Magnesium is an essential mineral for the human body, and magnesium supplements are used to normalize magnesium levels when they are unbalanced. Magnesium threonate and magnesium glycinate are two magnesium salts that are commonly used as nutritional supplements. While both compounds provide the essential mineral, magnesium glycinate is more affordable and contains more elemental magnesium than Magtein Magnesium L Threonate. Magnesium glycinate is easily absorbed and may have soothing properties, making it the best option for someone looking for the relaxing aspects of this supplement.
Magnesium threonate can also be easily absorbed by the body and has been found to be more effective at increasing magnesium ions in the brain and improving cognitive function than magnesium sulfate. Therefore, doctors may recommend magnesium l-threonate to normalize a person's magnesium levels and to obtain potential benefits for the brain. Magnesium oxide (MgO) is the least absorbed form of magnesium, but it has one of the highest percentages of elemental magnesium per dose, so it may still be the highest dose absorbed per mg. This is an excellent general purpose magnesium if Mg is really all you need.
It is a simple muscle relaxant, nerve tonic and laxative if you take a high dose. Magnesium glycinate and magnesium amino acid chelate are less common forms of magnesium supplements, and they are generally taken for heart conditions and heart function in general. Magnesium helps the heart muscle relax, as well as the blood vessels that feed the heart open and deliver more blood to the heart tissue itself. Taurine is an amino acid that is known to nourish the heart muscle and improve the quality of heart contractions, so if you are taking Mg for heart function, this is probably the best way for you.
If you tend to be very sensitive to magnesium supplements, you can also try Ancient Minerals' topical magnesium oil or magnesium lotion, which can also be very effective without the possibility of bowel changes. When deciding which type of magnesium supplement to take, it is important to consider your individual needs and health conditions. If you suffer from severe magnesium deficiency or have PCOS, hysterectomy or high blood pressure, it is best to consult with your doctor before taking any supplement. Your doctor can help you determine which type of supplement would be best for you and what dosage would be appropriate. In general, if you are looking for a muscle relaxant, nerve tonic or laxative, then magnesium oxide may be your best option.
If you are looking for a supplement to help with heart function or constipation, then magnesium glycinate or taurate may be better suited for your needs. And if you are looking for a supplement to help with cognitive function or normalizing your magnesium levels, then magnesium l-threonate may be your best choice.