Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps keephundreds of body processes1humming along.

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The mineral is present in foods such asleafy greens, avocado, and dark chocolate.

Enter:magnesium supplements, of which there are many forms.

Emma Loewe

When it comes to magnesium supplements, bioavailability is important.

The percentage of supplement that actually makes it into the bloodstream after processing is known as its bioavailability.

The higher a supplement’sbioavailability2, the more effectively it can deliver the intended health benefits.

Bindiya Gandhi, M.D.

On its own, magnesium has very low bioavailability.

Organic forms of magnesiumtend to be more easily absorbed3and therefore more bioavailable.

(The recommended cap on magnesium supplementation is350 milligrams dailyfor adults.)

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This means that choosing the right supplement for you is largely a matter of needs and preference.

Here’s a rundown of some of the most bioavailable forms of magnesium supplements and what they do.

Magnesium L-threonate

This bioavailable form of magnesium is easily absorbed by the body.

It’s often taken to ease muscle cramps or treat specific muscle issues like fibromyalgia.

And it makes sense," Rountree said on the podcast.

“It’s a natural muscle relaxant, so it helps the whole body calm down.

  • It lowers blood pressure.

*” The glycine it’s paired with is also thought topromote sleep quality7.

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This is the form of magnesium that mindbodygreen chose to make its first sleep supplement,sleep support+.

  • And the glycinate’s bioavailability means that these benefits won’t be lost on you.

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