Whole Food Magnesium Orange
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated
Whole Food Magnesium Orange
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(3553 ratings)
Magnesium 350 mg
Sodium 120 mg
Score 78.0
Garden of Life Whole Food Magnesium offers a bioavailable, well-reviewed formulation that supports multiple health goals, and while still premium-priced, its multi-serving format provides better value.
Quantity: 14 Ounce(s)Servings size: 5 Gram(s) (85 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
General Health
Energy
Stress Relief
Heart Health
Bone Health
leaderboard Score 78.0
Garden of Life Whole Food Magnesium offers a bioavailable, well-reviewed formulation that supports multiple health goals, and while still premium-priced, its multi-serving format provides better value.
insights Analysis
This Garden of Life product provides magnesium sourced from whole foods, which often leads to superior absorption and gentler digestion compared to isolated mineral salts. Its significant volume of positive online reviews attests to its effectiveness for various health goals, including promoting relaxation and aiding sleep. The multi-serving container makes it a more practical and slightly more economical option than the single-serving packets. However, even with the improved price per serving, it remains a high-end supplement. Its 'Dr. Formulated' distinction and whole food sourcing appeal to consumers seeking natural and effective solutions, but the cost may still be a barrier for some.
- "Whole Food" formulation enhances bioavailability and is gentle on the digestive system.
- Extensive positive reviews validate its effectiveness for relaxation, sleep, and overall wellness.
- Multi-serving packaging offers better value than single-serving packets for consistent daily supplementation.
- Still considered a high-priced supplement per serving compared to many other magnesium forms.
- Specific form of magnesium is not explicitly stated (listed as 'null'), requiring reliance on the 'whole food' claim for bioavailability.
$30.09($0.35 per serving)
 Pure Formulas | $ 30.09 | |
 iHerb | $ 31.18 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Magnesium may contribute to better sleep by regulating neurotransmitters involved in sleep and binding to GABA receptors, which calm nervous activity. Studies suggest it might help improve sleep onset and duration, especially in older adults or those with sleep disturbances linked to magnesium deficiency.
During prolonged or intense exercise, significant sodium can be lost via sweat, potentially leading to dehydration and impaired performance. Sodium supplementation, often as part of an electrolyte drink, can help replenish lost sodium, maintain fluid balance, and support endurance performance.
Magnesium is involved in regulating the body's stress response system. Some evidence indicates that magnesium supplementation may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress, particularly in individuals with a mild deficiency. Its effect is thought to be through modulation of neurotransmitters and stress hormones.
Magnesium plays a crucial role in muscle contraction and relaxation. It acts as a natural calcium channel blocker, helping muscles relax after contracting. Adequate magnesium intake is essential for proper muscle performance and avoiding cramps.
Some research suggests magnesium supplementation may help reduce the frequency and intensity of muscle cramps, particularly in individuals with a deficiency or those experiencing nocturnal leg cramps. Magnesium plays a role in muscle contraction and relaxation. The effectiveness can vary depending on the specific cause of the cramps.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adult men is generally 400-420 mg per day, and for adult women, it's 310-320 mg. These recommendations include magnesium from both food and supplements. Individual needs may vary based on factors like age, sex, and certain health conditions.
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for magnesium varies by age and sex, generally ranging from 310 mg to 420 mg for adults. When supplementing, dosages are often tailored to individual needs and may range from 200 mg to 400 mg. It's important not to exceed the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 350 mg from supplements, unless under medical guidance.
Magnesium supplements are available in various forms, including magnesium citrate, oxide, glycinate, and L-threonate. Each form may have different bioavailability and specific benefits. For instance, glycinate is known for good absorption, while citrate is often used for its laxative effect.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day for most adults. However, actual needs can vary, particularly for athletes or individuals with certain health conditions. Most sodium in the diet comes from processed and prepared foods.
Forms like magnesium glycinate, citrate, aspartate, and L-threonate are generally considered to have higher bioavailability compared to magnesium oxide or sulfate. Magnesium glycinate is often cited for good absorption with minimal gastrointestinal side effects. However, individual absorption can vary.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Common side effects of magnesium supplements, particularly at high doses, can include diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping. These effects are typically mild and often subside by reducing the dosage. More severe side effects are rare but can occur with very high intake.
Yes, excessive intake of magnesium from supplements can lead to hypermagnesemia, although this is rare in people with healthy kidney function. The tolerable upper intake level for supplemental magnesium for adults is 350 mg per day. Symptoms of magnesium toxicity can include low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, facial flushing, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest.
Common side effects of magnesium supplements, especially at higher doses, can include diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping. These symptoms often subside if the dosage is reduced or taken with food. Individuals with sensitive digestive systems may experience these effects more readily.
Yes, magnesium supplements can interact with certain medications, including some antibiotics (like tetracyclines and quinolones), bisphosphonates, diuretics, and proton pump inhibitors. These interactions can affect the absorption or efficacy of the medications. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements with prescribed drugs.
Excessive sodium intake can lead to water retention, causing bloating and swelling. In sensitive individuals, it can contribute to increased blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Severe excess can lead to hypernatremia, requiring medical attention.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Calories | 8 Calorie(s) |
Total Fat | 0 Gram(s) |
Sodium | 120 mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 2 Gram(s) |
Magnesium | 350 mg |
Dr. Formulated Probiotic Blend | 3.5 mg |
Categories
Magnesium 85.0
The "whole food" designation implies excellent bioavailability and synergy with natural co-factors, making it a highly effective source of magnesium despite the unspecified exact form.
Sodium 70.0
While the form is 'null' (presumably naturally occurring), the presence of sodium contributes to electrolyte balance, important for general health and hydration.
Goals
Sleep Support 90.0
Many reviews specifically praise its effectiveness for promoting relaxation and aiding sleep due to the highly absorbable magnesium form.
General Health 85.0
The whole food source of magnesium promotes better overall absorption and utilization for a wide range of bodily functions essential for general health.
Stress Relief 85.0
Highly absorbable magnesium effectively supports the nervous system, contributing significantly to stress reduction and calmness.
Recommended Alternatives
80 Value 
Magnesium & Calcium
NOW
4.8
★★★★★
(16706 ratings)
Sourced from Aquamin TG seaweed, this NOW supplement combines magnesium and calcium, offering a naturally derived and effective mineral blend at a very competitive price per serving compared to the analyzed product's premium cost.
78 Value 
Cal/Mag/Vit D3 with Vitamin K2 Vanilla
NaturesPlus
4.4
★★★★★
(480 ratings)
This NaturesPlus product features Magnesium Gluconate, a well-absorbed form, alongside key cofactors (Calcium, Vit D3, K2) for bone and overall health, providing robust benefits at a significantly better price-to-value ratio.
70 Value 
100% Pure Magnesium Citrate Powder
Swanson Premium Brand
4.3
★★★★★
(430 ratings)
While a powder, this Swanson product delivers pure magnesium citrate, a highly bioavailable form, allowing for flexible dosing and offering a more cost-effective way to obtain a substantial amount of high-quality magnesium compared to the analyzed product.
90 Performance 
Magnesium Caps 500 mg
Life Extension
4.8
★★★★★
(71620 ratings)
Containing TRAACS Magnesium Lysyl Glycinate Chelate, this Life Extension supplement boasts superior absorption and gentle digestive impact, making it a more precisely effective and bioavailable option for systemic health benefits.
88 Performance 
Chelated Magnesium 133 mg
Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(5354 ratings)
Swanson's chelated magnesium, featuring TRAACS Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate, is known for its high bioavailability and gentleness, providing a more reliable and targeted delivery of magnesium for mood and stress support.
85 Performance 
Target-Mins Magnesium Potassium Aspartate With Other Target-Mins Chelates
Country Life
4.7
★★★★★
(4315 ratings)
This Country Life product with Magnesium Citrate is a well-absorbed form that also includes potassium, offering a comprehensive and readily utilized mineral profile superior to a generic 'whole food' complex for certain needs.
50 Budget 
Magnesium 250 mg
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(63969 ratings)
At $0.02 per serving, this 21st Century magnesium offers an extremely economical entry point into magnesium supplementation, being significantly more affordable than the analyzed product.
60 Budget 
Triple Magnesium Complex 400 mg
Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(15589 ratings)
This Swanson product delivers a substantial dose of magnesium at a remarkably low price per serving ($0.07), providing a cost-effective alternative for daily use.
55 Budget 
Magnesium 500 mg
Nature's Bounty
4.7
★★★★★
(95059 ratings)
Offering a high potency of magnesium for only $0.04 per serving, this Nature's Bounty supplement is a significantly cheaper option for obtaining essential magnesium.
80 Value
Magnesium & Calcium
NOW
4.8
★★★★★
(16706 ratings)
Sourced from Aquamin TG seaweed, this NOW supplement combines magnesium and calcium, offering a naturally derived and effective mineral blend at a very competitive price per serving compared to the analyzed product's premium cost.
78 Value
Cal/Mag/Vit D3 with Vitamin K2 Vanilla
NaturesPlus
4.4
★★★★★
(480 ratings)
This NaturesPlus product features Magnesium Gluconate, a well-absorbed form, alongside key cofactors (Calcium, Vit D3, K2) for bone and overall health, providing robust benefits at a significantly better price-to-value ratio.
70 Value
100% Pure Magnesium Citrate Powder
Swanson Premium Brand
4.3
★★★★★
(430 ratings)
While a powder, this Swanson product delivers pure magnesium citrate, a highly bioavailable form, allowing for flexible dosing and offering a more cost-effective way to obtain a substantial amount of high-quality magnesium compared to the analyzed product.
90 Performance
Magnesium Caps 500 mg
Life Extension
4.8
★★★★★
(71620 ratings)
Containing TRAACS Magnesium Lysyl Glycinate Chelate, this Life Extension supplement boasts superior absorption and gentle digestive impact, making it a more precisely effective and bioavailable option for systemic health benefits.
88 Performance
Chelated Magnesium 133 mg
Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(5354 ratings)
Swanson's chelated magnesium, featuring TRAACS Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate, is known for its high bioavailability and gentleness, providing a more reliable and targeted delivery of magnesium for mood and stress support.
85 Performance
Target-Mins Magnesium Potassium Aspartate With Other Target-Mins Chelates
Country Life
4.7
★★★★★
(4315 ratings)
This Country Life product with Magnesium Citrate is a well-absorbed form that also includes potassium, offering a comprehensive and readily utilized mineral profile superior to a generic 'whole food' complex for certain needs.