Magnesium glycinate vs citrate: A neutral comparison of two common magnesium supplement forms. This piece compares magnesium glycinate vs citrate across structure, absorption concepts, and how dosing is presented on product labels, with a focus on the differences that matter when forming a plan around supplementation. The emphasis is on the science and labeling rather than on outcomes or claims about efficacy. Chemical makeup and how they behave in the body: Magnesium glycinate is a chelated form in which magnesium is bound to the amino acid glycine; magnesium citrate is magnesium bound to citric acid. These ligands influence dissolution, interactions with transport systems in the gut, and the amount of magnesium delivered per unit of the compound. Understanding these contrasts helps clarify why products vary in composition and serving size. Dosing and labeling considerations: When comparing magnesium glycinate vs citrate, look at the label for elemental magnesium and the total compound weight. Because the same mg of elemental magnesium is not automatically interchangeable across salts, direct mg-to-mg comparisons can be misleading. Manufacturers often present recommended serving sizes that reflect the salt form’s magnesium content, making element-to-element comparisons more meaningful than total compound weight. Science and interpretation: The underlying science behind absorption and bioavailability differs by form, and researchers examine pharmacokinetic profiles to understand how each form behaves after ingestion. Evidence across studies varies, and no single form is universally identified as superior in all contexts. In practice, the choice between magnesium glycinate vs citrate may come down to formulation preferences, tolerance, and how a given product fits with a user’s routine, all within the scope of general information about these forms.
