Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic processes in the body, supporting everything from muscle and nerve function to energy production, sleep, and psychological wellbeing.
In this guide, we will summarise the benefits of magnesium supplements for different uses, including the best forms and our recommended products at Meaghers Pharmacy.
Click on the links below to jump to that section:
- Which is the Best Magnesium for Sleep?
- What Are the Benefits of Taking Magnesium for Anxiety?
- How Magnesium for Constipation Can Improve Your Digestive Health
- The Best Magnesium for Muscle Cramps & Recovery
- Can You Take Magnesium Supplements for High Blood Pressure?
Discover how magnesium can help with problems falling asleep, and our recommended supplements.
Browse our top magnesium supplements to ease anxiety and stress.
Learn magnesiumās role in the body and which forms help with digestive health.
Learn the best forms of magnesium to improve athletic performance.
Discover whether magnesium can help lower blood pressure.
Which is the Best Magnesium for Sleep?
To address sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep, you may want to consider supplements containing calming ingredients. Magnesium is a prime example, as it helps balance neurotransmitters and plays a key role in mood, muscle movement, memory, and sleep.
The best choice of magnesium for sleep concerns is magnesium glycinate, also known as magnesium bisglycinate. Incredibly absorbable and easy on the stomach, magnesium helps calm the brain down. It relaxes muscles, while the added glycine, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, can potentially help you fall asleep faster.
For more information, read our guide to choosing the best magnesium supplements for sleep, including potential benefits and what to look for.
Our Top Picks for Sleep Magnesium Supplements
Revive Active Sleep Capsules
Key Features:
- 7 active ingredients to support a restful nightās sleep
- 100mg Magnesium Bisglycinate
- 220mg Chamomile extract
- 50mg lavender
- Research-backed doses (two capsules per night)
- Gentle and non-addictive
Cost: ā¬29.50 (60 Capsules)
PrizMAG+ Magnesium Bisglycinate
Key Features:
- Magnesium and Vitamins D3 & K2
- Gentle on the stomach
- Vegan and allergen-friendly
- Promotes restful sleep and helps reduce stress and anxiety
- Relieves muscle cramps and tension
Cost: ā¬32.95 (90 Capsules)
Looking for the best supplements for sleep? Shop our entire collection of sleep aid products stocked at Meaghers Pharmacy here.
What Are the Benefits of Taking Magnesium for Anxiety?
Thanks to its calming properties and help supporting the nervous system, magnesium supplements for anxiety are a popular solution to supporting your mental health ā especially for those with low magnesium levels.
For anxiety and related stress concerns, the best magnesium is that with a high absorption rate and the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Like tackling sleep problems, one of the most effective forms for easing anxiety symptoms is magnesium glycinate, known for its calming properties. Another great option is magnesium taurate, bound to the amino acid taurine, which also has calming and neuroprotective effects. Unlike magnesium oxide, these forms are gentle on the stomach and have research supporting their use for anxiety and other mental health conditions.
For more advice, read our guide to choosing the best magnesium for anxiety, including the top forms, benefits, and our recommended supplements here.
Our Top Picks of Magnesium Supplements for Anxiety
As magnesium bisglycinate has calming properties, supplements containing this star ingredient can address multiple concerns, including anxiety, stress, and sleep problems. Along with the magnesium supplements for sleep, here are some additional picks for magnesium glycinate supplements to help with anxiety:
Zooki Magnesium Liquid Sachets
Key Features:
- Fast-absorbing liquid magnesium for quick support
- Convenient sachets ā perfect for on-the-go stress management
- Gentle formulation, easy to digest
- Supports relaxation and muscle calm
- Tasty pineapple guava flavour
- Ideal for those who struggle with tablets or capsules
Cost: ā¬69.95 (30 Sachets)
Revive Active Magnesium Complex
Key Features:
- Multi-form magnesium blend, including bisglycinate, taurate and malate
- Five potent ingredients, including vitamins B1 and B6
- Helps combat physical and mental fatigue associated with stress and anxiety
- Supports muscle relaxation and recovery
- Ideal for busy, high-demand lifestyles
- Designed for consistent daily supplementation
Cost: ā¬24.95 (60 Capsules)
How Magnesium for Constipation Can Improve Your Digestive Health
Constipation is an incredibly common gastrointestinal issue that can affect people of all ages. It occurs when waste moves too slowly through the digestive tract, leading to infrequent or difficult bowel movements. To address these problems, look for a magnesium form with laxative strength, digestive tolerance, and a high bioavailability.
The best magnesium for constipation is magnesium citrate, which, thanks to its osmotic effect, draws water into the large intestine, helping soften stools and regulate bowel movements. Another form to consider is magnesium oxide, which is helpful for chronic constipation due to its strong laxative effect.
For more information, read our buyerās guide to the best magnesium supplements for easing constipation.
The Best Magnesium Supplements for Constipation at Meaghers Pharmacy
Choosing the right magnesium for constipation all depends on your goals and personal circumstances. For occasional constipation, citrate supplements are ideal; for chronic constipation, oxide may be more suitable. For sensitive stomachs, consider magnesium glycinate or other gentler forms.
Here are some of our recommended magnesium supplements for constipation:
AYA Magnesium Citrate Tablets
Key Features:
- 250mg high-quality magnesium
- Gentle on the stomach
- Helps support muscle health, normal nerve function, and promotes overall wellbeing in the body
- Convenient tablet form
- Suitable for occasional constipation
Cost: ā¬13.95 (30 Capsules)
Solgar Magnesium Citrate Tablets
Key Features:
- Highly absorbable citrate form of magnesium
- Supports muscle and nervous system function
- Supports energy release and reduces tiredness
- Contributes to mind balance
- Vegan, Vegetarian, Kosher
Cost: ā¬17.30 (60 capsules)
Shop our entire collection of vitamins and supplements to help support gut health here.
The Best Magnesium for Muscle Cramps & Recovery
Magnesium supplements can help support muscle function, recovery and athletic performance, particularly if you are deficient in the essential mineral. It does so by allowing the muscles to relax, supporting normal energy production and muscle protein synthesis in older adults.
To help with athletic performance, muscle recovery, and muscle cramps, we recommend supplements containing magnesium malate. This form is bound to malic acid, a key component in the Krebs cycle, and is highly bioavailable. Other magnesium forms that may help with muscle function include glycinate, citrate, or threonate.
For more advice, read our guide to the best magnesium for muscle cramps and recovery, including insights into the importance of magnesium in the body here.
The Ultimate Magnesium Supplement for Muscles
Zooki Revive & Repair Bundle
Key Features:
- Ready-to-drink sachets
- Pineapple and guava flavour
- 1500mg magnesium bisglycinate
- 200mg active magnesium per serving
Zooki Liposomal Curcumin:
- Clinically proven to reduce soreness and enhance recovery post-exercise
- A daily dose of liposomal curcumin from turmeric provides targeted support for your muscles, bones, and exercise recovery.
Cost: ā¬93.43
Natureās Plus Magnesium Glycinate Capsules
Key Features:
- 100% as highly bioavailable magnesium bisglycinate
- Better absorbed than common magnesium glycinate options
- 210 mg per serving
- Easy-to-swallow vegan capsules
- Helps reduce tiredness and support normal muscle function
- Contains no poorly absorbed unreacted magnesium oxide
Cost: ā¬19.95 (90 Capsules)
Shop our entire collection of joint, bone and muscle health supplements at Meaghers Pharmacy here.
Can You Take Supplements for High Blood Pressure?
Taking magnesium for high blood pressure can be a safe and effective treatment, albeit quite a moderate approach. Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure by relaxing the vascular smooth muscle and supporting nitric oxide release.
Generally, oral magnesium supplementation has been proven to reduce diastolic and systolic blood pressure slightly, but it should be used as part of a wider lifestyle change. Magnesium supplements can reduce blood pressure by 1-5 mm Hg, but the effects can vary significantly.
Make sure to always consult your doctor before starting a new supplementation regimen, particularly if you are already on blood pressure medication, proton pump inhibitors or diuretics.
Magnesium oxide is the most common in off-the-shelf supplements, and while it contains the highest amount of elemental magnesium, it is poorly absorbed and can cause stomach upset.
Read more about taking magnesium supplements for high blood pressure and what to consider here.
Unsure on which magnesium supplement is right for you? Read our guide to comparing and combining different types of magnesium supplements for comprehensive advice.