🧠 How to Choose the Right Magnesium Supplement (and What to Avoid)

🩵 Not all magnesium supplements are created equal.
With dozens of different types on the market — glycinate, taurate, citrate, oxide — it’s easy to get confused.
Here’s how to find the best magnesium supplement in the UK and avoid wasting money on low-quality forms.

⚙️ 1️⃣ Check the Form of Magnesium

Not all forms are absorbed equally:

• Magnesium glycinate — gentle, highly bioavailable, ideal for daily use, energy and recovery.

• Magnesium taurate — combines magnesium with taurine to support cardiovascular and nervous-system balance.

• Magnesium citrate — helps digestion but can be harsh on the stomach.

• Magnesium oxide — looks strong on the label yet offers poor absorption (most of it passes straight through).

💡 Choose amino-acid chelates such as glycinate or taurate for real absorption and comfort.

🚫 2️⃣ Avoid Buffered or Blended Magnesium

Many so-called “magnesium glycinate” supplements are buffered with cheap magnesium oxide to inflate the elemental magnesium number.
It looks like you’re getting more, but you’re actually absorbing less.

👉 Always read the label carefully. A transparent formula should list
“magnesium bisglycinate” or “magnesium glycinate (providing X mg elemental magnesium)”, with no oxide anywhere.

That’s why the Arbor Magnesium Complex uses only pure glycinate and taurate — no buffering, no synthetic fillers.

🌿 3️⃣ Look for a Clean-Label Formula

High-quality magnesium supplements should be:
✅ Free from stearates, binders and artificial additives
✅ Vegan and allergen-free
✅ Manufactured in the UK to GMP standards
✅ Transparent about dosage and sourcing

🧩 Our Magnesium Complex contains just three ingredients — magnesium glycinate, magnesium taurate and natural rice extract in a plant capsule.

💪 4️⃣ Consider Absorption and Tolerance

Glycinate and taurate forms are both highly absorbable and gentle on digestion, unlike oxide or carbonate forms that may cause discomfort.
Perfect for supporting:

• Energy and recovery ⚡

• Muscle function and relaxation 💪

• Nervous-system and psychological balance 🧘♀️

• Reduction of tiredness and fatigue 🌙

🩵 5️⃣ Choose Trusted, Science-Led Brands

Look for brands that:

• Disclose elemental magnesium content clearly

• Use research-backed forms

• Package sustainably

• Focus on efficacy, not inflated numbers

The Arbor Magnesium Complex ticks every box — delivering 264 mg elemental magnesium (70 % NRV) from 1,800 mg total compounds in a clean, vegan formula.

✨ The Takeaway

When choosing a magnesium supplement, focus on purity, absorption and transparency.
If the label lists “magnesium oxide,” “buffered,” or a string of additives — skip it.
Look instead for pure magnesium glycinate or taurate in meaningful doses, like our Arbor Magnesium Complex, formulated for genuine absorption and clean, effective support.

🛒 Shop the Magnesium Complex →

❓ FAQs

What is the most absorbable magnesium supplement?

Magnesium glycinate is widely regarded as the most absorbable and gentle form. The Arbor Magnesium Complex combines glycinate with taurate for superior bioavailability and tolerance.

Is magnesium glycinate good for sleep and relaxation?

Yes. Magnesium glycinate supports the nervous system and helps reduce tiredness and fatigue, which can promote better rest and recovery.

What does “buffered magnesium” mean?

Buffered magnesium means the glycinate has been mixed with cheap magnesium oxide to inflate the elemental number. It’s less effective and more likely to upset the stomach.

How much elemental magnesium should I take per day?

The recommended daily value is around 375 mg. Each serving of the Arbor Magnesium Complex provides 264 mg elemental magnesium (70 % NRV), ideal for topping up dietary intake.