Which Magnesium Should I Take? A Simple Guide To The Different Forms

“I heard that magnesium is good for you and everyone should take it.” I often hear this comment from people asking me which form of magnesium they should take. The answer depends on your specific health goals and the health benefits you are hoping to achieve.

Magnesium (Mg) is one of the body’s essential minerals and the fourth most common mineral in the body. It plays a role in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including processes such as:

  • protein synthesis

  • muscle contraction

  • nerve function

  • blood glucose regulation

  • blood pressure regulation

  • hormone receptor activity

  • cardiac conduction (heart rhythm)

  • healthy DNA maintenance

Magnesium deficiency is common and may contribute to symptoms such as:

  • muscle cramps

  • low energy

  • sleep disturbances

  • anxiety

  • headaches

  • irregular heartbeat

  • and more

Choosing the Right Form

There are many forms of magnesium supplements, each with its own purpose. The chart below outlines some of the most common types to help guide your decision. You may need to try different forms to see what works best for your needs. In my practice, I use Autonomic Response Testing (ART) to identify if there is a need for magnesium and the most appropriate form for the individual.

Tolerance to magnesium varies from person to person. It’s best to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed. The most common side effect of taking too much magnesium is loose stools or diarrhea.

You can purchase professional forms of magnesium from Fullscript with 10% off on all orders. A couple of magnesium supplements commonly used in my practice:

Tri-Magnesium by Integrative Therapeutics. It contains magnesium citrate, oxide, and malate and is effective for supporting daily bowel movements when dealing with constipation.

Magnesium Advanced by Dr. Mercola Premium Products, which contains magnesium L-Threonate and is helpful in supporting brain health.

Whether you are looking to optimize your health or uncover the root causes of your chronic symptoms, reach out to become a patient.

Disclaimer: this post is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please do your own research and consult with your own personal licensed health care provider before making any treatment decisions. The information on this website has not been evaluated by any medical body including the Food & Drug Administration.

Dr. Irina Strelyuk

Dr. Irina Strelyuk is a board certified Naturopathic Physician in the state of Washington. 

She completed her doctorate in naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University, one of the world's preeminent universities for natural medicine. Dr. Strelyuk received her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Washington. 

When not working with patients, Dr. Strelyuk, loves to be outdoors exploring, hiking, traveling, reading, and relaxing by the ocean. She currently lives in the Pacific Northwest. 

http://www.drstrelyuk.com
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