Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in the human body. You may not know it, but 50% of magnesium is located in the bones. Magnesium, similar to zinc, is a necessary cofactor for over 300 of the body’s biochemical reactions.
This means that many of the body’s everyday processes, such as creating muscle, maintaining nerve function, keeping a healthy heartbeat and sustaining an optimal immune system, are dependent upon this mineral. Many scientific studies are looking into the role of magnesium in the prevention of many commonly occurring chronic ailments such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.
For this reason, it is important to know the best forms of magnesium to use when taking supplements. The following article will help you understand the different types of magnesium currently on the market today. It will also give an overview of magnesium orotate, the most optimal form of the mineral supplement.
Magnesium is not easily absorbed in the body unless first attached to another substance. For this reason, many supplement manufacturers have “chelated” magnesium to organic and amino acids. A few of these include magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate and magnesium carbonate. Depending on both the amount of magnesium in the supplement, as well as the bioavailability, the quality of the supplement can be determined.
Bioavailability refers to the amount of magnesium in the supplement that can be assimilated by the digestive system and ultimately used for cellular activity and health benefit. However even if magnesium is bioavailable this does not mean that it will pass through the cell membrane and enter the cell nucleus.
11 Types of Magnesium
Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate
A mineral chelate form of magnesium containing an ion of magnesium oxide connected to a mixture of some other form of amino acid. This could be a lactate, a glycine, aspartate or arginate, etc. The best chelated amino acid form of magnesium is aspartate or arginate.
Magnesium Oxide
This type of magnesium shows high levels of concentration, but poorer levels of bioavailability (only 4%). Also referred to as “Magnesia”, magnesium oxide is commonly used medicinally as a laxative and relief for acid reflux.
Magnesium Citrate
Derived from the magnesium salt of citric acid, this form of magnesium has lower concentration, but a high level of bioavalibity (90%). Magnesium citrate is commonly used as to induce a bowel movement, but has also been studied for it’s ability to help prevent kidney stones.
Magnesium Orotate
The most effective form of magnesium supplement, created through the use of the mineral salts of orotic acid. Both plants and animals use orotates to create DNA and RNA. Extensive scientific research done by by Hans A. Nieper, M.D. has found that orotates can penetrate cell membranes, enabling the effective delivery of the magnesium ion to the inner-most layers of the cellular mitochondria and nucleus. Magnesium orotate contains many properties that can help protect you and your health, while offering your cells the most readily-absorbable form of magnesium on the market today.
