Think you’re good without magnesium? Wrong. Most people sleep on this mineral, and it shows in their crappy sleep, constant stress, and twitchy muscles. Multivitamins throw in a sprinkle of it, but not nearly enough to move the needle.
Magnesium is one of those underrated supplements that can actually change how you feel day to day. Better recovery, calmer nerves, deeper sleep, less of that wired-but-tired feeling. The catch is you can’t just grab the cheapest bottle at the grocery store and expect results. You need the right form, the right dose, and a product that isn’t loaded with junk fillers.
That’s where this list comes in. We’ve broken down the best magnesium supplements out there so you can stop guessing and start getting the benefits.
We Know Supplements Very Well
Our testers come from diverse fitness backgrounds, and while we all have a passion for fitness, we understand the importance of overall health and well-being. We have personally experienced the positive impact that sports nutrition supplements can have on our training endeavors. Our team consists of certified personal trainers, triathletes, marathoners, and registered dietitians who bring their expertise to the table.
Recognizing the saturation of the supplement market, we embarked on a mission to curate a comprehensive list of beneficial magnesium supplements specifically tailored for individuals like you.. We delved into the scientific research behind these dietary supplements, scrutinized their formulations, and considered various factors to provide you with an impartial review of high-quality products.
13 Best Magnesium Supplements
- Best Overall: Magnesium Bisglycanate by Transparent Labs
- Best for Muscle Cramps: Medicramp
- Best Magnesium Supplement For Sleep: Performance Lab Sleep
- Best Multivitamin Magnesium Supplement: Wellness Series Multi
- Best for regularity & digestive function: Nature Made Magnesium Citrate
- Best Multivitamin Magnesium Supplement for Women: Powher Multivitamin
- Best Magnesium and Calcium Combo: NOW Supplements Calcium + Magnesium
- Best Magnesium for Athletes – Magnesium Bisglycanate by Transparent Labs
- Best Magnesium on Amazon –Nature’s Bounty Magnesium 400 mg
- Best Magnesium Gummies: Vitamatic Magnesium Citrate Gummies
- Best Drink/Powder Magnesium Supplement: Thorne’s Magnesium Powder
- Best on a Budget: Nature Made Magnesium Oxide
- Best in Liquid Form: NOW Supplements Liquid Magnesium with Trace Mineral
Magnesium Bisglycanate by Transparent Labs
Best Overall
If you’re hunting for the best magnesium supplement, Transparent Labs’ Magnesium Bisglycinate is the one to beat. It’s clean, it’s simple, and it actually gives you a dose that matters. No junk fillers, no weak formulas that leave you guessing. Just pure magnesium in a form your body can actually use.
Now, don’t fall into the trap of thinking more is always better. Magnesium works best when it’s the right kind, in the right amount. This mineral ties into everything from muscle function and recovery to stress and mood. Get it right, and you’ll notice the difference in how you feel, train, and even sleep.
The formula here is stripped down to what counts: 300 mg of magnesium bisglycinate chelate. That’s 71% of your daily value, packed into capsules that aren’t the size of horse pills. Easy to take, easy to stick with. Start with one a day, then scale up if your body needs more.
And here’s the kicker, no preservatives, no artificial coloring, no GMOs, no gluten. Just a legit, high-quality magnesium supplement that does exactly what it’s supposed to.
Pros
- Made by Transparent Labs
- Greater bioavailability than other kinds of Magnesium
- Safe and contains zero gluten, preservatives and GMO
Cons
- Comes only in a 30-serving bottle
Medi Cramp
Best for Muscle Cramps
Cramps suck. They sneak up on you mid-workout or in the middle of the night, and you’re left frozen until it passes. The older you get, the more often they show up. That’s usually your body waving a big red flag that you’re low on magnesium.
Medi Cramp was built to shut that problem down. It’s a straightforward formula that attacks the root cause instead of just waiting out the pain. Each serving hits you with 300 mg of magnesium, backed up by a lineup of B vitamins, zinc, and BioPerine to make sure your body actually absorbs and uses it. That combination is research-backed and not something you’ll find in a random grocery store bottle.
The form here is magnesium citrate, which is one of the most effective for cramp prevention. But it doesn’t stop there. This blend also helps with sleep, stress, and muscle recovery, making it useful well beyond just fighting cramps.
What stands out most is how fast it kicks in. Add in the bonus of free U.S. shipping and the fact it’s made in a U.S. facility, and you’ve got a clean, reliable supplement that does what it says.
Pros
- Works as advertised
- Focused approach with research-backed ingredients
- Offers multiple payment methods for convenience
Cons
- Only available on the manufacturer’s website
Performance Lab Sleep
Best Magnesium Supplement for Sleep
Sleep is one of the biggest performance enhancers you’ll ever get, but most people treat it like an afterthought. They’ll grab a cheap melatonin bottle at the drugstore, knock back a few pills, and wonder why they wake up groggy and dragging the next morning. That’s not recovery. That’s a band-aid.
Performance Lab’s Sleep is built different. Instead of synthetic melatonin, it leans on Montmorency tart cherry, which naturally supports your body’s own melatonin production. Then it stacks in L-Tryptophan and two high-quality forms of magnesium, NutriGenesis and bisglycinate, so your brain and muscles can actually shut down and recover the way they’re supposed to.
What you end up with is a non-habit-forming formula that lets you fall asleep easier, sleep deeper, and wake up ready to train instead of stumbling to the coffee pot. You’re looking at 100 mg of magnesium in every serving, plus the added bonus of stress relief, calmer nerves, and an overall smoother wind-down at night.
And the little details matter here. The formula is vegan-friendly, soy-free, caffeine-free, and GMP certified. No shady fillers, no synthetic junk. Even the capsules are clean, made from fermented tapioca so they go down easy. It’s the kind of product you can trust because it does exactly what it says without leaving you wrecked in the morning.
Pros
- Natural low-dose melatonin and magnesium pack a sleep-concentric punch
- A significant upgrade over old-school melatonin pills
- Clean and doesn’t have any morning side effects
Cons
- A bit more expensive than your usual melatonin supplement
Transparent Labs Wellness Series Multi
Best Multivitamin Magnesium Supplement
Most people look at magnesium and think, why not just grab a multivitamin and cover all the bases at once. The problem is most multis are watered down. They toss in a sprinkle of everything, not enough of anything, and call it a day. You end up paying for a label, not results.
Transparent Labs didn’t fall into that trap. Their Wellness Series Multivitamin actually delivers solid doses of the essentials, including a meaningful hit of magnesium in the highly bioavailable bisglycinate form. On top of that, they stacked in heavy hitters like boron citrate, CoQ10, NAC, and KSM-66 ashwagandha. That’s not just filler. That’s a formula built for performance and long-term health. CoQ10 fights oxidative stress, ashwagandha helps with recovery and testosterone, while NAC keeps your system running cleaner.
You’re not just buying a multivitamin here. You’re getting the same magnesium they use in their standalone product, plus a cocktail of nutrients that actually move the needle. Less stress, better energy, more resilience. The kind of stuff you feel working.
And here’s the kicker. No preservatives, no GMOs, no fake coloring or sweeteners. Unlike the junky multis that upset your stomach, this one goes down smooth and keeps you covered. It’s Transparent Labs, so you already know it’s clean, but this one goes further than the rest of the pack.
Pros
- Contains an adequate amount of bisglycinate
- Exceptional value for money
- Well-rounded nutrition to support health and well-being
Cons
- Testosterone benefits mainly men
Related: Best Multivitamins for Men
Nature Made Magnesium Citrate
Best for Regularity & Digestive Function
If digestive health and gut microbiome are essential to you, we’d wholly recommend Magnesium Citrate from Nature Made.
It contains an oft-overlooked ingredient, MCT or medium-chain triglyceride, essential for several gut-related things. First, it helps the digestive system absorb minerals and vitamins from food better; and two, water is drawn from the intestines to make your stool softer, aka a laxative effect. Nature Made’s magnesium supplement has 250 mg of magnesium citrate and MCTs to make you regular and promote a healthier digestive system.
Although not advertised, the product can help you move more regularly and promotes a well-oiled digestive function. It’s actually a decent 2-for-1 deal since you’ll be getting the perks of MCT while enjoying the benefits of Magnesium, e.g., reduced stress, better muscle function and more.
Pros
- Contains MCT, a natural laxative and gut microbiome helper
- Gluten free and no synthetic dyes
- Citrate form is usually better absorbed by the body
Cons
- Large softgels can make it difficult to swallow
Powher Multivitamin
Best Multivitamin Magnesium Supplement for Women
Magnesium supplements for women deserve special mention as they need something that caters to their specific needs and physiology. Again, if you’re in the magnesium supplement market, you can consider a multivitamin to cover all your nutritional bases.
Powher is true to its word of being a ‘complete multivitamin for women’. On the magnesium side of things, you get 100 mg of magnesium oxide which is absorbed quickly by the body and fills up around 24 percent of your daily value. Expanding further, there are notable additions such as CoQ10, biotin, folic acid, calcium, iodine, zinc, choline, and potassium. It’s worth noting that there’s 9 mg of iron in here, which makes up 50% of your daily needs. So if you’re planning to get Powher, you can forego your iron supplement.
Powher Multivitamin’s formula is crafted by registered dieticians and tailor-made for women’s physiology. That’s why you’ll see some minerals and compounds that are more pronounced than others and the addition of vitamins D and B for those who are active and working out regularly.
What impressed us most was how widely available it is and how anyone in the globe who wants to try it could (via worldwide shipping).
Pros
- Specially made for women
- Ships worldwide from the UK and US
- Offers discounts on bundle purchases
Cons
- Only for women
Shop powherofficial.com
Related: Best Multivitamins for Women
NOW Supplements Calcium + Magnesium
Best Magnesium and Calcium Combo
You may be interested in adding Magnesium to your diet, but you won’t give up on calcium. What should you do? Thankfully, NOW Supplements has the answer- a single product that combines Magnesium and Calcium in one neat package.
The Magnesium in question is Magnesium Oxide and Citrate at 500 mg, or 119% of your DV, and 1,000 mg of calcium in the form of Calcium Carbonate and Citrate, which is 77% of your DV. Plus, the manufacturer has added 10 mg of zinc and 15 mcg of Vitamin D3 to cover 91% and 75% of your recommended DV, respectively.
With a low price tag, you can get essential calcium alongside Magnesium. We like how each bottle is free of ingredients that can prove to be harmful, such as shellfish, egg, milk, gluten, and wheat. NOW is a trusted brand so you know you’re getting your money’s worth.
Pros
- Magnesium is both citrate and carbonate form (for better absorption)
- Won’t break the bank or your wallet
- Has zinc and vitamin D in significant dosages
Cons
- Softgel tend to get sticky in warm environments
Magnesium Bisglycinate by Transparent Labs
Best for Athletes
Athletes want their magnesium supplements the way they do their pre-workouts and protein shakes- potent and fast-acting. To this end, we recommend no other product than Transparent Labs’ Magnesium Bisglycinate to turbocharge your muscle function and relaxation.
Transparent Labs is no stranger to athletic products, and this one is no different. It’s the only mag supplement in the market with 300 mg of Magnesium bisglycinate chelate, which is arguably the purest and most bioavailable form. The mineral is quickly absorbed and turned into usable matter- in this case, after a particularly strenuous workout.
The benefits of Magnesium align pretty well here. Aside from reduced stress, you can get better rest so your muscles will be ready and at their best when the time comes to perform. Plus, a higher level of cognition allows you to focus on the discipline and get closer to your goals. Transparent Labs’ product is a high-absorption supplement so you can maximize your training.
As far as a transparent and clean label is concerned, you won’t have to worry about other contaminants or fillers with Magnesium Bisglycinate. It’s pure and gives a thorough boost to your workouts and rest periods. That’s why we put it at the top of our ‘best magnesium supplements’ list.
Pros
- Bisglycinate is the best in class
- High absorption and utilization for quick results
- No gluten and artificial compounds or fillers
- Delivers more magnesium per serving
Cons
- Does not ship to certain parts of the world
Related: Why Magnesium is Good For Athletes
Nature’s Bounty Magnesium 400 mg
Best on Amazon
Searching for the best magnesium supplement on Amazon might be a tall order- there are literally hundreds of them to go through. Those who don’t have the time or patience can just pick Nature’s Bounty Magnesium 400 mg supplement to enjoy the effects of more Magnesium in their diets.
Magnesium 400 mg is different from the 500 mg product from the same manufacturer. You get 75 rapid-release soft gels at 100% daily value. The Magnesium is magnesium oxide, which can cause a laxative effect, so you better take them in the evening. It’s a no-frills supplement that works as advertised and can be bought online.
Softgels are suitable for those who have difficulty swallowing, and Nature’s Bounty has been around the block as a brand of supplement. However, it contains soy ingredients and saturated fat.
Pros
- Available on Amazon
- Exact DV of Magnesium at 400 mg
- Contains MCT
Cons
- Contains soy
- Countless clones with same label on Amazon
Vitamatic Magnesium Citrate Gummies
Best Gummies
Taking your Magnesium doesn’t have to be boring- with Vitamatic’s gummies, you’d be looking forward to the time of day you eat the essential mineral.
To become the best magnesium gummy supplement you’ll need to do several things- have a bioavailable type of Magnesium and turn it into a delicious gummy with an appealing flavor. Vitamatic has managed to nail both on the head, with magnesium citrate and a natural raspberry flavor. Suffice to say, it’s the best-tasting magnesium supplement we’ve ever tried.
Gummy is suitable for those who hate downing capsules and tablets, and Vitamatic has made it so you only eat two a day. There’s 600 mg of magnesium citrate, or roughly 70 mg of mag to cover 17% of your DV.
The features and benefits don’t end there. Magnesium gummies are free of artificial flavors, preservatives, soy, starch, and wheat, and it’s vegetarian and vegan friendly as well. The label is relatively straightforward, and you won’t have to worry about contaminants and GMOs making their way to your system.
Vitamatic offers special discounts on select products time and again, and you’d be lucky to land on one when you buy the magnesium supplement. Still, it’s tasty and deserves a special mention in our list.
Pros
- Tasty and delicious natural raspberry flavor
- Made in the USA
- Vegan and vegetarian-friendly
Cons
- Delivers less magnesium per serving
Thorne’s Magnesium Powder
Best Drink/Powder Magnesium Supplement
Prefer to drink your supplements? No problem. The Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate delivers the essential mineral in powdered form so you can take the time and unwind at the end of the day or a workout session.
The formula contains 200 mg of Magnesium in bisglycinate form, which means you won’t experience the laxative effect commonly associated with the oxide variant. The supplement facts list is pretty short and straightforward- you get the magnesium and monk fruit as a mild sweetener to make it go down easier. The taste is natural, and it’s sure to grow on you.
The supplement includes a scoop you can use to dole out accurate servings. It’s worth noting that Thorne’s product is NSF certified for sport and does not contain potentially unwanted compounds such as gluten, soy, and dairy.
Pros
- Comes in powder form, easily dissolved in water
- Bisglycinate offers faster absorption
- Natural monk fruit flavor that’s not too sweet
Cons
- Can be messy
- Not for busy individuals
Nature Made Magnesium Oxide
Best on a Budget
Nature Made’s magnesium supplement is the cheapest and the highest-quality out of all the budget offerings in the market. A bottle only costs around two coffees or a fast food meal and tends to last you several months.
It’s okay to try a magnesium supplement to try and gauge its effects, but you should always switch to a premium brand or product when you find the experience to be positive. Magnesium Oxide by Nature Made should only serve as a springboard to better magnesium forms, such as bisglycinate by Transparent Labs, or when you need to address a specific concern, e.g., Sleep and Medicramp.
Magnesium here assumes the oxide form (which explains the cost), and it’s at 250 mg or about 60 percent of your daily recommended intake. Nature Made claims that the mineral is sourced from natural ingredients, particularly grains, nuts, and greens.
Pros
- Best in class for budget-minded individuals
- Only 1 tablet daily
- Save more with an auto-subscription
Cons
- Better magnesium forms are available elsewhere
NOW Supplements Liquid Magnesium with Trace Mineral
Best in Liquid Form
The virtue of taking in your supplement in liquid form is many, but what stands out is how your body can quickly absorb and utilize the mineral.
NOW Supplements’ Liquid Magnesium gives you a total of 400 mg magnesium spread out in 3 doses for the day or roughly around 96% of your daily needs. If it’s your first time taking it, keep in mind that it’s a concentrate and should be mixed with water or juice.
Magnesium in Liquid Magnesium is found within trace minerals, which means it’s naturally sourced from the Great Salt Lake via solar evaporation method. Along with the mineral, there’s about 72 bioavailable components to power biochemical reactions and promote electrolyte balance and neuromuscular function.
As with all our chosen magnesium supplements, Liquid Magnesium doesn’t contain soy, nuts, and GMO products, and it’s vegetarian and vegan-friendly too. Plus, it has UL dietary supplement certification, so you won’t have to worry about quality and potency.
Pros
- Contains natural trace minerals
- Made by Now Supplements
- 400 mg magnesium spread in three serving sizes
Cons
- Needs water or juice to mask strong flavor
How We Decided
Ingredients
It’s easy to assume that all magnesium supplements are alike, and we wish it were so. But as it stands, there are several forms of Magnesium and a near-infinite combination of complementary ingredients so your body can make the most of it.
Bisglycinate is arguably the best form of the mineral, which you can find on Transparent Labs’ Magnesium. Other excellent additions to Magnesium include B vitamins, MCT, and ashwagandha.
Price
Price does play a significant factor in deciding which magnesium supplement is best for you. However, if you want something that your body can utilize to the fullest, then you should go beyond the cost and focus on what you want from a supplement.
To help our readers, we decided to group them according to price segments and pick the best of the lot.
Reviews
These days it’s best to listen to user feedback on just about every product you intend to purchase, and it’s the same for magnesium supplements. Highly rated magnesium supplements don’t lie- they’ve been tested and proven to work, which means it’s all cut out for us.
It’s pretty simple- the magnesium products with the best reviews are tested first and rated according to quality, dosage and ingredients.
Manufacturer Reputation
Much like reviews, we lean towards trusted and reputable brands and manufacturers, which explains the presence of Transparent Labs, Performance Lab, Nature Made and NOW Supplements in our list. As far as supplements are concerned, you’d undoubtedly want potent products that deliver as promised, which is a guarantee with these manufacturers.
The Different Forms of Magnesium
You have probably noticed in the list above that Magnesium comes in many different forms. It is essential to understand these qualities to find a type of magnesium supplementation that is appropriate for your needs.
Magnesium Bisglycinate
Bisglycinate is a t of magnesium that is particularly well absorbed by the body. It is often used to treat chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and anxiety. This type of magnesium is non-toxic and has very few side effects.
Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium citrate is probably the most well-known type of supplement in this category. This particular type of magnesium is highly soluble and easily absorbed by the body. While it does have some laxative properties, especially in high doses, this is typically not an issue for most people. Magnesium citrate also supports healthy muscles and nerves, making it an excellent choice for anyone with muscle pain or nerve problems.
Magnesium Oxide
Magnesium oxide is another common form of magnesium found in supplements. The body less easily absorbs this form of magnesium, but it is still effective. Magnesium oxide can help treat constipation and promote healthy digestion. It is also often used as a laxative, although it is not as strong as magnesium citrate.
Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium chloride is another form of magnesium that is commonly found in supplements. This form of magnesium is often used to treat conditions like magnesium deficiency, muscle aches and pains, and restless leg syndrome. It is highly soluble and easy for the body to absorb like magnesium citrate.
Magnesium Glycinate
Another form of magnesium that has become popular in recent years is magnesium glycinate. Magnesium glycinate is formed from elemental magnesium and the amino acid glycine. This form of magnesium is particularly well absorbed by the body and can help treat conditions like chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and anxiety. It is also non-toxic and has very few side effects.
Magnesium Malate
Magnesium malate is a form of magnesium that is often used to treat conditions like fatigue, muscle pain, and fibromyalgia. This form of magnesium is particularly well absorbed by the body and can help treat these conditions.
Magnesium Sulfate
Magnesium sulfate is another form of magnesium that is commonly found in supplements. This form of magnesium can be helpful in treating conditions like muscle aches and pains, and restless leg syndrome. It is also often used as a laxative or to promote healthy digestion.
Magnesium Taurate
Magnesium taurate is a form of magnesium that is often used to treat conditions like heart disease, hypertension, and high blood pressure.
Magnesium chloride, magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, magnesium malate, and magnesium sulfate are all forms of magnesium that have their own unique benefits. It is essential to find a form of magnesium that is right for you in order to get the most benefit from it. If you are unsure which form of magnesium to take, speak to a healthcare professional.
Benefits of Magnesium
Adequate Magnesium intake is perhaps the most underrated mineral for health and well-being.
A large part of the US population is not aware that they lack Magnesium, and it shows in several ways. Aside from being mainly responsible for dozens of biochemical reactions in various aspects such as the blood, muscles and soft tissues, Magnesium plays and important role in muscle relaxation, nervous system regulation and energy conversion.
Athletes should consider supplementing with Magnesium as it’s known to boost performance. It’s great for bodybuilders and people who love working out as it reduces inflammation within the system.
Furthermore, Magnesium helps combat depression, allows for deeper and better sleep, and supports healthy heart function and blood sugar levels. More importantly, it reduces the unwanted effects of daily stress and anxiety.
Unfortunately, we don’t get as much Magnesium in foods as we’d like, and this is where supplementation comes into play. These helpful products plug in your nutritional needs in a convenient pill, liquid or powder form.
What to Look For Before You Buy
Filler Ingredients
Beware of filler ingredients that pad out a pill or tablet components. With magnesium supplements, the shorter the ingredients list the better. Look out for what type of Magnesium you’re getting and if it comes with other components.
Third Party Certification
Having a third-party test a supplement for efficacy and truthfulness is always a welcome plus. It’s easy to claim that you have the best magnesium supplement, but if the label is hidden in proprietary blends, then there’s reason for doubt.
Dosage
Dosage will depend per individual or case, but the sweet spot for Magnesium should be somewhere around 300 to 400 mg, or roughly 70 to 80 percent of the recommended daily value.
If a supplement has other minerals or components, make sure to check its dosage and DV so you won’t go massively over (which might bring side effects) or under (that it may not have an effect at all).
Quality
Quality should be right on top of your list when searching for magnesium supplements. It’s almost assured in reputable and trusted brands, so you should start your journey there.
Supplement quality also means the ingredients should be highly bioavailable and pure. Look for bisglycinate and avoid the oxide form if you don’t want a laxative effect.
Final Word
Navigating the world of magnesium supplements doesn’t have to be a daunting task, especially when you’ve got a rundown of the 11 best magnesium supplements to guide you. Sure, magnesium-rich foods like spinach, nuts, and whole grains are fantastic, but sometimes life gets busy, and you need a bit of a boost.
That’s where these supplements come in handy. But hey, don’t forget about those tasty magnesium-rich foods! They’re still the stars of the show. Think of the supplements as a backup singer, adding harmony but never taking the spotlight.
Whether it’s muscle recovery or better sleep you’re after, these supplements, along with a diet full of magnesium-rich foods, might just be the ticket to feeling your best. So go on, explore, and find what works best for you. It’s all about balance, after all.