Magnesium: 101

There are many forms of Magnesium: 101. Here is a brief description of the most popular types and how to use them to heal your health. Of course, you should always consult your physician when using or missing any supplements with your meds (read disclaimer). I have seen amazing results by incorporating the CORRECT FORM to symptom. Always go deeper— look for the root of the cause. If you’d like to schedule a consult to dig a little deeper, click here. Many times a few simple changes and your health, attitude, and waist line are happy!

 

Magnesium citrate — Magnesium citrate is the most popular magnesium supplement, probably because it is inexpensive and easily absorbed. Since citric acid is a mild laxative, magnesium citrate functions as a constipation aid as well as a magnesium source. It is a great choice for individuals with rectal or colon problems but is unsuitable for those with loose bowel movements.

Magnesium taurate — Magnesium taurate is the best choice of magnesium supplement for people with cardiovascular issues, since it is known to prevent arrhythmias and guard the heart from damage caused by heart attacks. Magnesium taurate is easily absorbed (magnesium and taurine stabilize cell membranes together), and it contains no laxative properties.

Magnesium malate — Magnesium malate is a fantastic choice for people suffering from fatigue, since malic acid — a natural fruit acid present in most cells in the body — is a vital component of enzymes that play a key role in ATP synthesis and energy production. Since the ionic bonds of magnesium and malic acid are easily broken, magnesium malate is also highly soluble.

Magnesium glycinate — Magnesium glycinate (magnesium bound with glycine, a non-essential amino acid) is one of the most bioavailable and absorbable forms of magnesium, and also the least likely to induce diarrhea. It is the safest option for correcting a long-term deficiency.

Magnesium chloride — Though magnesium chloride only contains around 12 percent elemental magnesium, it has an impressive absorption rate and is the best form of magnesium to take for detoxing the cells and tissues. Moreover, chloride (not to be confused with chlorine, the toxic gas) aids kidney function and can boost a sluggish metabolism. Magnesium: 101

Magnesium carbonate — Magnesium carbonate is another popular, bioavailable form of magnesium that actually turns into magnesium chloride when it mixes with the hydrochloric acid in our stomachs. It is a good choice for people suffering from indigestion and acid reflux, since it contains antacid properties.

The worst forms of magnesium

Magnesium oxide — Magnesium oxide is the most common form of magnesium sold in pharmacies, but it is non-chelated and possesses a poor absorption rate compared to those listed above.

Magnesium sulfate — Magnesium sulfate, also called Epsom salt, is a fantastic constipation aid but an unsafe source of dietary magnesium, since overdosing on it is easy.  Magnesium: 101

Magnesium glutamate and aspartate — Avoid these two forms of magnesium completely. Glutamic acid and aspartic acid are components of the dangerous artificial sweetener aspartame, and both of them become neurotoxic when unbound to other amino acids.

Magnesium Stearate: Does Your Supplement Contain This Potentially Hazardous Ingredient?

In large doses, magnesium stearate damages the skin and causes liver toxicity. Stearic acid, combined with magnesium forms the stearate; the acid is found in nature in many of the foods that are widely consumed such as poultry, fish, meat, eggs, butter, milk products, grains, cocoa, coconut and many other.  It is essentially SOAP!

 

Overview

Magnesium stearate is a compound formed from the incorporation of stearic acid with a magnesium ion. What results is a compound that has lubricative properties. These properties are added to a variety of supplements in order to keep vitamins from sticking to one another during manufacturing as well as to prevent them from sticking to machinery. However, recent studies show that magnesium stearate can also cause some serious side effects to the body if taken in large doses.

The Cons

This innocuous additive is found in 95 percent of supplements on the market today. As of late, this additive is also being called a toxin. To better explain its dangers, you have to understand exactly what magnesium stearate does and where it is found in supplements. There is also confusion on the differences between magnesium stearate and stearic acid.

Magnesium stearate is often found as a combined product of stearic acid and according to That’s Fit, it is made by the hydrogenation of cottonseed or palm oil. Cottonseed oil has the highest content of pesticide residues of all commercial oils, and it coats the nutrients that are found in supplements. Therefore it also delays the absorption of these nutrients by the intestines. In large doses, magnesium stearate damages the skin and causes liver toxicity.

Stearic acid, combined with magnesium forms the stearate; the acid is found in nature in many of the foods that are widely consumed such as poultry, fish, meat, eggs, butter, milk products, grains, cocoa, coconut and many others. Magnesium: 101