Magnesium Supplements in 2024: The Ultimate Guide

What is magnesium?

Magnesium is an essential mineral found in every single cell in the body. In fact, it is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body. It plays an important role in over 300 enzyme reactions in the body making it crucial for maintaining our health. [1]

This vital mineral is mostly found in the bones - with about 50-60% of magnesium being present in the bones. This is one of the reasons why maintaining magnesium levels in the body is important for bone health - and so much more. [2]

Our Choice

• Easy-to-swallow capsules
• Standard price point
• Certified safety & purity testing
• 90-day money-back guarantee
• Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients

Based on feedback from 3739 Primal Harvest users

All magnesium supplements are NOT created equal.

Choosing the right magnesium formula for you all comes down to knowing what to look for and what to try to avoid so that you never waste your hard-earned money.

Here are some things to try to avoid when shopping for a high-quality magnesium supplement:

Why is magnesium important?

Magnesium is needed by the body for hundreds of bodily functions including:

Muscle and nerve function - muscle movements and nervous system regulation (messages between the brain and nervous system)*

Maintaining healthy blood  sugar levels already within normal range

Maintaining healthy blood pressure already in normal range

Protein and bone formation*

Converting food into energy*

Supporting DNA*

Try to Avoid

• People with digestive conditions
• People with blood sugar conditions

Some groups of people are more likely than others to get too little magnesium. These include:

Magnesium may help promote muscle recovery after exercise and support sleep quality, relaxation, and energy levels.*

Studies also suggest that because magnesium is so important for brain health, it may be beneficial for promoting good mood. [3] 

Despite all its benefits, it is estimated that approximately 60% of US adults get less than the average dietary intake of magnesium. [4]

Potential Signs of low magnesium include…

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting

• Fatigue
• Weakness

!

• People with medical conditions that impact absorption 
• Older people*

2. Magnesium

by Nature’s Bounty 

PROS

• 500 mg magnesium
• Price
• 1 tablet serving size

CONS

• Only contains 1 type of magnesium 
• No zinc
• No Subscribe & Save program

BOTTOM LINE

Nature’s Bounty Magnesium supplement features 500 mg of magnesium oxide in a 1 tablet per day serving. You may note that they offer a decent product at an affordable price. However, it only contains one type of magnesium and lacks zinc. This brand has a 60-day return policy and this product can only be purchased through third-party retailers.

B+

GRADE

by Puori 

PROS

• Contains 300mg of magnesium
• Contains zinc and vitamin B6, and malic acid

CONS

• No magnesium citrate or glycinate
• 3 capsule serving size

BOTTOM LINE

Puori Magnesium is a magnesium and zinc supplement that contains 300mg of magnesium as well as zinc, vitamin B6, and malic acid. However, the 300 mg there are only 2 types of magnesium - taurinate and gluconate. It comes in a three capsule serving size, which is slightly larger a serving size than some other products on this list. You may also note that the brand only offers a 30-day return period for their products. 

3. Magnesium

B

GRADE

4. Magnesium Citrate

by Bluebonnet

PROS

• Contains magnesium citrate 
• Made in the USA
• 2-caplet serving size

CONS

• 1 type of magnesium
• 30-day return policy

BOTTOM LINE

Magnesium Citrate by Bluebonnet is formulated with 400 mg of magnesium citrate which comes in a 2 caplet per day serving. Like others on this list, this product is made and tested in the USA. However, wish that it had more than one type of magnesium as well as a longer return period.

C+

GRADE

5. Magnesium Bisglycinate

by Thorne

PROS

• Contains magnesium glycinate 
• Sweetened with monk fruit
• Certified testing and made in the USA

CONS

• Powder form may be less convenient 
• Only contains one form of magnesium
• 200 mg magnesium

BOTTOM LINE

Magnesium Bisglycinate by Thorne is formulated with two forms of magnesium glycinate that comes in powder form. Users are recommended to mix 1 scoop with 8 oz. of water one to two times daily. Whether a powder form is less or more really up to each individual, some people may prefer the convenience of a capsule as it’s easier to bring the supplement along on trips or take on-the-go. You may notice that the product only contains 1 type of magnesium and delivers 200 mg in each serving, this is slightly lower than some of the other magnesium supplements included in the list. 

C

GRADE

Primal Magnesium by Primal Harvest features a blend of three forms of magnesium in an easy-to-swallow, plant-based capsule. Expertly formulated, it contains magnesium glycinate, magnesium citrate, and magnesium malate as well as zinc to target many wellness needs.* This formula combines different types of magnesium with 8 mg of zinc and provides 74% the DRV of magnesium and 73% the DRV of zinc. The formula comes in a plant-based, hypromellose capsule, and at two capsules a day, was a convenient and easy-to-take serving size.

As all high-quality supplements should be, Primal Magnesium is third-party lab tested and made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients. This product offered great value for money and liked that the brand has a convenient Subscribe & Save program which means you can order this formula through their convenient and hassle-free subscription service. By signing up for a subscription you get 20% off all products plus free shipping. Not ready for a subscription? The brand also offers great deals if you purchase multiple bottles at once. 

• 3-in-1 formula with 3 magnesium types
• With 310 mg of magnesium - 74% the DRV
• Contains 8 mg zinc - 73% the DRV
• Easy-to-swallow, plant-based capsules
• Certified safety & purity testing
• Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients

PROS

CONS

• Only available online
• Sometimes runs out of stock

BOTTOM LINE

A+

GRADE

Magnesium Supplements 2024

Key Must-Haves

Important Criteria

Magnesium Citrate

Magnesium Glycinate

Min. 70% of DRV of Magnesium

Zinc (min. 70%)

Only Contains 1 Type of Magnesium

Nature’s Bounty Magnesium

Puori Magnesium

Magnesium Citrate by Bluebonnet

Magnesium Bisglycinate by Thorne

90-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Third Party Tested

Subscribe & Save Program

*We try to update product information as often as we can. Please visit product websites for more information.

Note: These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition, nor are they intended to be substitutes for professional medical health advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider for accurate advice, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

Note: These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition, nor are they intended to be substitutes for professional medical health advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider for accurate advice, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

• Magnesium citrate
• Magnesium glycinate
• Magnesium lactate

• Magnesium chloride
• Magnesium malate

Magnesium Supplements 2024

CITATIONS

DISCLAIMER: This scientific research is for informational purposes only. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Primal Harvest provides this information as a service but does not endorse it. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific products.

[1] Schwalfenberg, Gerry K, and Stephen J Genuis. “The Importance of Magnesium in Clinical Healthcare.” Scientifica, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5637834/. 

[2] “Office of Dietary Supplements - Magnesium.” NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-healthProfessional/. 

[3] L;, Boyle NB;Lawton CL;Dye. “The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation….” Magnesium Research, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27869100/. 

[4] J;, Workinger JL;Doyle RP;Bortz. “Challenges in the Diagnosis of Magnesium Status.” Nutrients, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30200431/#:~:text=It%20is%20currently%20estimated%20that,disorders%2C%20to%20name%20a%20few. 

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To see a list of our other references, please click here. 

You may also come across magnesium supplements for sleep that combine magnesium with other minerals like calcium and zinc. Calcium is combined with magnesium to support bone health. Zinc, on the other hand, may be particularly useful for sleep.* 

What To Avoid

How may other magnesium supplements on the market not meet your needs?

When it comes to finding the right supplements, it can get pretty complex. There are endless products to choose from formulated with different forms of magnesium that may target different needs.

Some types of magnesium found in supplements are bound with other compounds. Here are some of the most common forms of magnesium to look for: 

• Unclear Labels: A quality magnesium supplement should clearly list exactly what’s included in the formula. Avoid products lacking transparency that don’t list all of the specific ingredients included in the formula.
• Missing Safety Testing & Certifications: Choose a magnesium supplement that has been independently third-party lab tested and manufactured in the USA. These precautions will guarantee that the product is high-quality and free from unwanted extras, such as contaminants, traces of heavy metals, or pesticides.
• False or Misleading Claims: Beware of any supplements that claim their product treats or cures any specific disease or ailment, or promises miraculous, unrealistic, or misleading results. Always speak to your doctor before starting a new supplement routine.
• Suspiciously Cheap Products: When it comes to your health, this is definitely not an area to test out suspiciously cheap products. There are plentiful options to choose from that are high value and still affordable. In this case, you do get what you pay for!