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Magnesium Supplements Review (Including Calcium, Vitamins D & K, and Boron)

Find the Best Magnesium Supplement. Tests and Reviews of Popular Magnesium Supplements & CL's Top Picks

Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D. cooperman.png

Initially Posted: 11/23/2019 | Last Updated: 09/22/2020
Magnesium Supplements Reviewed By ConsumerLab.com

Magnesium supplements compared in this review

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365 Magnesium Cherry Fizz

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Bluebonnet Rainforest AnimalZ Calcium Magnesium & Vitamin D3

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BulkSupplements.com Magnesium Citrate

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Caltrate Bone Health Advanced

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Carlson Chelated Magnesium

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Designs For Health Magnesium Malate

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Doctor's Best High Absorption Magnesium

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GNC Calcimate Complete

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GNC Magnesium 500 mg

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Jamieson Magnesium Ultra Strength 250 mg

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Jarrow Formulas Bone-Up

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Jigsaw Health MagSRT

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KAL Magnesium Glycinate 400

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Mag-Ox 400

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Mag-Tab SR

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Natural Vitality Natural Calm Plus Calcium - Raspberry-Lemon Flavor

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New Chapter Bone Strength take care

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NOW Magnesium Citrate

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Pioneer Children's Cal Mag & D - Cocoa

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Pure Encapsulations UltraMag Magnesium

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Puritan's Pride Calcium Magnesium Vitamin D3

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Puritan's Pride Chelated Calcium Magnesium Zinc

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Rainbow Light Food-Based Calcium With Magnesium & Vitamin D3

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ReMag

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Solgar Calcium Magnesium Plus Boron

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Solgar Chelated Magnesium

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Standard Process Calcium Lactate

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Swanson Chelated Magnesium

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Thorne Basic Bone Nutrients

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Vitacost Magnesium Citrate

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Vitalite Now! Calcium & Magnesium Plus

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Summary

  • What is magnesium? Magnesium is an essential mineral for proper metabolism and nervous system functioning, including helping to maintain the electrical stability of the heart. Although magnesium can be easily obtained through the diet and overt magnesium deficiency is not common, many people do not get adequate amounts of magnesium and can benefit from increasing magnesium intake from foods or supplementation. Conditions that may deplete magnesium include alcohol abuse, diabetes, diseases of the digestive tract, and use of medications such as Nexium and Prilosec.
  • What does magnesium do? Inadequate intake of magnesium may modestly elevate blood pressure and increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. In addition, supplementing with magnesium may be helpful for conditions such as migraines and menstrual pain and it is an effective laxative and antacid. It may also improve glucose status in people with prediabetes -- particularly if they are low in magnesium. It also helps control levels of vitamin D and can boost low levels. Maintaining adequate magnesium intake also has cardiovascular benefits, and maintaining a proper ratio of magnesium to calcium intake may have cognitive benefits (See What It Does).
  • How much magnesium do I need? If you are not getting at least 300 to 400 mg of magnesium from your diet, consider a supplement that will get you to that level.
  • What did CL find? Among the products ConsumerLab.com selected for testing, two magnesium-only supplements failed review because they contained less magnesium than listed or were contaminated with lead and two magnesium formulas failed for incorrect amounts of vitamin D, vitamin K, and/or boron (see What CL Found).
  • Which magnesium is best? Among the products that passed testing and were "Approved" for their quality, CL selected a Top Pick for magnesium that is low in price (just 6 cents per pill), well-absorbed, and in a stable chemical form. CL also selected Top Picks for combination formulas that include magnesium, such as those marketed for bone health that contain calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and/or boron.
  • How do forms differ? Magnesium comes in several forms: Magnesium oxide tends to be less expensive than other forms, but may also be less well absorbed and more likely to cause diarrhea. Forms such as citrate and chloride may be better absorbed. Magnesium chloride is also less likely to cause diarrhea and is recommended if you are taking a higher dose, but is best in liquid form rather than as a tablet. Labels are required to show the amount of elemental magnesium in each serving, but you need to read labels carefully. See What to Consider When Buying for more about the different forms.
  • What's the right dose of magnesium? When used as a treatment, magnesium is often recommended at doses of 250 to 600 mg daily (which is similar to the daily intake requirement in adults of about 400 mg). However, unless treating a deficiency, limit your daily intake of magnesium from supplements and fortified foods to no more than 350 mg (the Upper Tolerable Intake Level), to avoid side-effects. You can easily get the rest of your required magnesium from your diet. (See What To Consider When Using).
  • What are the side effects of magnesium? Magnesium supplements may cause upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea in some people. Although rare, excessive intake can cause thirst, low blood pressure, drowsiness, muscle weakness and slowed breathing. Be aware that magnesium can interact with certain supplements and drugs (See Concerns and Cautions).
You must be a member to get the full test results along with ConsumerLab.com recommendations and quality ratings. You will get results for 21 magnesium and magnesium-combination supplements selected by ConsumerLab.com and 10 others that passed testing in its voluntary Quality Certification Program.
In this comprehensive review, you'll discover:
  • Which magnesium and calcium/magnesium supplements failed our tests and which ones passed
  • CL's Top Pick among the magnesium supplements based on form, quality and dose
  • The pros and cons of different forms of magnesium, including magnesium aspartate and orotate, magnesium citrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium lactate and lactate dihydrate, magnesium oxide and magnesium-L-threonate
  • How to get adequate magnesium from food
  • The causes and symptoms of magnesium deficiency
  • How much magnesium to take to treat or prevent magnesium deficiency and other conditions
  • The evidence for and against using magnesium supplements for restless leg syndrome, leg cramps, migraines and more
  • Potential drug interactions and side-effects of magnesium supplements
  • More magnesium supplement results to be added in coming weeks, including combination products with calcium, boron, vitamin D and vitamin K

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Related CL Answers (46)

Some websites are highly critical of magnesium stearate, which is in many supplements. Is this substance toxic and should I avoid it?

Learn more about magnesium stearate and its safety, based on evidence from clinical studies. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Is it better to get vitamins from foods or supplements, and are natural vitamins better than synthetic vitamins?

Learn more about the benefits of getting vitamins from food versus supplements, natural versus synthetic vitamins, and more. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Sometimes my powdered supplements get clumpy. Should I be concerned?

Learn more about how powdered supplements compare to capsules and if clumping is worrisome. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

What is the benefit of magnesium orotate compared to other forms of magnesium?

Find out if magnesium orotate is the best form of magnesium for supplements, including safety concerns. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Are supplements with amino acid chelated minerals better than those with other forms of minerals?

Learn more about chelates, including evidence from clinical studies on selenium, iron, and magnesium. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Are enteric coated supplements better than non-enteric coated ones?

Learn about the pros and cons of enterically coated supplements, including ingredient absorption,safety and price. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Do magnesium supplements, like Magtein, help memory or protect against Alzheimer's disease?

Magtein, and other magnesium supplements, may help memory and protect against Alzheimer's disease. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

My doctor told me to stop taking supplements because my kidney function was low. After stopping, my kidney function returned to normal. Can taking a lot of supplements really damage the kidneys?

Find out which supplements may damage your kidneys. ConsumerLab explores possible kidney side effects of supplements including chromium, creatine, and vitamin C.

Can taking certain forms of potassium, such as potassium citrate, reduce my chances of getting kidney stones? I've read a study that says it can, but it's unclear how much I should take.

Potassium citrate for kidney stones - can it help? Find out if you can reduce the risk of kidney stones with Potassium citrate. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Do any supplements help with migraines?

Info on supplements for migraines and headaches, including magnesium, CoQ10, vitamin B-2 and more. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

I have low blood pressure. Are there any supplements I should avoid?

Find out which supplements can cause decreases in blood pressure, including melatonin, arginine, magnesium, and calcium. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Which is the best form of magnesium to take - one that contains the most magnesium and is best absorbed?

Info on which is the best form of magnesium supplements to take and what to look for when choosing the best magnesium supplement. ConsumerLab.com explains.

How can the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for magnesium be higher than the Upper Tolerable Intake Level (UL)? That is, how can an amount which is healthful also put you at risk for harm?

Find out why RDAs and ULs may seem to contradict each other and how to ensure safe supplement dosages. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Is it important to take calcium and magnesium together?

Should you be taking calcium and magnesium together? Find out how to ensure optimal absorption of both calcium and magnesium by following these guidelines. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Do any supplements help prevent or treat osteoporosis?

If you have osteoporosis, you may be interested in supplements for bone health. Find out which supplements can increase bone strength and density. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Which supplements can help me sleep and which cause insomnia?

Find out which supplements may improve sleep, including melatonin, L-tryptophan, and magnesium, and which may make sleeping more difficult. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Which supplements can help with indigestion and/or heartburn?

Information on supplements for heartburn that can help relieve gastrointestinal symptoms - heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Are the "% DV" numbers on vitamin supplement labels really based on what I need?

Learn more about percent daily values, including if they are good standards of measure or if better upper and lower limits exist. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Do any supplements help for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

IBS supplements may help reduce irritable bowel symptoms such as pain, diarrhea and constipation. Supplements include probiotics, melatonin, and flaxseed. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Are there any supplements I should avoid when taking an antibiotic? Are there any that may be helpful?

Find out which supplements can negatively interact with antibiotics, including vitamin K, magnesium, and calcium, and which may be helpful when taking antibiotics. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Is it true that I should not keep magnesium supplements in a daily pill pack mixed with other supplements and medicines?

Find out if magnesium should be stored separately from other types of supplements. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Are there negative interactions between the following supplements and 60 mg of beta-sitosterol with dinner: Vitamin C (500 mg), CoQ10, grape seed extract, fish oil, vitamin D3/calcium/magnesium/zinc?

Learn about drug interactions & proper dosages for supplements such as CoQ10, vitamin D & C, fish oil, magnesium, zinc and grape seed extract.

Help! How do I know how much magnesium I am actually getting from my supplement? The label says it contains 500 mg of magnesium "as magnesium citrate" -- but how much of that is magnesium and how much is citrate?

Understand the actual amount of magnesium dosage (or "elemental magnesium") you are getting from your supplement. ConsumerLab.com explains.

What is Prelief? Does it really help for heartburn and/or bladder pain from acidic foods?

Prelief information, including what it has been claimed to do (such as helping with painful bladder, frequent urination, heartburn or indigestion from acidic foods), clinical evidence, and safety. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Which supplements can help treat constipation?

Find out which supplements can help for constipation, including fiber, flaxseed, probiotics, and magnesium. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Which supplements reduce the risk of stroke? Which increase the risk of stroke?

Find out which supplements (may help reduce the risk of stroke/might increase the risk of stroke.) ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Is there an accurate test for magnesium deficiency?

Is there an accurate test for magnesium deficiency? Testing for serum magnesium concentration (SMC), the red blood cell (RBC) test, the magnesium loading test and the 24-hour excretion test. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Which supplements can cause diarrhea?

Can supplements like magnesium cause diarrhea? Find out which supplements may cause diarrhea, such as vitamin B12, curcumin, magnesium, vitamin C and fish oil.

Are there drug interactions with magnesium supplements?

Find out about interactions between magnesium supplements and over-the-counter antacids and laxatives such as Maalox, antibiotics, and statins and diabetes medications. ConsumerLab’s answer explains.

Do any supplements help for restless legs syndrome?

Find out whether supplements or vitamins like iron, magnesium, vitamin E and others can help for restless leg syndrome (RLS). ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Do any supplements help reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

Find out which supplements help reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, such as mood swings, pain, bloating, irritability and food cravings.

Do any supplements help for ulcerative colitis?

Find out what supplements & vitamins can help with ulcerative colitis, such as VSL#3, curcumin, aloe or boswellia. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Does taking a laxative interfere with the absorption of vitamins or minerals?

Information on laxative interactions with other medications and supplements such as Maalox, antibiotics, and statins and diabetes medications. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

I've read that magnesium deficiency is rare but also that most people don't get enough magnesium. How can these both be true?

Learn how common magnesium deficiency is, and why, even if you are not deficient, you may still benefit from getting more magnesium. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Do magnesium creams, sprays and oils help with muscle pain and cramps? How about supplements?

Find out if magnesium oils, creams and sprays, such as BetterYou, really work to help fibromyalgia, muscle pain, cramps, relaxation or sleep. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

How do I choose the best magnesium supplement?

Choosing the best form of magnesium supplements can be tricky due to the many different types (magnesium aspartate, bicarbonate, carbonate, chloride, citrate and others).

Will an Epsom salt bath increase magnesium levels in my body like a supplement?

Find out if Epsom salt baths can increase magnesium levels in the body like a supplement. Plus, see evidence for other methods other transdermal methods of obtaining magnesium, such as magnesium creams, oils and sprays. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Does magnesium help with depression?

Find out if having low magnesium levels increases the risk of depression and if supplements such as magnesium citrate, magnesium chloride, can help for depression. Also, find out how to make sure you are getting adequate magnesium. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

What are the side effects of magnesium supplements?

Info on magnesium supplement side effects, such as stomach upset, nausea and diarrhea. Learn about magnesium dosage, safety and drug interactions. ConsumerLab.com answer explains.

I started taking a magnesium supplement (400 mg from magnesium oxide) and developed diarrhea. Might there a problem with the supplement?

Could your magnesium supplement be causing diarrhea? Find out why the dose of magnesium in your supplement matters, and which forms of magnesium are less likely to cause diarrhea ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Are liquid vitamins better than pills?

Find out if liquid vitamins and supplements are better than pills, are better absorbed, or better for people who have had gastric bypass or who have other conditions. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains the pros and cons of liquid vitamins and supplements.

Is it true that magnesium bisglycinate from BioSchwartz is less likely to cause a laxative effect than other forms of magnesium?

Find out if the Magnesium Bisglycinate from BioSchwartz is better than other forms of magnesium and how much magnesium this product contains. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

How much magnesium from supplements is too much?

Find out how much magnesium you should be getting on a daily basis -- and how much magnesium is too much, particularly from magnesium supplements and laxatives containing magnesium. Find out the side effects and potential adverse effects of too much magnesium.

How can I easily compare the ingredients in supplements?

Find out how to easily compare the ingredients in different supplements, find the full list of ingredients for products and a database of dietary supplement labels. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Can drinking coffee can prevent gallstones? Can supplements help?

Information about the impact coffee has on gallstone disease. Plus, supplements that have been proposed to help with gallstone pain. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Which dietary supplements and health foods contain high levels of lead?

Information about lead and heavy metals in vitamins, supplements and foods. Information on the adverse effects of lead. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

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