesium chloride
This form of magnesium includes chlorine, a common ingredient used to form salts, and can be a good option to boost your magnesium levels. It’s also found in topical lotions or oils meant to improve muscle and joint health.
- Magnesium lactate
Magnesium lactate is formed when magnesium and lactic acid are bound together. It is often used as a food additive to fortify processed foods and beverages.
- Magnesium malate
Malic acid is added to form this type of magnesium and is another fairly good option that absorbs well in the body. Also, it can have less of a laxative effect than magnesium citrate.
- Magnesium taurate
This form includes the amino acid taurine, which has been associated with regulating blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Magnesium glycinate
Another amino acid magnesium can bind with is glycine. This form is another popular ingredient in magnesium supplements that could be linked to helping with mental disorders and insomnia.
Benefits of Magnesium
Magnesium is used throughout the body for hundreds of chemical reactions and bodily functions, from converting food into energy, making proteins from amino acids, creating and repairing DNA, supporting muscle movements, and regulating signals in your brain and nervous system. Here are a few more benefits of magnesium:
- Can give your brain a boost– low levels of this mineral could be a contributing factor to brain fog, anxiety, and even depression.
- Can help control blood sugar– low levels of magnesium could also be linked to increased risk factors for Type 2 diabetes.
- Can improve heart health– healthy magnesium levels support blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors for heart disease.
- Can support bone health– magnesium is vital for strong, healthy bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
- Can be a natural sleep remedy– magnesium affects neurotransmitters in the brain associated with sleep, with the potential to improve sleep quality.
Food Sources of Magnesium
Nutrient-dense foods such as tofu, edamame, kidney and black beans, brown rice, salmon, pumpkin and chia seeds, almonds, cashews, peanuts, spinach, broccoli, bananas, avocado, yogurt, and whole grains are all great sources of the mineral magnesium. Many people don’t get enough of this mineral from diet alone, and that’s where BioBlue supplements come in.
A Highly Absorbed Magnesium Supplement For You
So now you know – What are the different forms of magnesium? – and we have a high-quality supplement to recommend! BioMag contains 3 types of magnesium: magnesium malate, magnesium citrate, and magnesium glycinate. This concentrated blend is designed to be highly absorbed by the body and gentle on the GI tract. BioMag supports several functions, including cardiovascular health, blood glucose levels, and energy production.
Learn more about BioMag, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions about the different forms of magnesium!