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Magnesium glycinateGlycineMelatoninL-theanine
No. 016supplement
Magnesium glycinate
Magnesium glycinate is a supplement that is sold over the counter.
Also known as Magnesium bisglycinate, Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in muscle and nerve function. The glycinate form is popular because it tends to be easier on the stomach than other forms, and it is widely taken for sleep.
In 1 example journal
Is Magnesium glycinate FDA-approved?
Sold without a prescription. Supplements are not reviewed by the FDA before sale, so third-party testing matters. Sold as a dietary supplement.
As of September 23, 2026.
Key takeaways
- Magnesium is an essential mineral for muscles, nerves, blood sugar and blood pressure. Glycinate is one form sold as a supplement.
- Evidence that it helps sleep is weak: a meta-analysis called the quality too low for firm recommendations.
- NIH sets an upper limit for magnesium from supplements. Too much causes diarrhea and, rarely, dangerous toxicity.
- People with kidney disease should check with a clinician first.
How does Magnesium glycinate work?
Magnesium helps more than 300 enzymes do their jobs, including those that relax muscles and calm nerve signaling. Your kidneys keep blood levels in balance.
Magnesium glycinate pairs magnesium with the amino acid glycine. It is popular because many people find it gentler on the stomach, though NIH does not single it out as better absorbed than other forms.
What does the evidence say about Magnesium glycinate?
Emerging evidenceA meta-analysis of small trials in older adults found low-quality evidence for a small benefit on time to fall asleep; glycinate specifically is barely studied.
What do clinicians say about Magnesium glycinate?
Clinicians see magnesium as useful if your intake is low, with modest or uncertain benefits for sleep in people who are not deficient.
NIH sets an upper limit for magnesium from supplements and medicines (not food). High intakes cause diarrhea, nausea and cramping, and very high intakes can cause an irregular heartbeat.
NIH ODS: Magnesium fact sheet for consumersA 2021 meta-analysis of three trials in older adults with insomnia found the evidence too weak for physicians to make well-informed recommendations.
Oral magnesium for insomnia in older adults: meta-analysis (BMC Complement Med Ther 2021)NIH ODS reports that the American Academy of Neurology and American Headache Society consider magnesium probably effective for preventing migraine.
NIH ODS: Magnesium fact sheet for health professionalsThe National Kidney Foundation warns magnesium can build up in people with chronic kidney disease and advises checking with a clinician before taking it.
National Kidney Foundation: Safe medicine use in chronic kidney disease
Summaries of published guidelines, drug labels, regulators and reviews, each attributed to its source. DiscoverMedica does not employ clinicians.
Is Magnesium glycinate right for you, and who should avoid it?
Often considered for
- People with low magnesium intake, including some older adults and people with GI disease, type 2 diabetes or long-term alcohol use
- People exploring migraine prevention with their clinician
Not a fit, or needs extra care
- Kidney disease, without medical advice
- People taking osteoporosis drugs (bisphosphonates) or tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics should space them apart
- People on diuretics or long-term acid reflux drugs, which change magnesium levels, should ask first
Only a licensed clinician who knows your history can decide whether it is right for you.
What are the risks and side effects of Magnesium glycinate?
- People with kidney disease should not take magnesium supplements without medical advice, because it can build up.
- It can reduce absorption of some antibiotics (tetracyclines, quinolones) and osteoporosis drugs (bisphosphonates); spacing them apart matters.
- High intakes from supplements can cause diarrhea and, rarely, dangerous toxicity; NIH sets an upper limit for supplemental magnesium.
What should you ask a clinician about Magnesium glycinate?
- Am I likely low in magnesium?
- How should I time it around my other medications?
These save with the compound when you add it to My Journal, so they’re on the printout for your visit.
How do people buy Magnesium glycinate?
No prescription is needed. Supplement brands and retailers sell it online and in stores.
Check with a clinician or pharmacist first if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.
Choose a product with independent testing, such as NSF Certified for Sport or USP Verified, because FDA does not check supplements before they are sold.
Where some people buy it
- MomentousSells magnesium bisglycinate direct and says every product is third-party certified.
- ThorneSells a magnesium bisglycinate powder direct to consumers.
- iHerbCarries magnesium glycinate from many brands.
From each provider’s own site, checked September 23, 2026. Programs change, so confirm the details before you sign up.
Where can I get Magnesium glycinate?
15 providers list Magnesium glycinate on DiscoverMedica, lowest listed price first.
$12.50listed price†
Buy at Pure Encapsulations $18.00listed price†
Buy at Life Extension $21.95listed price†
Buy at Nordic Naturals $21.99listed price†
Buy at Nature Made † Prices as listed by the provider when we checked; they change.
Compare and learn
Magnesium glycinate: questions, answered
Will magnesium help me sleep?
Maybe a little, if you are low. Studies are small and low quality, and glycinate specifically is barely studied.
Which form is best?
NIH notes some forms, like citrate and chloride, are absorbed better than others. Glycinate is popular because it tends to be easier on the stomach.
Can I take too much?
Yes. NIH sets an upper limit for supplemental magnesium. Diarrhea is usually the first sign.
Can I get it through telehealth?
It does not need a prescription. You buy it from supplement brands and retailers.
Important safety information
Key risks
- People with kidney disease should not take magnesium supplements without medical advice, because it can build up.
- It can reduce absorption of some antibiotics (tetracyclines, quinolones) and osteoporosis drugs (bisphosphonates); spacing them apart matters.
- High intakes from supplements can cause diarrhea and, rarely, dangerous toxicity; NIH sets an upper limit for supplemental magnesium.
Talk to a clinician first, or avoid it, if
- Kidney disease, without medical advice
- People taking osteoporosis drugs (bisphosphonates) or tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics should space them apart
- People on diuretics or long-term acid reflux drugs, which change magnesium levels, should ask first
This is not a complete list of risks. Talk to a licensed clinician or pharmacist about your own situation. If you have a severe reaction, call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA through MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Sources
- NIH ODS: Magnesium fact sheet for health professionals
- Oral magnesium supplementation for insomnia in older adults: meta-analysis (2021)
Also checked for this guide
- NIH ODS: Magnesium fact sheet for consumers
- National Kidney Foundation: Safe medicine use in chronic kidney disease
- Momentous: Home and testing
- Thorne: Home and testing
Guide reviewed September 23, 2026.
Educational information only, not medical advice. It does not replace a conversation with a licensed clinician.
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