I’ve just read a post which asks for magnesium recommendations. I was about to recommend my brand, TOGETHER but thought I’d better do a bit of research first and now I’m confused. The brand I take is naturally sourced from the sea and claims to be easily absorbed (bioavailable) but contains the oxide form of magnesium in a high proportion, which is said to be one of the least bioavailable. The wording in the blurb though seems to suggest that because it’s naturally sourced and not synthetically made in a lab and contains four other natural forms, that our bodies recognise and utilise (yes I know, s instead of z. Call me old fashioned) it more readily
Please, only those who actually really do know and understand the science regarding different forms of magnesium. I.e., oxide, citrate, glycinate, chelates, etc. Also, the differences between natural and synthetic
Than you
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Noelnoel
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I'll stick to the limits of my knowledge. One of the most readily absorbed forms and natural is water with a high magnesium content. If I buy mineral water I always check the composition. This is backed up by studies, often from Scandinavia where similar towns are on different sides of a mountain with low and high magnesium content result in different rates of cardiac mortality.
I know oxide is very poorly absorbed and hydroxide not much better. I don't know how 'synthetic' forms of magnesium are made but e.g. Mg(OH)2 is Mg(OH)2 whether it comes from a lab or from the sky. I suspect the 'synthetic' forms are simply mined and refined, I don't know.
As for our bodies recognizing 'natural' forms this is plainly nonsense. Magnesium form and content veries so much around the globe (and locally) that there is no one 'natural' form that the body could recognize. What happens if a native of Epsom moves out of town, will their bodies fail to recognize magnesium salts that are not sulphates?
Other than that, maybe do your own research as there's probably plenty more out there and you'll be able to satisfy yourself with information from what you regard as reliable sites rather than rely on what information lay people here can offer you.
Thank you SeasideSusie and jimh111. I read the links when they we’re posted and found inconsistencies but they we’re nevertheless helpful. I thought perhaps there may be scientist among us who could offer definitive info. The internet is very useful too but also very confusing. I think until I find a better one, I’ll stick to what I know. I have no idea how well or badly I absorb it but what I do know, is on the occasions I’ve gone without it for more than about 8 days, my sleep begins to deteriorate
If it suits you then there doesn't seem to be any reason to change. I do know that magnesium oxide is said to have laxative properties but you'll soon know about that if it's a problem!
Thank you Scrumbler for the name and yes, SeasideSusie, in someone else’s post - and possibly mine too - provided three very useful links
Re shouting, I find that using it sparingly and wisely discourages wafflers. The few replies I’ve had have been very informative, which is exactly what I wanted. I know that people usually mean well but it’s time-consuming and mostly unproductive to read so many and then thank everyone. Also, the order in which replies arrive becomes confusing and the original question gets lost; we then end up responding to replies that have no relationship to the question. Very frustrating
However, please let me stress that I realise members of this forum are doing their best to offer help and for that, I’m grateful
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