Magnesium Forms on Supplement Labels

This guide explains that magnesium can appear in several compound forms and why the elemental magnesium amount matters.

Common forms

Magnesium citrate, glycinate, oxide, chloride, malate, and other forms can appear in supplements. The compound name identifies the source form.

Elemental magnesium is the key number

The Supplement Facts panel reports the amount of magnesium provided, not the full weight of the magnesium compound.

Compare the whole serving

Check elemental magnesium per serving, how many capsules or scoops make a serving, and other ingredients. Do not choose only by the largest number on the front of the package.

What to check before you choose a product

Read the serving size, ingredient list, amount per serving when provided, directions, warnings, and storage information. Keep ingredient research separate from claims about a finished multi-ingredient product.