Magnesium Matters: How Magnesium Glycinate Supports Muscles, the Nervous System and a Healthy Stress Response
Magnesium has been getting a lot of attention lately, and for good reasons. Magnesium is an essential mineral, meaning it is necessary for maintaining health. In fact, our bodies rely on Magnesium for over 300 enzymatic reactions that support vital processes throughout the body. 1 Yep, that’s right: Magnesium is involved in hundreds of metabolic processes that keep everything running smoothly. So, it's fair to say that this mineral plays a major role in how our bodies function.
Can you get Magnesium from food?
Absolutely! Magnesium is found naturally in many foods such as nuts, seeds, legumes, leafy green vegetables and even meat such as beef and chicken. 2 Interestingly, in Australia, 1 in 3 people are not meeting their Magnesium requirements. 3 Sometimes our bodies need a little extra help, especially when our day-to-day activities start getting disrupted by those annoying muscle cramps and mild muscle spasms which start to show up when dietary intake is inadequate.
Or maybe you are feeling stressed, needing support with a healthy stress response and muscle relaxation after a long day at work or with the kids. This is where Magnesium comes in!
Magnesium Glycinate
When it comes to supplements, Magnesium never shows up alone, it is always put with a “carrier” or a friend. Some forms of Magnesium may cause digestive upset due to them being inorganic and not very soluble, which means your gut may have a harder time absorbing it. 4
One form of Magnesium that I’m sure you have heard of is Magnesium Glycinate. This form has been talked about a lot, especially in the online world, so what makes this form different and stand out from the rest?
Magnesium Glycinate is Magnesium attached to glycine, an amino acid (protein) to form a chelate. Glycine is the smallest amino acid that can help with many physiological functions. When glycine is combined with Magnesium, it creates higher absorption^ and can be gentler on your digestive tract! 4
How can I benefit from Magnesium Glycinate?
Magnesium Glycinate really shines when it comes to supporting your nervous system and muscles. Maybe you have been hitting the gym more often and need a little extra support with muscle health and relaxation. Or maybe you’re looking to support a healthy stress response in the body by supporting nervous system health and function. Magnesium Glycinate also helps reduce mild muscle spasms, relieve muscle cramps and helps reduce the occurrence of muscle cramps when dietary intake is inadequate.
So, if you are looking for a high absorption^ Magnesium to help with your muscle and nervous system health, Magnesium Glycinate is something you should consider.
^When compared to Magnesium Oxide
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
References
1. Kirkland, A. E., Sarlo, G. L., & Holton, K. F. (2018). The Role of magnesium in neurological disorders. Nutrients, 10(6), 730. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10060730
2. Healthdirect Australia. (2025, April). Foods high in magnesium. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/foods-high-in-magnesium
3. Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2015). Australian health survey: Usual nutrient intakes. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/food-and-nutrition/usual-nutrient-intakes/latest-release
4. Siebrecht, S. (2013). Magnesium bisglycinate as safe form for mineral supplementation in human nutrition. International Journal of Orthomolecular and Related Medicine, 144, 2-10. https://nutritionalfrontiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Magnesium_Bisglycinate_comparison_published.pdf.
