Magnesium Citrate Malate vs. Glycinate: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Published on January 4, 2024
Magnesium citrate malate is a magnesium salt blend for enhanced absorption, while glycinate is magnesium bonded with glycine, known for its calming effects.
Key Differences
Magnesium citrate malate combines magnesium with citric acid and malic acid, enhancing its absorption and bioavailability. Magnesium glycinate, on the other hand, is magnesium bonded to the amino acid glycine, known for its calming and relaxing properties.
Magnesium citrate malate is often used for its laxative effect and to support energy production. Magnesium glycinate is preferred for its ability to improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and support mental health, with fewer laxative effects.
The citrate and malate in magnesium citrate malate facilitate its absorption but can have a mild laxative effect. Magnesium glycinate is well-tolerated, causing fewer digestive issues compared to other forms of magnesium.
Magnesium citrate malate is recommended for individuals needing to improve their magnesium levels and digestive health. Magnesium glycinate is often recommended for those seeking stress relief and improved sleep quality.
Both forms are highly bioavailable, but magnesium citrate malate is more commonly used for immediate relief of constipation, while glycinate is preferred for long-term mental and neurological benefits.
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Comparison Chart
Composition
Magnesium with citric acid and malic acid
Magnesium bonded with glycine
Primary Benefits
Laxative effect, energy support
Calming effect, mental health support
Absorption
High, with mild laxative effects
High, with minimal digestive issues
Recommended Use
Digestive health, magnesium deficiency
Stress relief, sleep improvement, neurological health
Side Effects
Mild laxative effect
Fewer gastrointestinal disturbances
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Magnesium Citrate Malate and Glycinate Definitions
Magnesium Citrate Malate
Often used to correct magnesium deficiency.
My doctor recommended magnesium citrate malate for my magnesium deficiency.
Glycinate
A magnesium form bonded with the amino acid glycine.
I take magnesium glycinate to help with my sleep issues.
Magnesium Citrate Malate
Useful in energy production and metabolic support.
Athletes use magnesium citrate malate for better energy utilization.
Glycinate
Known for its calming effects on the brain.
Magnesium glycinate has reduced my anxiety levels significantly.
Magnesium Citrate Malate
Can aid in bone health and muscle function.
Magnesium citrate malate helps in maintaining my bone density.
Glycinate
Less likely to cause digestive discomfort.
Since switching to magnesium glycinate, I've had no stomach issues.
Magnesium Citrate Malate
Known for its high bioavailability and laxative properties.
Magnesium citrate malate is effective for occasional constipation relief.
Glycinate
Supports mental health and neurological function.
Magnesium glycinate is part of my regimen for cognitive health.
Magnesium Citrate Malate
A magnesium supplement combined with citric and malic acid.
I take magnesium citrate malate to improve my digestive health.
Glycinate
Preferred for long-term use due to its gentle nature.
For long-term magnesium supplementation, my nutritionist suggested glycinate.
Glycinate
(chemistry) Any salt or ester of glycine.
FAQs
What is magnesium glycinate?
Magnesium bonded with glycine, known for its calming effects.
What is magnesium citrate malate?
A magnesium supplement combined with citric and malic acid for better absorption.
Who should take magnesium glycinate?
Those looking for stress relief, improved sleep, and mental health support.
Are there any digestive side effects of magnesium citrate malate?
It can have a mild laxative effect.
When is magnesium citrate malate recommended?
For treating constipation and improving magnesium levels.
Which is better for sleep, citrate malate or glycinate?
Magnesium glycinate is preferred for its sleep-enhancing properties.
Is magnesium glycinate good for anxiety?
Yes, it's beneficial for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
Can magnesium citrate malate help with energy production?
Yes, it's effective in supporting energy metabolism.
Does magnesium glycinate cause digestive issues?
It's less likely to cause digestive discomfort compared to other forms.
Can I take magnesium citrate malate for long-term use?
It's suitable for short-term use, particularly for constipation relief.
Is magnesium glycinate suitable for everyone?
It's well-tolerated but always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Does magnesium citrate malate improve bone health?
Yes, it can contribute to maintaining bone density.
Can magnesium glycinate help with muscle cramps?
Yes, it's effective in relieving muscle cramps and spasms.
Can magnesium glycinate improve cognitive function?
It supports neurological health, which can positively impact cognitive function.
Which form of magnesium is best for constipation?
Magnesium citrate malate is often recommended for its laxative effect.
Is magnesium glycinate vegan-friendly?
Check the product label, as the magnesium source is vegan, but other ingredients may vary.
How does magnesium citrate malate affect the stomach?
It can cause loose stools or a mild laxative effect in some people.
Is it safe to switch from magnesium citrate malate to glycinate?
Yes, but it's advisable to do so under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Which magnesium form is better for athletic performance?
Magnesium citrate malate is often chosen for its role in energy metabolism.
Does magnesium glycinate interact with medications?
It can, so it's important to consult with a healthcare provider.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
