Magnesium Supplements
What’s Inside Your Magnesium Supplement – and Why It Matters - About Health | Blog
Magnesium is one of the most popular minerals supplement people regularly take, and for good reason, it is known to support relaxation, restorative sleep, easing muscle cramps or twitches, and heart health. But while many people know why magnesium is important, not so many know how to tell if the supplement they’re taking is a good one.
In essence, not all magnesium supplements are created equal. The type of magnesium compound, the dosage, and the inclusion of supportive nutrients can make a huge difference in how well your body can absorb and use it. At About Health, we’ve carefully designed Element 12 Magnesium with this in mind – combining three well-absorbed, gentle on your stomach forms of magnesium along with key co-factors for a complete formulation.
With so many magnesium supplements available in New Zealand, let’s look at the important details inside your magnesium supplement, and what sets Element 12 Magnesium apart.
Firstly, let’s look at what makes magnesium such an important nutrient for the human body. It plays a part in hundreds of biological processes, including energy production, nervous system function, muscle contraction and relaxation, and healthy cardiovascular function. One of the most common signs that people notice if their magnesium stores is low is muscle twitches or cramps, especially after exercise. Other people find their sleep is not as restful as it could be, or maybe they struggle to wind down and even get to sleep.
Despite its importance, magnesium can be hard to get enough of through diet alone. Modern diets often rely heavily on processed foods, which tend to be low in magnesium. At the same time, stress, caffeine, and alcohol can increase the body’s magnesium needs.
Leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good sources of magnesium, but intake can still fall short of optimal levels, especially during times of higher demand. That’s where a well-designed magnesium supplement can be helpful.
Not all forms of magnesium are the same
Back to the supplement details! One of the most important things to understand about magnesium supplements is that magnesium is always bound to another substance in order to be stable and absorbed. This is why you’ll see terms like magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate on labels.
The substance magnesium is bound to determines how easily it’s absorbed, how well it’s tolerated by the digestive system, and what additional properties it may bring. On the label look for the form, as well as the amount of elemental magnesium, e.g. magnesium citrate 450mg (the form) providing elemental magnesium of 90mg.
One of the most common forms found in low-cost supplements is magnesium oxide. While it provides a high percentage of elemental magnesium, it is an inorganic salt that the body does not absorb well. In practice, this means much of it passes through the digestive tract unused, hence it can have a laxative effect in some people.
On the other hand, organic salt forms of magnesium, such as citrate and glycinate, are more easily absorbed and gentler on the stomach. These forms also bring added benefits from the compounds they’re bound with. That’s why the form of magnesium is often more important than the total amount listed on the label.
The forms in Element 12 Magnesium
Element 12 Magnesium combines three superior forms of magnesium chosen for their absorption, effectiveness, and digestive comfort.
Magnesium citrate
- This is magnesium bound to citric acid, an organic salt that is highly bioavailable. The citric acid not only supports magnesium absorption but also plays a role in the body’s natural energy production cycle.
Magnesium glycinate
- This form pairs magnesium with the amino acid glycine. Glycine is involved in collagen production, antioxidant defences, and acts as a calming neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, making it a popular choice for those seeking support with relaxation and restorative sleep.
Magnesium amino acid chelate
- In this form, magnesium is bound to an amino acid complex that provides additional nutrients for nervous system health, metabolism, and bone strength. This chelated form helps deliver magnesium in a way the body can easily utilise.
Together, these three forms provide a balanced range of benefits, ensuring that Element 12 Magnesium is well absorbed and gentle on the stomach. This means you can be confident that the magnesium you take is in a form your body recognises and can put to good use – without the digestive upset that can come with some other forms.
Absorption is just the first step though, we also need to support the body’s utilisation, or uptake of magnesium, enter the role of co-factors! Co-factors are complementary nutrients the support the body’s ability to absorb and utilise a given nutrient, in this case, magnesium.
Element 12 also contains specifically selected co-factors:
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) – These B-group vitamins contribute to healthy energy metabolism and nervous system function.
- Vitamin D – Plays an important role in bone health and works alongside magnesium and calcium in the body.
- Zinc – Supports a healthy immune system and normal cognitive function, and works in synergy with magnesium.
- Selenium – An essential trace element that may also help with magnesium absorption and supports antioxidant defences.
By combining magnesium with these co-factors, Element 12 Magnesium offers a formulation designed not only for absorption, but also for balanced, everyday support of wellbeing.
Do you even need a magnesium supplement?
Modern day living can be demanding. Many of us juggle work, family, and the constant flow of digital information, often leaving little time for deep rest. Stress, busy schedules, and disrupted sleep patterns are common themes. Magnesium plays an important role in helping the body adapt to these modern pressures – from supporting the normal function of muscles and nerves, to contributing to psychological function and energy production.
You may find taking a good quality magnesium supplement helps you with:
- Restorative sleep: Magnesium supports a calm and relaxed state, which can contribute to a better night’s rest.
- Relaxation: By supporting normal nervous system function, magnesium helps the body unwind.
- Muscle comfort: From cramps to twitches, magnesium supports normal muscle contraction and relaxation.
- Heart health: Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal cardiovascular function.
This combination of roles is why magnesium is often described as a nutrient that supports both body and mind, and why it’s so valuable in today’s fast-paced world.
Why choose Element 12 Magnesium?
With so many magnesium supplements available, why choose Element 12 Magnesium? The answer lies in the details:
- Superior forms: Three highly bioavailable forms of magnesium: citrate, glycinate, and amino acid chelate.
- Gentle and effective: Formulated to be easy on the stomach and free from the laxative effect of some magnesium forms.
- Optimal dosage: 200mg of elemental magnesium per daily dose.
- Supportive co-factors: B vitamins, zinc, selenium, and vitamin D to support absorption and utilisation.
- Designed for modern life: Supports relaxation, restorative sleep, muscle comfort, and cardiovascular health.
It’s a thoughtful, complete formulation that recognises magnesium’s central role in health and the importance of using the right forms in the right way.
When it comes to magnesium, what’s inside your supplement truly matters. The form of magnesium determines how well it’s absorbed and how gentle it is on the stomach. The presence of supportive nutrients can further support its effectiveness. And the dosage ensures you’re getting enough to meet your needs without excess.
Element 12 Magnesium brings all of this together in a balanced, carefully crafted formulation designed to support your body in today’s busy world. Whether your goal is relaxation, restorative sleep, muscle comfort, or general wellbeing, choosing a magnesium supplement with the right forms and co-factors can make all the difference.
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