What Is Magnesium Bisglycinate, and What Does “Chelated” Mean?Updated an hour ago
Magnesium bisglycinate is a form of magnesium in which the mineral is bound to the amino acid glycine. It is also called magnesium glycinate, and supplement labels describe it as a chelated form of magnesium.
What Is Magnesium Bisglycinate?
Magnesium bisglycinate is a compound made of one magnesium ion bound to two molecules of glycine, a simple amino acid. Magnesium is an essential mineral the body needs and obtains through diet. In dietary supplements, magnesium is combined with another compound to make it stable, and that compound gives the form its name. You can explore the published research at PubMed.
What Does “Chelated” Mean?
A chelate is a compound in which a mineral is held by organic molecules. In magnesium bisglycinate, two glycine molecules surround a central magnesium ion. “Chelated” on a supplement label describes this structure. You may also see “magnesium bisglycinate chelate,” which refers to the same form.
Is Magnesium Bisglycinate the Same as Magnesium Glycinate?
The terms are often used interchangeably on supplement labels. “Magnesium bisglycinate” names the structure more precisely, with two glycine molecules per magnesium ion. “Magnesium glycinate” is the shorter name for the same form.
Why Does the Label Say “Magnesium (as Magnesium Bisglycinate)”?
On a Supplement Facts panel, the amount listed is the amount of the mineral itself, called elemental magnesium. The wording in parentheses names the form it comes from. A label reading “Magnesium (as Magnesium Bisglycinate) 300 mg” lists 300 mg of magnesium. It does not list 300 mg of the whole compound.
Why Do Supplements Use Different Forms of Magnesium?
Magnesium is sold in many forms, including bisglycinate, citrate, oxide, malate, and taurate. Each is magnesium bound to a different compound. The forms differ in what the magnesium is bound to and in how much elemental magnesium a given weight of the compound contains. For this reason, the form is always named on the label. Magnesium bisglycinate appears in several Codeage formulas, including Liposomal Magnesium Glycinate, Creatine Magnesium, and Multivitamin D+.
Where Can I Learn More?
- The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements publishes a magnesium fact sheet for consumers.
- For an example of a formula that declares its magnesium by name and form, read Creatine Magnesium: Three Actives, One Scoop.
A Note on Supplement Use
Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing, has a known medical condition, or takes prescription or over-the-counter medications is encouraged to consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any dietary supplement.
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