Magnesium brands and taurate versus glycinate

[Samazeuilh2]

I’ve been taking magnesium taurate (the Tom Oliver brand) to manage ectopic beats, but I'm considering whether there's a better option. Has anyone had a brand recommended by a cardiologist for atrial fibrillation or ectopics? While browsing various brands on Amazon, I've noticed that the labeling is often unclear, particularly regarding the actual amount of elemental magnesium per capsule. Additionally, is magnesium glycinate considered more effective than magnesium taurate for heart issues like ectopic beats?

[ForensicFairy]

I’m on magnesium orotate. Magnesium orotate is a good choice for heart health, especially if energy metabolism and heart function are concerns. However, it costs more generally than other types and it does have a smaller focus. Magnesium taurate or glycinate might be more practical for general cardio use and are cheaper. To be honest though - research is thin on the ground for specific benefits of any type.

[jeanjeannie50]

Dr Sanjay Gupta from York Cardiology in the UK found that his patient's AF improved after taking Magnesium Taurate. Sadly the price of it rose after his recommendation and I think the company that makes it now uses his photo to promote it.

I bought Magnesium Glycinate and then supplemented with Taurine

Jean

[Samazeuilh2 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Yes, I’m not even sure that participles brand exists anymore.

[AussieHeart]

Please check whether the magnesium you decide includes B6. Apparently GP/Cardiologists were warned about B6 toxicity causing peripheral neuropathy back in 2021 but failed to pass it on. I was taking very high doses of Blackmores Bio Magnesium so am glad I got off it post ablation. Search “B6 neuropathy as a side effect” to get latest information in your country. A GP here has shone a light on it after developing PN herself! Sure there are many magnesium supplements that don’t have B6. Just thought I’d raise that as it’s hard to get a reasonably priced magnesium tablet with or without other additives.

[Samazeuilh2 in reply to AussieHeart]

Yes, B6 is definitely to be avoided!

[Ppiman]

No science-based specialist should recommend magnesium since there isn't a shred of evidence to support its use in reducing arrhythmia, despite quite a number of trialists trying to show that it does have some effect. Oral magnesium does not reduce arrhythmias is all the evidence shows. Intravenous magnesium sulphate solution is different, which is is used in the emergency treatment of ventricular arrhythmias and others - but that's quite different.

However, it's clear from this forum that a few people find oral Mg helps and on their recommendation, I tried it but it did nothing for me, sadly. I wish it had been otherwise and I did try various kinds and brands over many months.

There is some evidence for choosing taurate and glycinate (or any organic compound of magnesium). It has been shown that these are a little more quickly and better absorbed from the small intestine compared with the inorganic salts or compounds, such as magnesium sulphate or oxide. That said, the difference between the two is small indeed and, of course, still can't be shown to be of any consequence since no clinical effects from taking oral magnesium exist (except when used to treat people with low levels caused by malabsorption syndromes).

So, since you find it works, I would stick with taurate.

Steve

[Gladstone001 in reply to Ppiman]

Not true. Try reading "Treating arrhythmias with adjunctive magnesium: identifying future research directions" by William L. Baker. Freely available via google.

[Ppiman in reply to Gladstone001]

I shall look of course, thank you. But I have researched thoroughly using wide medical databases before and was surprised to find zero real evidence.

Steve

[Ppiman in reply to Ppiman]

When I found it, I had already that review. It contains no evidence whatsoever of oral Mg++ being anti-arrhythmic.

Also, by far the most bioavailable form of magnesium is found in food, in all vegetable matter, it is relatively abundant. The body also contains large stores and reserves.

Increasing blood levels orally is rightly hard going as the body maintains electrolyte levels immensely well owing to their relative cardiac toxicity. Thus most ingested magnesium is either not absorbed or is rapidly excreted.

As I said, I wish it were otherwise but I cannot find even one study that shows oral magnesium is able to reduce the incidence of AF or other arrhythmias. The evidence that exists is anecdotal and theoretical and I have concluded that it’s likely much of the effect is as a placebo.

Steve

[Samazeuilh2 in reply to Ppiman]

I’m really looking for something that will help with ectopics. I think you’re right about the AF. A study published in 2014 found that magnesium pidolate had some effect, but, of course, magnesium pidolate is comparatively rare as a supplement.

[Ppiman in reply to Samazeuilh2]

I think I remember that and the conclusions were hardly much at all.

I’m in the same boat. Added to the frequent ectopic beats, I get symptoms from a left bundle block.

I was told the ablation I’m waiting for could stop all of the atrial issues (given a 70% chance rising to 90% with a second ablation). I was given 50mg flecainide to help hut I’ve been worried to take it and my GP is on my side over that.

Steve

[Auriculaire in reply to Ppiman]

Placebos work and are not to be sniffed at especially as they often have considerably less side effects than medication. There has been some interesting work done on fake surgeries for knee problems.

[Ppiman in reply to Auriculaire]

Who is doing any sniffing? I have always lauded them, having seen them at work over so many years.

Steve

[Rosie0202]

During a cruise a few years ago in May, I had a really nasty episode of atrial fibrilation and flutter. I spent the whole day in the ship's sickbay and was given Magnesium Sulphate (injection). Sodium Chloride (infusion); Potassium chloride (tablet) and Metropolol tartrate twice via injection. I returned to sinus rhythym several hours later and the AF didn't come back until 4 months later. Now I am in constant AF but the point I was hoping to make is that the Magnesium Sulphate injection was the type I had rather than a tablet. I have considered taking a magnesium tablet but it is all dependent on whether or not it will be adequately absorbed by the gut. Whereas the injection goes straight into the bloodstream. It would be interesting to know if anybody else has had a similar effect.

[Samazeuilh2 in reply to Rosie0202]

Yes, I had this after a bypass!

[Ppiman in reply to Rosie0202]

That is the failing of oral magnesium - even oral organic forms cannot increase the total blood levels significantly, only help its absorption speed up a little. The idea that oral magnesium taurate has any effect on arrhythmias is totally without proof (and there have been several high quality trials); it's effect is more likely as a useful placebo (as I am sure Dr Gupta knows well as he will have followed the science). Given the nature of PAF, it would be impossible to measure its effect easily, that much is true, also.

The body is extremely intolerant of excess electrolytes. The injected form is not without risks, I gather, but the kidneys soon excrete it.

Steve

[Gladstone001 in reply to Ppiman]

Hi Ppi, I think the anecdotal evidence is overwhelming. Certainly works for me!

I can see that absolute clinical evidence is not really there, but it works in rats! -

"Shrivastava P, Choudhary R, Nirmalkar U, et al. Magnesium taurate attenuates progression of hypertension and cardiotoxicity against cadmium chloride-induced hypertensive albino rats. J Tradit Complement Med. 2018;9(2):119-123. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.06.010"

[Ppiman in reply to Gladstone001]

I get what you are saying - and there could be something in that. But I doubt it.

I would suggest a rational explanation: the internet has the ability to make anecdotes seem credible because it brings idiosyncratic experiences into a single place even when they are from unknown individuals with unknown medical backgrounds who are from a geographically vast area (viz. the World Wide Web). Added to that, the web software that all forums like this one use presents anecdotes in a very professional and authoritative looking format, further clouded by writers who offer experiences as if they were clear facts.

I would say that the attraction, and beauty, of magnesium is, because it is hardly absorbed orally, it is usually safe to try. Whilst it may work in some cases, although not showable by diligent scientists, this does also make it a near perfect placebo. Further, to offer a form of it with scientific-sounding names such as "taurate" and "glycinate", and to present it in a box with an ethical sounding company's credentials printed upon on it, goes a long way to boost the chances of that weird and wonderful effect significantly. I could also say that to offer it as a treatment for a highly variable conditions like arrhythmias and AF adds yet more power to the placebo effect.

I gave it a good try; but I shall stick with the very good quality, peer reviewed medical evidence that is published online.

Steve

[emmap985]

Just from experience I've taken the Tom Oliver for years but didn't really have as good as effect as I do now as I now take Dr Guptas recommendation of magnesium taurate by the company Ethical Nutrition and my atrial fibulation can be daily but I seem to revert quicker now I'm on the new version and have days where I'm atrial free which I didn't have before so I prefer it as it reduces etopics too. It seems to have a better elemental amount of magnesium as Tom Oliver company don't state how much are in their tablets. Facebook had a special offer on Ethical Nutriton magnesium taurate so I bought 6 months worth at a reduced rate. For me it's worth it you can't put a price on your health. Hope that's helpful Emma 😊

[Samazeuilh2 in reply to emmap985]

Thank you. I noted that TO don’t state how much elemental magnesium is in the tablet. I’ll try the Ethical Nuitrition.