What are the best forms of magnesium supplements?
There are over 20 different types of magnesium, however, not all forms are available in Australia, nor are all forms equal in their bioavailability and absorptive qualities. Forms that offer good to excellent levels of oral absorption include magnesium; aspartate, chelates (to amino acids), citrate, fumurate, glycinate or diglycinate, lactate, malate, orotate, phosphate, picolinate, and succinate, with my favourite being the diglycinate form as it appears to give the best repeatable results. Magnesium sulfate and hydroxide are used primarily as laxatives, as they are rarely absorbed, but rather are hydrophilic (draws water to itself) in nature. Magnesium hydroxide is also used in antacid preparations. Magnesium acetate and chloride are both used in food preparation, particularly in non-alcoholic beverages and in some supplements as a filler/binder.
