What Is Magnesium Glycinate?

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What is Magnesium Glycinate?

Magnesium glycinate, also known as magnesium bisglycinate, is a chelated form of magnesium where the mineral is bound to the amino acid glycine. This form of magnesium is known for its high bioavailability and gentle effect on the digestive system, making it a popular choice for magnesium supplementation.

Bioavailability and Absorption

Magnesium glycinate is recognized for its superior absorption compared to other forms of magnesium. Studies have shown that magnesium diglycinate is absorbed in part as an intact dipeptide in the proximal small intestine, which enhances its bioavailability1. This makes it particularly beneficial for individuals with impaired magnesium absorption, such as those who have undergone ileal resection1.

Health Benefits of Magnesium Glycinate

Glycemic Control

Magnesium supplementation, including forms like magnesium glycinate, has been shown to improve glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. For instance, magnesium supplementation has been associated with significant improvements in fasting blood sugar, HbA1c levels, and insulin sensitivity3 4. These benefits are crucial for managing diabetes and preventing its progression.

Cardiometabolic Health

Magnesium plays a vital role in maintaining cardiometabolic health. Adequate magnesium levels are associated with improved blood pressure and lipid profiles. For example, magnesium supplementation has been shown to lower diastolic blood pressure and improve metabolic profiles in overweight and obese individuals5 8. This suggests that magnesium glycinate could be beneficial for individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Insulin Sensitivity

Magnesium glycinate has also been found to improve insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic individuals. Studies indicate that magnesium supplementation can enhance insulin sensitivity indices and reduce fasting plasma glucose levels, even in normomagnesemic, overweight, non-diabetic subjects9. This highlights the importance of magnesium in preventing insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

Tolerability

One of the significant advantages of magnesium glycinate is its high tolerability. Unlike other forms of magnesium that can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, magnesium glycinate is well-tolerated and less likely to cause diarrhea1. This makes it a suitable option for long-term supplementation, especially in individuals with sensitive digestive systems.

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Adverse Effects of Magnesium Glycinate

Gastrointestinal Issues

Diarrhea and gastric irritation are common adverse effects of high-dose oral magnesium supplementation1.

General Safety in Specific Populations

In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3 and 4, oral magnesium supplementation was found to be safe and well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported4.

In patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), magnesium infusion did not result in any adverse effects during and after the treatment period5.

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How has Magnesium Glycinate Improved Patient Outcomes?

Improvement in Glycemic Control and Insulin Sensitivity

Magnesium supplementation has been shown to significantly improve glycemic control indicators such as HbA1C, fasting blood glucose, and insulin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes2 3 5 10.

Studies indicate that magnesium supplementation reduces insulin resistance and improves insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients2 3 6 10.

Renal Function and Microalbuminuria

Magnesium supplementation has been associated with improvements in renal function and reductions in microalbuminuria in patients with diabetic nephropathy1 7.

A study specifically noted a significant reduction in urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) and an improvement in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients receiving magnesium supplements1.

Cardiovascular Health

Higher magnesium levels have been linked to a lower risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease4.

Magnesium supplementation has been shown to reduce carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and improve lipid profiles, which are markers of cardiovascular health6.

Quality of Life and Tolerability

Patients receiving magnesium supplements reported significant improvements in quality of life scores compared to control groups1.

Magnesium supplementation was generally well-tolerated with only mild side effects reported, requiring no major interventions1.

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Magnesium Glycinate Mechanisms of Action

Absorption Mechanism

Magnesium glycinate is absorbed in part as an intact dipeptide in the proximal small intestine, likely via a dipeptide transport pathway1.

Bioavailability

Magnesium glycinate shows higher bioavailability compared to magnesium oxide, especially in patients with impaired magnesium absorption, such as those with ileal resection1.

Glycemic Control

Oral magnesium supplementation, including forms like magnesium glycinate, can improve glycemic control indicators such as HbA1C, insulin levels, and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes patients2.

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Common Complaints Associated with Magnesium Glycinate Use

Mitral Valve Prolapse Symptoms and Magnesium Deficiency

Patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) often experience symptoms such as weakness, chest pain, dyspnea, palpitations, and anxiety, which are associated with low serum magnesium levels. Magnesium supplementation has been shown to significantly reduce these symptoms and decrease catecholamine excretion1.

Hypomagnesemia in Chronic Kidney Disease

Hypomagnesemia is a common electrolyte abnormality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), often due to renal magnesium wasting associated with proteinuria. Oral magnesium therapy can increase serum magnesium levels, particularly in patients with lower urinary protein-to-creatinine ratios2.

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Disclaimer

The content in this blog post was generated using Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, this content is intended for informational and educational purposes only.

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