How Do I Choose the Best Magnesium Orotate?

Magnesium orotate is one of the scientific names for the mineral magnesium. Your doctor might recommend a magnesium supplement if you are severely deficient in the mineral. Magnesium is available in different dietary supplements, but is also naturally present in foods. The best magnesium orotate depends on your personal magnesium levels, as well as any underlying health conditions that you may have.

The appropriate amount of magnesium orotate for an individual varies by age. The National Institutes of Health recommends up to 420 milligrams for adult men and 320 milligrams for adult women per day. Pregnant and nursing women might need to increase this amount.

A deficiency in magnesium is attributed to some health conditions, including heart deficiencies, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and more. Magnesium orotate might help prevent high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis and kidney stones. Keep in mind that magnesium is not the only element needed for health conditions. A physician will likely recommend another form of treatment in addition to any dietary supplement.

Magnesium is available in dietary supplements for those who are deficient in the mineral, most commonly the elderly. Supplements are widely available on the market in health foods stores and grocery chains. You do not need a prescription to purchase a magnesium orotate supplement.

Dietary supplements are available in different milligrams of magnesium. Multivitamins already contain magnesium, so you do not usually need to take an additional supplement. Magnesium orotate supplements are generally offered in 500 milligram capsules, which is more than the average daily recommended amount. Some supplements contain as low as 40 milligrams of magnesium. The capsules are designed for daily use.

Magnesium orotate supplements also come in a range of prices. The most expensive supplement is not necessarily indicative of the best quality capsule. More importantly, you might look for the amount of milligrams and where the product was manufactured for safety.

Various foods contain levels of magnesium. These include fiber-rich sources, such as vegetables and whole grains. Meat and dairy foods also contain magnesium. You might want to opt for low-fat dairy and lean meats to reduce your fat and calorie intake. The incidence of magnesium deficiency is usually low if you eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Always talk to your doctor before increasing your intake of magnesium orotate through diet or a supplement. In some cases, taking too much of the mineral can lead to a magnesium overdose. Symptoms include gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. An overdose is usually linked to taking too much of a dietary supplement.