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