If you’ve ever read a supplement label and seen magnesium oxide, citrate, malate, or glycinate, and thought:
What’s the difference—and does it actually matter?
Short answer: yes, it matters a lot.
That’s exactly why we choose magnesium glycinate over other forms.
What Is Magnesium (Bi)Glycinate?
Magnesium glycinate is magnesium that’s bound to glycine, an amino acid.
When magnesium is chelated (attached) to glycine, it becomes:
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Easier for your body to absorb
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Gentler on your digestive system
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More effective for relaxation, recovery, and muscle support
In other words, more magnesium actually gets into your cells—where it’s supposed to work.
Why Not Other Forms of Magnesium?
Not all magnesium behaves the same in the body.
Magnesium Oxide
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Cheap and common
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Poor absorption
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Often used as a laxative
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Not ideal if you’re taking magnesium for recovery or daily support
Magnesium Citrate
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Better absorption than oxide
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Can still cause digestive upset for some people
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Often used for constipation
Magnesium Malate or Threonate
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Useful for specific purposes (energy or cognition)
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Typically more expensive or less versatile
Magnesium Glycinate (Our Choice)
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Highly bioavailable
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Gentle on the stomach
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No laxative effect
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Supports muscles, nerves, sleep, and stress response
The Benefits of Glycine
Glycine is an beneficial amino acid that helps with:
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Muscle relaxation
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Nervous system calm
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Sleep quality (builds melatonin)
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Collagen production
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Joint and connective tissue support
Glycine acts as a calming neurotransmitter, which means it helps signal your body to relax rather than stay in fight-or-flight mode.
This makes magnesium glycinate especially helpful for:
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Muscle cramps
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Post-workout recovery
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Stress and tension
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Long travel days and jet lag
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Sleep support
When it comes to hydration and recovery, quality matters. And sometimes, the small details—like the form of magnesium—make the biggest difference.
"Glycinate" equivalent to "Biglycinate"
