Frequently Asked Questions

Those numbers refer to the amount of elemental magnesium in each capsule. For example, our Magnesium Bis-Glycinate 200 Gentle contains 200mg of elemental magnesium per capsule.

Conventionally, they mean the same thing. The terms are used interchangeably.

All three forms are excellent options, providing enhanced absorption and gastrointestinal gentleness compared to other forms of magnesium. But there are a few differences.

The primary difference is how gentle they are (which is why ours are labelled Gentle, Extra Gentle and Ultra Gentle) and how much elemental magnesium they deliver.

For example, our Magnesium Bis-Glycinate 80 Ultra Gentle is a fully reacted chelate. It allows for better absorption and greater protection from interfering substances like prescription medications. Improved absorption means fewer digestive upsets like those found in other magnesium forms. Hence we called it ultra gentle.

There is a trade-off though. With increased glycine and chelation, less elemental magnesium fits in the capsule.

Not everyone needs the level of gentleness found in Ultra Gentle. And many people would be better served with more magnesium! Our Magnesium Bis-Glycinate 200 Gentle uses the blended form, trading glycine and chelation for more elemental magnesium – over twice the amount! Magnesium Bis-Glycinate 140 Extra Gentle uses a buffered chelate form. It’s a good in-between option since it offers more elemental magnesium than the chelate and more gentleness than the blend.

Magnesium bis-glycinate chelates have a lower density compared to the blended or buffered chelate forms. The most fully chelated material that will fit into a capsule is around 800mg, delivering 80mg of elemental magnesium (10% by weight).

If a capsule-based product claims to contain substantially more than 80mg of elemental magnesium derived from the chelated form, it is likely not fully chelated. If you want a higher dose of magnesium but still want the ultra gentle form, look for the Ultra Gentle powder, liquid and natural drink mix options. These give you more magnesium than we could fit in a single capsule.

That depends on your particular circumstances and needs. We wanted to provide people with a range of options to meet their particular needs. We’ve provided a breakdown of these on page 44.

Our Magnesium Bis-Glycinate 200 Gentle uses a blended form of magnesium bis-glycinate that we source from a large trusted mineral supplier in the United States. Our 140 Extra Gentle and Ultra Gentle products use the buffered chelate and chelate forms respectively. These forms are sourced from Albion Minerals and produced in Salt Lake City, Utah.

It hasn’t. It’s the same formulation you’ve come to enjoy. What has changed is our understanding of magnesium bis-glycinate. Since the release of Magnesium Bis-Glycinate 200 we’ve really improved our understanding of what magnesium bis-glycinate is and how it works. And as it improves, so do our offerings.

Not all magnesium bis-glycinates are alike. We want to make sure you have the knowledge to understand the differences and options so that you and your customers can continue to make informed decisions.

We’re making sure our labels are accurate and easy to understand. And we’re making sure there is a magnesium bis-glycinate that’s just right for each person.

We’re doing this because, while our understanding of an ingredient might change, the understanding we share has not. That’s our commitment to you.

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