Related Compounds
Compounds connected by the same goals, effects, or research topics.
Compound Profile
Magnesium Glycinate
Magnesium glycinate may fit sleep quality or muscle tension goals when magnesium intake is low or tolerability matters.
Use extra caution — Safety evidence: magnesium supplements can cause dose related gastrointestinal effects. Details
Last reviewed: •6 sources citedReport a correctionProfile-wide ·D Preliminary
Verdict: Magnesium GlycinateYes
Bottom line
The form most people should reach for at night — well absorbed and gentle on the gut. A steady base layer rather than a knockout.
- Evidence confidence
- Moderate — the best-tolerated form for nightly use
- Expected onset
- Days to a couple of weeks
- Give it
- 2–4 weeks
Safety: Very well tolerated; still use caution with kidney impairment.
On the evidence: Glycinate is favored for tolerability; head-to-head sleep data across forms is limited.
Best for
- Nightly relaxation and sleep support
- People who get loose stools from other forms
- A gentle evening base
Not ideal for
- A same-night sedative
- Severe insomnia alone
How strong is the evidence?Moderate
Why not higher
- Little head-to-head trial data pits glycinate against other forms
- Most magnesium sleep evidence is not form-specific
- Effects are modest, not sedative-strength
Why not lower
- Magnesium repletion has real, well-understood benefits
- Glycinate is reliably well absorbed and gentle on the gut
- Very favorable safety and cost
Practical takeaway: The most sensible default form for a nightly base — gentle and easy to tolerate. Judge it over a couple of weeks rather than in one night.
Quick stats
- Evidence level
- Preliminary evidence
- Typical onset
- Varies by prep
- Safety rating
- Use extra caution: Use caution
- Best for
- GABA NMDA, NMDA Receptor, GABAergic Signaling
Safety
Safety & Cautions
Standard caution
Caution level: Standard. No specific caution categories were detected in the source record.
- Safety evidence
- magnesium supplements can cause dose-related gastrointestinal effects
- Who should avoid this?
- No specific evidence-backed contraindication is documented for this profile. This is not the same as established safety.
- Talk to a professional if
- your formulation, dose, or health context differs from the evidence summarized here.
Severe renal impairment increases hypermagnesemia risk, and magnesium can reduce absorption of some oral antibiotics and bisphosphonates; glycinate-specific comparative safety evidence remains limited.
Evidence Summary
Profile-wide ·D PreliminaryEvidence lens
Early signal that needs stronger human replication before practical claims.
PreliminaryPreliminary evidence
Human clinical evidence: Present in source signals
Mechanistic / preclinical: Mechanism mapped — Electrolyte Repletion · Neurotransmitter Modulation · Neuroprotective Activity
Research maturity: Preliminary research — Early findings are not treated as established consumer benefit.
Safety boundary: Safety note available — Safety evidence: magnesium supplements can cause dose related gastrointestinal effects.
This profile cites 6 human studies.
Evidence Strength
Confidence estimate based on the design quality and consistency of published clinical trials.
Magnesium Glycinate has a preliminary evidence rating.
AdaptogenSleepStress & MoodRecovery
Citation density
2.3
Sources
7
Effects
3
Research recency
Mixed recency
Evidence Grade
Grade D: Preliminary / Theoretical Evidence
Evaluation of methodological rigor, population reach, and evidence alignment.
- Design Match
- Meta analysis
- Risk of Bias
- Low
- Consistency
- Not assessed
Strongest recorded design is a meta analysis, drawn from 1 recorded study, 1 in people.
How evidence grades work
Each grade reflects the strength and consistency of published human evidence — not marketing claims. Grades are based on study count, design quality, effect size, consistency, and recency.
- Strong
- Multiple RCTs, consistent direction, adequate effect size
- Moderate
- Some RCTs or consistent observational data in humans
- Preliminary / Mixed
- Animal or in-vitro only, or conflicting human data
- Traditional / Theoretical
- Traditional use only; no controlled human trials
Clinical Study Summaries (7)3 human evidence sources · 1 human trial · Participant totals not consistently reported · Consistency not yet classifiable
Filter by study class
Showing 7 of 7 studies.
What the evidence actually shows
This table contains 7 structured sources, including 3 human evidence sources; 1 is a human trial.
| Study | Design | N | Dose | Duration | Population | Outcome | Result & magnitude | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Background | Meta-analysis Statistically combines results from multiple eligible studies; confidence still depends on the quality, consistency, and directness of those studies. | — | — | — | — | — | Magnesium reduced systolic BP by 2.81 mm Hg (95% CI -4.32 to -1.29) and diastolic BP by 2.05 mm Hg (95% CI -3.23 to -0.88) versus placebo. | PubMed → |
2024 Background | Systematic review Uses a predefined method to find and evaluate relevant studies, but may or may not pool their results statistically. | — | — | — | — | — | — | DOI → |
2025 Background | Randomized controlled trial Randomly assigns participants to interventions or controls, reducing many sources of bias when the trial is conducted well. | — | — | — | — | — | — | DOI → |
2025 Background | Mechanistic research Studies biological pathways or mechanisms. It can explain plausibility but does not by itself establish a clinical benefit. | — | — | — | — | — | — | DOI → |
An Update on Hypomagnesemia and Hypermagnesemia 2023 Background | Other / unclear The study design is not yet classified clearly enough to infer its place in the evidence hierarchy. | — | — | — | — | — | — | DOI → |
Electrolyte disorders with platinum-based chemotherapy: mechanisms, manifestations and management 2017 Background | Other / unclear The study design is not yet classified clearly enough to infer its place in the evidence hierarchy. | — | — | — | — | — | — | DOI → |
Show 1 more study
Magnesium Oxide in Constipation 2021 Background | Other / unclear The study design is not yet classified clearly enough to infer its place in the evidence hierarchy. | — | — | — | — | — | — | DOI → |
How Magnesium Glycinate Works
Simplified mechanism pathway based on preclinical and pharmacological evidence. Does not confirm clinical efficacy.
Mechanism Pathway — How Magnesium Glycinate Works
CompoundTarget / ReceptorMechanismEffect / Outcome
Dosing
- Common form
- chelated mineral capsule or powder
- No standardized dose
- Our source data records the usual product form for this ingredient but no studied dose. Preparations differ widely, so follow the standardization on the product you actually have and speak to a clinician before starting.
Mechanisms & biological pathways
Preclinical mechanism details from scientific profiles; these represent plausible pathways but do not guarantee clinical efficacy in humans.
- Electrolyte Repletion
- Neurotransmitter Modulation
- Neuroprotective Activity
- Stress Response Modulation
- Neuromuscular Signal Modulation
- Nervous System Calming
Guides that use Magnesium Glycinate
Condition guides
Also in this cluster
Sleep & Recovery guide →Continue exploring
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Direct product recommendations and affiliate links are suppressed for this compound due to its high caution or needs-review safety classification.
Evaluate the safety checks, contraindications, and potential medication interactions above under clinician supervision before use.
Safety first · Harm reduction
This information is educational and not medical advice. Start low, avoid risky combinations, and consult a licensed clinician before making health decisions—especially if you use medications, have diagnosed conditions, or are pregnant/breastfeeding.
Learn how we evaluate confidence, safety, and intensity on the methodology page.
Editorial Review
Checked against primary sources, cited evidence, and contraindication language before publication. Evidence claims, safety language, and affiliate modules are reviewed independently. Not personal medical advice.
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