Table 6.

Selected magnesium sources, supplement bioavailability/pharmacodynamics properties, and therapeutic uses.

Magnesium salts

(1) Magnesium oxide: bioavailability is poor; effervescent magnesium oxide is better absorbed (8%) than tablets (4%)

(2) Magnesium hydroxide: poorly absorbed; used as an antacid and a cathartic

(3) Magnesium chloride, lactate, and aspartate: have higher and similar bioavailability

(4) Magnesium citrate: significantly better absorbed than oxide since it is more soluble

(5) Magnesium citrate along with potassium citrate are used in nephrolithiasis (prevents absorption of oxalates and citrate chelates oxalate

and urate to prevent stone formation)

(6) Magnesium orotate may be useful in heart failure

(7) Magnesium as a salicylate: is used in rheumatoid arthritis

(8) Magnesium mandelate: is used as urinary antiseptic

(9) Magnesium glycinate or taurinate: has been used in depression

(10) Magnesium from magnesium-rich mineral water: 59% absorption