It's impossible for humans to be in several places at once, but for an essential nutrient like magnesium, it’s a job requirement.
At the cellular level, magnesium is involved in carrying out hundreds of different processes simultaneously throughout our bodies. In fact, without it, our bodies would completely shut down.
That’s why it’s shocking to discover an estimated 50% of all Americans don't get enough of this mega-important mineral.1 Inadequate magnesium levels can spell trouble for some of your body’s most vital systems, including immune function, bone health, and even stress.
Fortunately, taking a magnesium supplement can help replenish your body's magnesium levels and keep them from falling to dangerous lows.
Benefits of Taking Magnesium
Healthy Bones
Magnesium is essential to bone formation and density, especially as we age. It also helps regulate the distribution of important bone-building nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.2
Heart Support
One of magnesium's most important functions is helping the heart maintain a healthy rhythm. It also helps maintain blood pressure and healthy cholesterol levels.3
Better Sleep and Relaxation
Magnesium helps increase levels of GABA, a neurochemical that promotes deep sleep and relaxation. Supplemental magnesium has also been shown to help manage high stress and anxiety.4, 5
Fortified Immune Health
Studies have shown that magnesium plays a pivotal role in maintaining intracellular health and helps stimulate the production of antibodies to ward off harmful pathogens.6
Keep in mind, not all magnesium supplements are created equal. Different brands use different components, and some formulas are simply going to be more effective than others.
At Smarter Reviews, we've analyzed some of the top-selling magnesium supplements on the market to help guide you in the right direction. We'll show you what to look for and what to avoid in a high-quality supplement, plus, we share our top 5 picks of the year.
Your Complete Magnesium Checklist
Contains Zinc & Vitamin D3
Zinc helps your body absorb magnesium more efficiently.
(Note: exercise caution when taking other supplements with very high concentrations of zinc (> 140 mg/day) as too much can hinder the absorption of other vital nutrients).7
Magnesium and vitamin D3 work to each other's advantage to promote healthy bones. Additionally, vitamin D3 helps direct calcium towards your bones where it's needed, and away from soft tissues like your arteries, where it can do harm.8
Most Bioavailable Magnesium
Three of the most bioavailable forms of supplemental magnesium are magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, and magnesium malate. Studies have shown that they are particularly good at being absorbed.9, 10
Third-Party Tested
Third-party testing means products are independently vetted for purity, potency, and overall safety. This is one of the best methods for promoting transparency and truth in labeling.
Money-Back Guarantee
Sometimes it takes weeks, or even months to notice results from supplements. We recommend going with a brand that offers at least a 90-day money-back guarantee in case things don't work out.
What To Avoid In A Magnesium Supplement:
Added Calcium
Be wary of taking a supplement that contains both magnesium and calcium, especially if you already take supplemental calcium. At high doses, these two minerals often compete for absorption.11
Fillers and Additives
Avoid supplements that use fillers and additives like magnesium stearate, soy, and silicon dioxide. They have no medicinal benefits and may even lead to allergic reactions.