Magnesium Bisglycinate Therapy – Effects & Use
Magnesium bisglycinate therapy uses a highly bioavailable, well-tolerated form of magnesium to treat magnesium deficiency and related health complaints effectively.
Things worth knowing about "Magnesium bisglycinate therapy"
Magnesium bisglycinate therapy uses a highly bioavailable, well-tolerated form of magnesium to treat magnesium deficiency and related health complaints effectively.
What is Magnesium Bisglycinate Therapy?
Magnesium bisglycinate therapy refers to the therapeutic use of magnesium bisglycinate – an organic magnesium compound in which the mineral magnesium is chelated (bound) to two molecules of the amino acid glycine. This chelated form is recognized for its superior bioavailability and gastrointestinal tolerability compared to inorganic magnesium salts. It is used to correct or prevent magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesaemia) and to address the wide range of symptoms associated with insufficient magnesium levels.
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body. It is critical for muscle and nerve function, energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and bone health. Deficiency can lead to a variety of symptoms and significantly impact quality of life.
Mechanism of Action
Magnesium bisglycinate is absorbed in the small intestine via amino acid transporters. The glycine chelate protects the magnesium ion from interacting with dietary inhibitors such as phytates and oxalates, enhancing intestinal absorption compared to inorganic forms like magnesium oxide or magnesium chloride.
Once absorbed, magnesium supports:
- Nerve impulse transmission and regulation of muscle contraction
- Production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body's primary energy carrier
- Stabilization of DNA and RNA structures
- Blood pressure regulation through smooth muscle relaxation in blood vessel walls
- Insulin secretion and glucose metabolism
Indications and Areas of Use
Magnesium bisglycinate therapy is used or recommended in the following conditions:
- Magnesium deficiency caused by inadequate dietary intake, increased physiological demand, or excessive loss (e.g., through intense sweating, chronic stress, or diarrhoea)
- Muscle cramps and tension, particularly nocturnal leg cramps
- Migraine and headaches – magnesium is considered a preventive therapeutic option
- Sleep disturbances – both magnesium and glycine individually support sleep quality
- Anxiety and nervousness associated with documented magnesium deficiency
- Chronic fatigue and low energy
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Adjunctive support in type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
Dosage and Administration
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and national dietary guidelines, the recommended daily magnesium intake for adults is approximately 300–420 mg, depending on age and sex. Therapeutic dosages of magnesium bisglycinate may vary depending on the indication and individual requirements and should ideally be guided by a healthcare professional.
Key points for use:
- Magnesium bisglycinate is commonly available as capsules or tablets
- Evening intake may support the sleep-promoting effect
- Taking it with meals generally improves tolerability
- Higher daily doses should be split into multiple smaller doses throughout the day
Tolerability and Side Effects
Magnesium bisglycinate is considered one of the best-tolerated magnesium forms, with a low laxative effect. This is because it is more completely absorbed in the intestine, leaving less unabsorbed magnesium to reach the colon.
Potential side effects at excessive doses:
- Loose stools or mild diarrhoea at very high doses
- In individuals with impaired kidney function: risk of hypermagnesaemia (elevated blood magnesium levels)
- Drug interactions with certain medications (e.g., tetracycline antibiotics, bisphosphonates)
Individuals with impaired renal function should only take magnesium supplements after consulting a physician.
Advantages Over Other Magnesium Forms
Compared to commonly used magnesium compounds such as magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate, or magnesium sulfate, magnesium bisglycinate offers the following advantages:
- Higher bioavailability: The chelated form is absorbed more efficiently in the gut
- Better gastric tolerability: Less irritation to the stomach lining
- Lower laxative effect: Ideal for individuals with sensitive digestion
- Synergistic effect with glycine: The amino acid glycine itself has calming and sleep-supporting properties
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): Calcium and Magnesium in Drinking Water – Public Health Significance. WHO Press, Geneva, 2009.
- Schuette SA, Lashner BA, Janghorbani M: Bioavailability of magnesium diglycinate vs magnesium oxide in patients with ileal resection. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 1994;18(5):430–435.
- Abbasi B et al.: The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Res Med Sci. 2012;17(12):1161–1169.
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