🔬

Testing Results for Magnesium Supplements

Mar 16, 2025

Lecture on Magnesium Supplements Testing

Overview

  • 22 popular magnesium supplements were tested.
  • Brands include Swanson, NOW Foods, GNC, Doctor's Best, Life Extension, and more.
  • Several forms of magnesium tested: glycinate, oxide, malate, theate, citrate, and aspartate.

Key Points

Forms of Magnesium

  • Magnesium Glycinate:
    • Only 14.1% Elemental magnesium by mass.
    • 23% of Elemental magnesium absorbed by the body.
  • Magnesium Oxide:
    • 61% Elemental magnesium by mass.
    • 23% absorption rate.
  • Magnesium Aspartate:
    • 8% Elemental magnesium by mass.
    • 42% absorption rate.

Testing Results

  • Of the 22 products tested:
    • 12 met or exceeded label claims.
    • 8 failed to meet label claims.
    • 2 were guilty of deceptive marketing.

Issues with Products

  • Some products mislabeled; not fully reacted or bonded chelates.
  • Example: Blending glycine with magnesium oxide or carbonate and labeling as magnesium glycinate.

Detailed Brand Analysis

Passed Products

  • BioEmblem: Exceeded 150 mg claim by 21 mg.
  • Doctor’s Best: Exceeded label claim by 9 mg.
  • Nature Made: Exceeded 400 mg claim by 21.3 mg.
  • NOW Foods: Exceeded claims for glycinate and citrate forms.
  • Life Extension: 31.9 mg over its claim.

Failed Products

  • Deal Supplement: Claimed 750 mg, revealed only 126 mg.
  • Double Wood: Deceptive marketing; actual content 28 mg.
  • GNC: Deceptive 1300 mg front label claim.
  • Innate Vitality: 8 mg below claim, deceptive 500 mg front label.
  • Nature Bell: Fell short by 17 mg, front label deception.
  • Purely Holistic: Appeared short by 3 mg, actual 44 mg soluble.
  • ZYY Nutrition: Claimed 500 mg, only 65 mg present.

Mixed Results

  • Swanson: Triple magnesium complex fell short by 25.2 mg.
  • Fred H: Initially matched claim, but only 111 mg soluble.

Conclusion

  • Buying magnesium supplements can be complex due to variation in labeling accuracy and absorption rates.
  • Consumers should be informed about the forms and compositions of magnesium supplements to make educated purchasing decisions.

Recommendations

  • Do independent research to determine the best form for individual needs.
  • Consider trusted brands with consistent testing results.
  • Be wary of products with claims that seem exaggerated or unrealistic.

Additional Notes

  • Importance of checking the actual amount of soluble chelated magnesium.
  • Consider watching for future discussions or reviews on magnesium forms for more insights.

Many thanks for watching the presentation, and remember to take care, be healthy, and informed when selecting supplements.

Full transcript