Magnesium is essential for managing blood pressure and other functions. People with a magnesium deficiency may benefit from magnesium glycinate, a supplement that increases magnesium levels.
Magnesium glycinate is also known as magnesium diglycinate and magnesium bisglycinate.
Magnesium is a vital nutrient for regulating many body processes, including muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. This mineral also supports the making of protein, bone, and DNA.
This article discusses magnesium glycinate in more detail, including the benefits, possible side effects, how much a person should take, and more.
The body requires magnesium in large amounts. While the most efficient way to consume nutrients is in their natural form, supplements are available to help boost magnesium intake in people with low levels.
Magnesium glycinate can help improve these levels, which in turn can helpTrusted Source the body regulate processes such as blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and muscle and nerve function.
Unlike other forms of magnesium, magnesium glycinate might not cause as many side effects, such as an upset stomach or loose stool. In a 2013 studyTrusted Source, participants taking magnesium glycinate did not report any instances of diarrhea, but the study notes that diarrhea can be a possible side effect for some other types of magnesium.
It is important to note that taking magnesium supplements may be more beneficial for some people than others. For example, it is advisable for a person with kidney issues to contact a doctor before taking magnesium glycinate. Kidney problems can cause difficulties in excreting excess magnesium.
Magnesium deficiency
Magnesium glycinate may be beneficial for people with magnesium deficiency.
While symptomatic magnesium deficiency due to not getting enough magnesium in the diet is uncommonTrusted Source, various health conditions and medications may cause an individual to experience low magnesium levels.
If a person has symptoms of magnesium deficiency, a doctor may order blood, saliva, or urine tests to help assess levels as accurately as possible.
It is best to wait for a final diagnosis of deficiency before taking supplements, as the symptoms commonly associated with low magnesium levels could be the cause of another health issue.
Other conditions
People with the following conditions might benefit from taking magnesium glycinate:
High blood pressure: Magnesium supplements can help with high blood pressure by decreasing blood pressureTrusted Source slightly.
Type 2 diabetes: Increasing the amount of magnesium in the diet might reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Magnesium helps break down sugarsTrusted Source and might decrease insulin resistance.
Osteoporosis: Magnesium plays a role in the development of healthy bones. People with higher levels of magnesium might have a higher bone mineral density. This is important in helping reduce the riskTrusted Source of bone fractures associated with osteoporosis.
Migraine headaches: People who experience migraine sometimes have low magnesium levels in their blood and tissues. Supplements may help reduceTrusted Source the frequency of migraine headaches.
Depression: Serotonin is a “feel-good” chemical in the brain. Insufficient levels of magnesium seem to reduce serotonin levels. Magnesium may be helpfulTrusted Source for treating mild to moderate depression in adults.
Insomnia: There is mixed evidence about using magnesium glycinate for sleep, and more research is necessary. Magnesium may helpTrusted Source with sleep regulation and improve overall sleep quality, including addressing insomnia.