Magnesium is an essential mineral for many bodily functions and is found in a variety of forms. Two of the most common forms of magnesium are chelated magnesium and magnesium citrate. Each form has its own benefits and drawbacks, and understanding the differences between them can help you decide which is best for you.
What is Chelated Magnesium?
Chelated magnesium is a form of magnesium that is bound to other molecules, such as amino acids, to form a compound. It is designed to be more easily absorbed by the body than other forms of magnesium. It is often found in supplements, and is sometimes referred to as a “buffered” form of magnesium.
What is Magnesium Citrate?
Magnesium citrate is a form of magnesium that is bound to citric acid. It is also designed to be more easily absorbed by the body than other forms of magnesium. It is often found in supplements and is sometimes referred to as a “chelated” form of magnesium.
Benefits of Chelated Magnesium
- Easier to absorb: Chelated magnesium is designed to be more easily absorbed by the body than other forms of magnesium.
- More stable: The molecules that chelated magnesium is bound to make it more stable than other forms of magnesium.
- Less likely to cause stomach upset: Because chelated magnesium is bound to other molecules, it is less likely to cause stomach upset than other forms of magnesium.
Benefits of Magnesium Citrate
- Easily absorbed: Magnesium citrate is designed to be more easily absorbed by the body than other forms of magnesium.
- Easily dissolved: Magnesium citrate is easily dissolved in water, making it ideal for use in supplements.
- Less likely to cause stomach upset: Because magnesium citrate is bound to citric acid, it is less likely to cause stomach upset than other forms of magnesium.
Drawbacks of Chelated Magnesium
- Expensive: Because chelated magnesium is bound to other molecules, it is often more expensive than other forms of magnesium.
- Not as widely available: Chelated magnesium is not as widely available as other forms of magnesium.
- Potentially lower bioavailability: Although chelated magnesium is designed to be more easily absorbed by the body, some research suggests that it may not be as bioavailable as other forms of magnesium.
Drawbacks of Magnesium Citrate
- Potentially lower bioavailability: Although magnesium citrate is designed to be more easily absorbed