
General Magnesium FAQ
- Low energy or fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping or restless nights
- Muscle cramps, spasms, or twitching
- Increased sensitivity to stress or anxiety
- Emotional changes, such as irritability or low mood
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Weakened bones or low bone density over time
- Kidney stones
Magnesium plays a role in hundreds of enzymatic reactions in the body, so even mild deficiencies can have noticeable effects on your overall well-being.
For more details, read our article: Are You Getting Enough Magnesium?
To help you decide, check out our article: How to Choose the Right Magnesium Supplement
For example, MAG3N8 contains magnesium L-threonate, a form studied for its potential ability to increase magnesium levels in the brain. Customers report that it helps support mental clarity and focus—especially when taken in the morning. Because L-threonate has a lower elemental magnesium content, it’s often paired with a more magnesium-rich supplement to meet the body’s broader needs—like PrizMAG Pure Magnesium Bisglycinate.
We also have many customers who start their day with MAG365 BF, an ionic magnesium citrate powder enriched with B vitamins, zinc, and other supportive nutrients. It has a reputation for fueling energy, muscle recovery, and stress resilience.
In the evening, PrizMAG— pure magnesium bisglycinate—is a popular choice to support nervous system relaxation and deeper, more restorative sleep.
To recap, you can consider:
- MAG3N8 or MAG365 BF in the morning
- PrizMAG in the evening
- Adjusting your dosage based on your individual needs
Not sure which magnesium supplement is right for you? Check out our Magnesium Supplement Guide.
While most forms of magnesium can help support sleep by calming the nervous system and relaxing muscles, magnesium bisglycinate is widely considered the best magnesium for sleep. It combines magnesium—which plays a key role in melatonin regulation and stress reduction—with glycine, an amino acid naturally bonded to magnesium that promotes relaxation and deeper, more restorative sleep.
PrizMAG Pure Magnesium Bisglycinate stands out because it contains just one ingredient: magnesium bisglycinate. It’s one of the only magnesium supplements on the market that is 100% pure, with no fillers, binders, stearates, or manufacturing agents—making it a clean, effective, and trustworthy choice.
Plus, it's gentle on the digestive tract, making it ideal for sensitive individuals. With four industry awards—including Best Sleep Product and Best Stress Relief Product—PrizMAG is a science-backed solution for relaxation support.
Many people choose to take a magnesium supplement like magnesium bisglycinate before bed because of its gentle, non-laxative formula and calming effect. This form is often chosen for supporting better sleep, stress relief, and muscle relaxation.
However, magnesium also plays a vital role in energy production. It is required for the creation of ATP—the primary energy currency of your cells—so it’s perfectly fine to take magnesium in the morning as well.
In fact, many people benefit from splitting their magnesium dose throughout the day to maintain consistent levels. A common routine includes taking MAG365 or MAG3N8 in the morning for energy, clarity, and stress support, and PrizMAG in the evening to relax the body for deeper, more restful sleep.
For example, magnesium citrate (used in MAG365) is created by binding magnesium with citric acid, which results in an absorbable form ideal for supporting energy, stress relief, and muscle recovery.
Magnesium bisglycinate (used in PrizMAG and PrizMAG+), is bound to the calming amino acid glycine. This form is often chosen for its gentle digestive profile and its ability to support relaxation, better sleep, and nervous system health. Glycine itself has been studied for its role in improving sleep quality and promote a calming effect on the brain.
Magnesium L-threonate has been studied for its ability to increase magnesium levels in the brain and is commonly chosen to support mental clarity.
Other forms, such as magnesium malate or magnesium oxide, have different carrier compounds. Magnesium malate is often recommended for its potential to support energy production, while magnesium oxide contains a higher elemental magnesium percentage but is less bioavailable and can have a laxative effect.
While certain forms may be better suited to specific health goals, it’s important to remember that absorption rate matters. Choosing a highly bioavailable form helps to ensure your body actually gets the magnesium it needs.
Not sure which magnesium supplement is right for your needs? Check out our Magnesium Supplement Guide to compare forms and benefits.
Magnesium is also water-soluble, meaning it can leach out of food during cooking — especially when boiling vegetables. Eating raw foods may help preserve magnesium content, but there’s a catch: many magnesium-rich foods (like spinach, nuts, and seeds) are also high in oxalates. Oxalates can bind to magnesium in the digestive tract, reducing absorption and carrying it out of the body. (For more on this, read our article: “Magnesium Deficiency and the Role of Oxalates”.)
Magnesium supports hundreds of essential enzyme-driven processes, from energy production to muscle function. If you suspect your intake is low, consider tracking your food choices and supplementing if needed — especially if you follow a modern diet or cook most of your meals.
A recent review, The Role of Magnesium in Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease , found that magnesium supplementation can significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, especially in individuals with existing hypertension.
Additional research supports magnesium’s role in populations at higher cardiovascular risk. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials showed that magnesium supplementation was effective in reducing blood pressure among individuals with insulin resistance, prediabetes, and other chronic conditions commonly linked to cardiovascular disease.
Together, these findings suggest that magnesium can be a valuable part of a heart-healthy lifestyle—particularly when paired with proper diet, exercise, and medical supervision.
To learn more about the benefits of magnesium during pregnancy, visit our article: Magnesium for Pregnancy .
As with any supplement, it's important to consult your healthcare provider before starting magnesium during pregnancy to ensure it's right for you.
For example, phytates and oxalates—found in magnesium-rich foods like leafy green vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts—can bind to magnesium in the digestive tract and reduce its absorption. (To learn more, see our article: Magnesium and Oxalates)
Supplement form also matters. Well-dissolved, water-soluble forms like magnesium citrate are more easily absorbed than less soluble forms like magnesium oxide. As we age, magnesium absorption in the gut tends to decline, while urinary excretion increases—making it even more important to choose bioavailable forms.
Two highly absorbable options include:
- MAG365 – an ionic magnesium citrate powder that dissolves completely in water for fast absorption.
- PrizMAG – a pure magnesium bisglycinate capsule that’s gentle on digestion and ideal for sensitive systems.
Understanding what affects magnesium absorption can help you choose the right supplement and ensure you're getting the full benefit. Need help choosing the right magnesium supplement? Check out our guide: How to Choose the Right Magnesium Supplement?
Magnesium oxide contains the highest percentage of elemental magnesium by weight, but its bioavailability is very low. Some studies suggest it has an absorption rate as low as 4%, primarily due to its poor solubility in water. It’s also more likely to cause digestive upset or a laxative effect.
Magnesium citrate is a compound of magnesium and citric acid, known for its high solubility and better absorption in the digestive tract. It dissolves well in liquid, making it easy to take and fast-acting. Research suggests that magnesium citrate—particularly in ionic forms like MAG365—are among the most bioavailable magnesium supplements available. Non-ionic forms, by contrast, may have lower absorbability. Learn more about ionic magnesium here.
Magnesium bisglycinate (also called magnesium glycinate) is a chelated form made by binding magnesium to the amino acid glycine. It is highly absorbable, gentle on digestion, and less likely to cause a laxative effect than other forms of magnesium. It's often well tolerated—even for those with sensitive digestion.
Glycine also has calming properties, which is why magnesium bisglycinate is often chosen for supporting relaxation, stress reduction, and better sleep. While some early research and anecdotal evidence support its role in managing anxiety, stress, and insomnia, more clinical studies are needed to confirm these benefits.
For a detailed breakdown of the different types of magnesium and their specific uses, read our article: Which Form of Magnesium is Best?
One standout option is MAG365 Ionic Magnesium Citrate, a highly absorbable powder that must be activated in warm water to create an ionic magnesium solution. This form is quickly absorbed by the body and starts working fast. It hydrates the bowel, relaxes intestinal muscles, and helps promote regular, comfortable elimination—without harsh laxatives or sudden urgency.
Unlike some harsher magnesium laxatives, MAG365 is ideal for daily use and gentle enough for those with sensitive digestive systems. Plus, it's a pleasant, drinkable form, making it an easy addition to your daily wellness routine—no pills required.
For more effective topical magnesium absorption, consider switching to SeaMAG magnesium chloride flakes. Magnesium chloride is better absorbed through the skin than Epsom salts and is often recommended for those looking to increase magnesium levels transdermally.
While magnesium baths can be a great addition to your wellness routine, they should be used as a supplemental source of magnesium—not your only one. For best results, combine topical magnesium with a high-quality oral supplement to fully support your magnesium needs.