What is the Difference Between Chelated Magnesium and Magnesium Citrate?

Chelated magnesium and magnesium citrate are two different forms of magnesium supplements. Here are the main differences between them:

Chelated Magnesium:

Chelated magnesium is a form of magnesium that is preattached to an amino acid carrier, such as glycine, making it easier for the body to absorb and increasing its bioavailability.
Magnesium Chelate Premium is bonded to the amino acid glycine, so it could also be called magnesium glycinate.
Chelated magnesium is considered to be superbly absorbed, and it is commonly used to replenish low magnesium levels in the body.

Magnesium Citrate:

Magnesium citrate is a chelate of magnesium and natural citric acid.
It is a popular form of magnesium supplement and is often found in over-the-counter supplements.
Magnesium citrate is also used as a treatment for constipation due to its laxative effect, which can draw fluid into the small intestine.
An older study found that magnesium citrate absorbed better than magnesium oxide and magnesium chelate, but it may cause some digestive side effects, such as diarrhea.

In summary, chelated magnesium is a form of magnesium that is preattached to an amino acid carrier, making it easier to absorb and increasing its bioavailability. Magnesium citrate, on the other hand, is a chelate of magnesium and natural citric acid, and it is commonly used as a supplement and a treatment for constipation. Both forms of magnesium are well-absorbed, but magnesium citrate may cause some digestive side effects.

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What is the Difference Between Chelated Magnesium and Magnesium Citrate?

Comparative Table: Chelated Magnesium vs Magnesium Citrate

Chelated Magnesium and Magnesium Citrate are both forms of magnesium supplements, but they differ in their composition and purposes. Here is a table comparing the two:

Property	Chelated Magnesium	Magnesium Citrate
Definition	Chelated magnesium is a dietary supplement used to prevent low levels of magnesium in the blood, where magnesium is bound to an amino acid carrier	Magnesium citrate is a form of magnesium bound with citric acid, often used as a laxative to treat occasional constipation
Bioavailability	Chelated magnesium is well-absorbed and has high bioavailability	Magnesium citrate is easier for the body to absorb than other forms like magnesium oxide and magnesium chelate
Forms	Chelated magnesium includes forms like magnesium glycinate, magnesium lysinate, magnesium orotate, and magnesium taurate	Magnesium citrate is often found in capsule, powder, and liquid form
Uses	Chelated magnesium is used to support normal nerve and muscle function, as well as maintain healthy bones and a balanced immune system	Magnesium citrate is primarily used as a laxative to treat occasional constipation, with a natural laxative effect that draws fluid into the small intestine
Side Effects	Chelated magnesium may cause side effects like abdominal discomfort, cramps, gas, or nausea	Magnesium citrate may cause side effects like diarrhea

In summary, chelated magnesium is a dietary supplement with high bioavailability, used to support various bodily functions, while magnesium citrate is primarily used as a laxative to treat constipation. Always consult your doctor before starting any supplementation regimen.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.