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How do I Choose the Best Magnesium Supplement?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Sometimes known as the anti-stress mineral, magnesium is important to maintaining healthy nerves, as well as making it easier for the body to properly absorb and use calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and most of the B vitamins. The mineral is also helpful with a number of other conditions, including osteoporosis, insomnia, and various digestive issues. Knowing how to choose the best magnesium supplement will help to ensure you get the most benefit and enjoy a higher standard of health.

One of the first points to consider is how easily the supplement will be absorbed. There are a number of different sources for magnesium, and the rate of absorption varies greatly. Don’t let the cost sway your decision. Instead, focus your attention on products that contain magnesium citrate because its rate of absorption is much more efficient.

Magnesium supplements may be helpful with a number of conditions, including osteoporosis.
Magnesium supplements may be helpful with a number of conditions, including osteoporosis.

Another consideration is the recommended dosage of the magnesium supplement. Keep in mind that one of the benefits of magnesium is that the mineral aids in the absorption of several vitamins and minerals, so too little or too much magnesium can interfere with this. Make sure you choose a supplement that contains the right balance of magnesium to optimize the benefits of the other dietary supplements you take each day.

Magnesium supplements may help with various digestive issues.
Magnesium supplements may help with various digestive issues.

Purchasing a supplement manufactured by a reliable supplier is very important. As you choose the best magnesium supplement for your needs, take the time to research any brand that seems to be a good fit. Look online for comments and other feedback on the general quality of the supplements, as well as how consumers believe they compare with similar products on the market. Taking the time to research your options can help you avoid wasting time and money on inferior products, and possibly lead you to a magnesium supplement that you would never have heard of otherwise.

There are many different kinds of magnesium supplements.
There are many different kinds of magnesium supplements.

While cost should never be the main reason for evaluating any type of nutritional supplement, there is no reason to pay more than necessary for a quality product. There is a good chance that several comparable products will attract your attention. Look closely at the price of each of these items. Assuming you will receive the same level of benefit from any of these high-quality products, going with the supplement with the lowest cost simply makes sense.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Discussion Comments

anon942559

In addition to the form of nutrients you ingest, it's also important to look at what other elements are added to the supplements (both positive and negative). The synergistic effect of various elements together can have a big impact on how easily your body absorbs and utilizes it. For example, ascorbic acid is far more effective and efficient when taken with bioflavonoids (so, watch what Vitamin C supplement you choose).

panda2006

I imagine that natural magnesium would be better for avoiding getting too much or too little, or otherwise throwing your nutrients out of balance, when taking a magnesium vitamin supplement.

vogueknit17

I agree with the suggestion to look online for supplement reviews, comments, and concerns. I once discovered a supplement I had been taking had been getting horrible reviews from users for the same problems it was giving me, and so I stopped using it. Not every supplement out there is a natural supplement, and the artificial ingredients can cause a lot of problems for people.

elizabeth23

As with anything, it is also important to think about whether or not it might be best to include magnesium in a multivitamin for best results. While no health supplement can fully replace the real thing, getting at least some of your daily vitamins from them each day can help you get the most out of your health.

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    • Magnesium supplements may be helpful with a number of conditions, including osteoporosis.
      By: designua
      Magnesium supplements may be helpful with a number of conditions, including osteoporosis.
    • Magnesium supplements may help with various digestive issues.
      By: Pixinoo
      Magnesium supplements may help with various digestive issues.
    • There are many different kinds of magnesium supplements.
      By: pixelrobot
      There are many different kinds of magnesium supplements.
    • Low magnesium levels may cause insomnia.
      By: Dan Race
      Low magnesium levels may cause insomnia.
    • If your doctor has prescribed supplemental magnesium, you will typically need to follow his or her instructions for the proper dosage.
      By: concept w
      If your doctor has prescribed supplemental magnesium, you will typically need to follow his or her instructions for the proper dosage.
    • Salmon is one of many foods naturally rich in magnesium.
      By: pilipphoto
      Salmon is one of many foods naturally rich in magnesium.