Table of Contents
How We Tested
We evaluated over 30 magnesium glycinate supplements based on five criteria: elemental magnesium content per serving, third-party testing certifications, filler ingredients, capsule/tablet size, and cost per serving. We also considered user reviews across thousands of verified purchases and consulted with a registered dietitian on bioavailability claims.
One thing we noticed immediately: many "magnesium glycinate" products actually contain a blend of glycinate and oxide. We flagged those in our reviews because you're paying a premium for glycinate — you should actually get it.
Our Top 10 Magnesium Glycinate Supplements
1. Doctor's Best High Absorption Magnesium Glycinate — Best Overall
Doctor's Best has been the go-to magnesium glycinate for years, and for good reason. Each serving delivers 200mg of elemental magnesium from pure magnesium lysinate glycinate chelate (Albion TRAACS). The absorption is noticeably better than cheaper alternatives — most users report feeling effects within the first week.
The tablets are on the larger side, which is our only real complaint. But at roughly $0.07 per serving, the value is unbeatable for a quality chelated magnesium.
Pros
- Uses patented Albion TRAACS chelate
- 200mg elemental magnesium per serving
- Vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free
- Best price-to-quality ratio
- No laxative effect
Cons
- Large tablet size
- 2 tablets per serving
- Contains rice powder filler
2. Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate — Best Premium
If you have sensitivities or allergies, Pure Encapsulations is the brand your doctor probably recommends. Their hypoallergenic formula is free from gluten, GMOs, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, coatings, shellacs, and unnecessary binders. It's also third-party tested by Eurofins and NSF.
The downside? You need 4 capsules to get the full 120mg serving, and the price per serving is roughly 3x Doctor's Best. But for people who react to fillers or need pharmaceutical-grade purity, it's worth every penny.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic — minimal excipients
- Third-party tested (Eurofins, NSF)
- Recommended by healthcare providers
- No common allergens
Cons
- Only 120mg per 4-capsule serving
- Premium pricing
- Need to take 4 capsules daily
3. NOW Foods Magnesium Glycinate — Best Budget
NOW Foods delivers solid quality at the lowest price point in our roundup. Their magnesium glycinate tablets provide 200mg of elemental magnesium per 2-tablet serving, manufactured in a GMP-certified facility. It's a no-frills option that gets the job done.
The formula does contain stearic acid and silicon dioxide as flow agents, which some purists prefer to avoid. But for most people, these are perfectly safe and allow NOW to keep costs down significantly.
Pros
- Lowest price per serving
- GMP certified manufacturing
- 200mg elemental magnesium
- Trusted brand since 1968
Cons
- Contains stearic acid filler
- Not third-party tested
- Tablets can be chalky
4. Life Extension Magnesium Caps — Best Blend
Life Extension takes a different approach by combining magnesium glycinate with citrate and oxide in one capsule. The idea is you get the gentle absorption of glycinate plus the higher elemental content of oxide. It's a smart formulation for people who need higher doses without taking a handful of pills.
The trade-off is that it's not pure glycinate — if you specifically need the calming glycine component, you're getting less of it per serving. But for general magnesium supplementation, this is an excellent and affordable choice.
Pros
- 500mg magnesium per serving
- Only 1 capsule needed
- Excellent value
- Multi-form absorption
Cons
- Not pure glycinate
- May cause mild GI effects (oxide component)
- Less glycine per serving
5. Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate — Best for Athletes
Thorne is the supplement brand trusted by professional athletes, and their magnesium bisglycinate is NSF Certified for Sport — meaning it's tested for banned substances. If you're a competitive athlete subject to drug testing, this is your safest bet.
The quality is impeccable, but you're paying for it. At roughly $0.50 per serving, it's the most expensive option on our list. They also offer a powder form that mixes into water, which is great if you hate swallowing pills.
Pros
- NSF Certified for Sport
- Powder form available
- No unnecessary additives
- Trusted by pro athletes
Cons
- Most expensive per serving
- Only 200mg per 2 capsules
- Smaller bottle (60 caps)
6. KAL Magnesium Glycinate — Best Chewable
If you can't stand swallowing pills, KAL's chewable magnesium glycinate is a game-changer. The orange vanilla flavor is genuinely pleasant — not that chalky, artificial taste you'd expect from a chewable supplement. Each tablet delivers 200mg of magnesium from glycinate.
Pros
- Chewable format — no swallowing
- Good taste (orange vanilla)
- 200mg per tablet
Cons
- Contains sugar alcohols
- Only 60 servings per bottle
- Not ideal for sugar-free diets
7. Nested Naturals Magnesium Glycinate — Best Vegan
Nested Naturals uses vegan capsules and sources their magnesium glycinate without any animal-derived ingredients. They're also transparent about their third-party testing — every batch is tested by an independent lab and results are available on request.
Pros
- 100% vegan formula
- Third-party tested every batch
- No artificial ingredients
Cons
- 150mg per serving (lower dose)
- Mid-range pricing
8. Magtein Magnesium L-Threonate by NOW — Best for Brain Health
While technically magnesium L-threonate (not glycinate), we're including this because many people searching for glycinate are really looking for the best magnesium for brain health. Magtein is the only form clinically shown to cross the blood-brain barrier effectively, making it superior for cognitive support and memory.
Pros
- Crosses blood-brain barrier
- Clinically studied (Magtein patent)
- Best for cognitive support
Cons
- Not glycinate (different form)
- Lower elemental magnesium
- 3 capsules per serving
9. Nature Made Magnesium Glycinate — Best Mainstream
Nature Made is the #1 pharmacist-recommended supplement brand, and their magnesium glycinate is USP verified — meaning an independent organization has confirmed the product contains what the label says. If you want a safe, reliable option from a brand you can find at any pharmacy, this is it.
Pros
- USP Verified
- Available everywhere
- Pharmacist recommended
Cons
- Only 200mg per 2 capsules
- Small bottle (60 caps = 30 servings)
- Contains soy lecithin
10. BioSchwartz Magnesium Bisglycinate — Best Newcomer
BioSchwartz has quickly become one of the best-selling magnesium supplements on Amazon, and the reviews back it up. Their formula provides 200mg of elemental magnesium from bisglycinate chelate, with no artificial fillers. The capsules are smaller than Doctor's Best tablets, making them easier to swallow.
Pros
- Smaller capsule size
- No artificial fillers
- Good value (180 caps)
- Strong review profile
Cons
- Newer brand (less track record)
- Not third-party certified
Full Comparison Table
| Product | Mg/Serving | Serving Size | Cost/Serving | Third-Party Tested | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor's Best | 200mg | 2 tablets | $0.07 | No (GMP) | ★★★★★ 4.7 |
| Pure Encapsulations | 120mg | 4 capsules | $0.45 | Yes (Eurofins/NSF) | ★★★★★ 4.6 |
| NOW Foods | 200mg | 2 tablets | $0.06 | No (GMP) | ★★★★☆ 4.5 |
| Life Extension | 500mg | 1 capsule | $0.12 | No | ★★★★☆ 4.5 |
| Thorne | 200mg | 2 capsules | $0.50 | Yes (NSF Sport) | ★★★★★ 4.7 |
| KAL | 200mg | 1 chewable | $0.28 | No | ★★★★☆ 4.4 |
| Nested Naturals | 150mg | 2 capsules | $0.18 | Yes (batch) | ★★★★☆ 4.5 |
| NOW Magtein | 144mg | 3 capsules | $0.30 | No (GMP) | ★★★★☆ 4.4 |
| Nature Made | 200mg | 2 capsules | $0.22 | Yes (USP) | ★★★★☆ 4.4 |
| BioSchwartz | 200mg | 2 capsules | $0.10 | No | ★★★★☆ 4.5 |
What to Look For in a Magnesium Glycinate Supplement
Not all magnesium glycinate is created equal. Here's what separates the good from the garbage:
- Elemental magnesium content: The label might say "magnesium glycinate 1000mg" but that's the weight of the entire chelate. What matters is the elemental magnesium — usually 100-200mg per serving.
- Pure glycinate vs. blends: Some products mix glycinate with cheaper oxide to boost the elemental number. Check the "other ingredients" section.
- Third-party testing: Look for USP, NSF, or independent lab verification. This confirms the product actually contains what it claims.
- Filler ingredients: Magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and rice flour are common. They're generally safe but some people prefer to avoid them.
- Serving size: If you need 4 capsules per serving, that bottle of 180 caps only lasts 45 days. Do the math.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to take magnesium glycinate?
Most people get the best results taking magnesium glycinate 30-60 minutes before bed. The glycine component has calming properties that support sleep. However, it can be taken any time of day with or without food.
How much magnesium glycinate should I take daily?
The recommended daily allowance for magnesium is 310-420mg for adults. Most supplements provide 100-200mg of elemental magnesium per serving. Start with one serving and increase if needed, but don't exceed 400mg of elemental magnesium without consulting a healthcare provider.
Can magnesium glycinate cause diarrhea?
Magnesium glycinate is the least likely form to cause digestive issues. Unlike magnesium citrate or oxide, the glycinate form is gentle on the stomach and rarely causes diarrhea even at higher doses.
What's the difference between magnesium glycinate and bisglycinate?
They're essentially the same thing. Bisglycinate means two glycine molecules are attached to each magnesium atom, which is the standard chelation for this form. Some brands use "glycinate" and others use "bisglycinate" but the product is identical.
Is magnesium glycinate safe to take every day?
Yes, magnesium glycinate is safe for daily use at recommended doses. It's one of the safest forms of supplemental magnesium with minimal side effects. However, if you have kidney disease or take certain medications, consult your doctor first.
Does magnesium glycinate help with anxiety?
Research suggests magnesium supplementation may help reduce anxiety symptoms, particularly in people who are magnesium-deficient. The glycine component also has calming properties. While it's not a replacement for professional treatment, many users report noticeable improvements in anxiety levels.