
Inorganic Forms of Magnesium:
These are forms bound to non-carbon-based molecules.
These forms generally have less bioavailability compared to organic forms.
- Magnesium Oxide
- Magnesium Chloride
- Magnezyum Sülfat
- Magnezyum Fosfat
Organic Forms of Magnesium:
These are forms attached to an organic (carbon-based) molecule. These forms are generally more easily absorbed by the body and have higher bioavailability compared to inorganic forms.
They are classified as organic magnesium salts and magnesium chelates:
Organic magnesium salts: These are compounds in which magnesium is bound to organic acids or other organic substances. Organic magnesium salts are frequently used in food supplements.
- Magnezyum Sitrat
- Magnezyum Malat
- Magnezyum L-treonat
Magnesium chelates: This category specifically involves magnesium binding to organic molecules, particularly amino acids, to enhance their absorption and bioavailability. Magnesium chelates are frequently used in dietary supplements.
- Magnesium Glycinate
- Magnesium Taurate
- Magnesium N-Acetyltaurinate
All organic magnesium forms can be used to meet magnesium needs or raise low magnesium levels in the body and provide benefits. However, it is theoretically possible to assume that there are differences in bioavailability and absorption among these forms. Information about some organic magnesium forms is presented below.
Which Form?
Organic forms of magnesium are generally better tolerated by the body and offer higher bioavailability than inorganic forms, making them a more effective option for magnesium supplementation. When deciding on magnesium forms, the health goal or intended use can also be considered. Information on some commonly used forms in dietary supplements is provided below.
Magnesium Citrate
The citrate in magnesium citrate supplements significantly increases the bioavailability and absorption of magnesium. The citrate ion (derived from citric acid) forms a soluble complex with magnesium, making it more easily dissolved in the digestive system. This increased solubility facilitates better absorption.
Magnesium citrate can draw water into the intestines through osmosis. This effect not only helps with fluid intake but also stimulates bowel movements, helping to relieve constipation.
Furthermore, while the primary benefit of magnesium citrate supplements is increasing magnesium bioavailability, the citrate component can support energy metabolism by providing an additional source of citrate for the citric acid cycle. Although the amount of citrate alone in typical magnesium citrate supplements may not be sufficient to significantly impact energy levels, it is the combination of magnesium and citrate that enhances the overall effectiveness of the supplement.
Magnesium Malate
Magnesium malate is a complex formed by magnesium ions and malic acid. When this complex dissolves in the digestive system, it dissociates into magnesium ions and malic acid.
Malic acid increases the absorption and bioavailability of magnesium.
Furthermore, like magnesium, malic acid is an important intermediate in the citric acid cycle that occurs in the mitochondria of cells. This cycle is necessary for the conversion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy carrier in cells. Therefore, the combination of magnesium and malic acid provides a synergistic effect, improving overall energy levels and reducing fatigue.
Magnesium Bisglycinate

Magnesium glycinate enhances the bioavailability and absorption of magnesium.
Magnesium glycinate has a less irritating effect on the digestive system, therefore side effects such as diarrhea and stomach upset are less common.
After absorption, magnesium glycinate breaks down in the body into magnesium ions and glycine amino acids. The glycine molecule is involved in protein synthesis, collagen production, neurotransmitter regulation, and detoxification processes in the liver. Glycine also functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the nervous system and promotes relaxation.
Magnesium glycinate is often recommended for sleep quality, but magnesium alone does not have a proven direct effect in this regard. The amount of glycine in magnesium glycinate is also insufficient to significantly affect sleep on its own. However, it is thought that glycine complements the indirect relaxing effects of magnesium, making it a more effective choice for improving sleep quality.
Patented Raw Material:
MagChel® is a patented raw material form containing magnesium bisglycinate. It has been developed with the goal of high bioavailability, low gastrointestinal side effects, and absorption independent of gastric pH. Thanks to its chelated structure complexed with the amino acid glycine, it ensures stable and controlled absorption.
Being patented means the formulation is protected by specific production technologies and offers standardized quality.
Magnesium Taurate
Magnesium taurate is believed to enhance the absorption of both magnesium and taurine, making them more effective than taking them separately.
Furthermore, it is believed that the combination of magnesium and taurine works synergistically to improve cardiovascular function, muscle health, cognitive function, bone health, and stress management.
Taurine supplements have been studied for their therapeutic roles in managing risk factors for heart disease such as diabetes and high blood pressure. They also show promise in improving various measures of athletic performance. However, these studies are not sufficient to prove these effects. More research in humans is needed.
Magnesium L-Threonate

This is a combination of magnesium and threonic acid, a metabolite of vitamin C. This formulation is expected to improve magnesium absorption and penetration into the brain because threonic acid, being water-soluble, can cross the blood-brain barrier via water-based channels or specific carrier proteins that facilitate the passage of water-soluble molecules. Furthermore, threonic acid acts as a natural chelating agent, meaning it can effectively bind to magnesium ions. This binding helps stabilize magnesium and may facilitate its transport across cellular barriers.
Magnesium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system (nerve transmission) and normal psychological function (nerve functions such as concentration, learning, memory, and reasoning). Therefore, it is believed that this form will increase the amount of magnesium in the brain and increase the chance of showing the expected benefits.
However, while current studies on magnesium L-threonate are promising, they do not yet yield definitive results. Claims about such benefits are generally based on preliminary research, animal studies, and smaller-scale human trials. More comprehensive, well-designed clinical trials are needed to definitively prove its effectiveness.
Patented Raw Material:
“Magtein®” is a patented form of magnesium L-threonate.
For more information about Magtein, you can visit the website of the raw material manufacturer (THREOTECH LLC., USA): https://magtein.com/
Magnesium
N-Acetyltaurinate

This compound contains a magnesium atom attached to two taurine molecules with an amine function that has been acetylated. This acetylation facilitates the passage of membrane phospholipids, resulting in better penetration of Mg and taurine into cells. Furthermore, the acetyl group contributes to the compound being lipophilic (fat-soluble), which helps it cross the brain membrane more easily. Magnesium N-Acetyltaurinate, like Magnesium L-Threonate, has also been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier more than other forms, allowing for better absorption and penetration of magnesium into the brain.
Due to this property, magnesium N-acetyltaurinate may contribute to areas such as migraine, stress management, and memory. It has also been suggested to be effective in improving premenstrual syndrome symptoms in women.
However, while current studies offer hope, they are still far from proving these effects in practice and in humans.
Patented Raw Material:
ATA Mg® is a patented form of Magnesium N-Acetyltaurinate. It is developed and manufactured by Synapharm, a Belgian company.
For more information about ATA Mg®, you can visit the raw material manufacturer’s website: https://atamg.com/home/
Magnesium Absorption
- In magnesium forms, the elemental magnesium content and the bioavailability of the form are important. Below is information on the magnesium content and approximate estimated bioavailability percentage of some magnesium forms. This value indicates how much of the magnesium in the product is used by the body.
- The magnesium amounts stated in food supplements refer to elemental magnesium. As shown in the table below, for example, when you buy a product containing 1000 mg of magnesium citrate, the amount of elemental magnesium will be approximately 110 mg, and this amount will be indicated on the packaging. Of this 110 mg of elemental magnesium, only about 40%, or approximately 44 mg, is absorbed/used by the body.
| Form | Magnesium Content (%) | Magnesium Content (mg) (per 1000 mg) | Approximate Absorption Rate* (%) | Gastrointestinal Side Effect Risk (laxative effect) |
| Magnesium Oxide | %60 | 600 | %4 | High |
| Magnesium Chloride | %12 | 120 | %30–40 | High |
| Magnesium Aspartate | %10 | 100 | %30–40 | Medium |
| Magnesium Citrate | %16 | 160 | %20–30 | Medium |
| Trimagnesium Dicitrate | %16 | 160 | %20–30 | Medium |
| Magnesium Malate | %16 | 160 | %20–30 | Low |
| Magnesium L-threonate | %7 | 70 | %20–30 (especially high brain bioavailability) | Low |
| Magnesium N-acetyl Taurinate | %6 | 60 | %30–40 | Low |
| Magnesium Bisglycinate | %14 | 140 | %20–45 | Low |
| Magnesium Taurate | %10 | 100 | %20–40 | Low |





