Product Image

Magnesium Complex 500 mg

4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(8055 ratings)
Magnesium 500 mg
Product Image
Score78
A very affordable high-dose blend includes useful citrate but also weaker oxide. It may work better for motility than for precise systemic supplementation.
How scoring works
Capsule
Quantity:100 Capsule(s) • (50 servings)
Goals:
General Health
Energy
Cardiovascular Support
Heart Health
Bone Health
Digestive Health

Score 78

A very affordable high-dose blend includes useful citrate but also weaker oxide. It may work better for motility than for precise systemic supplementation.
How scoring works
$7.05($0.14 per serving)
iHerb
$ 7.49
Vitacost
$ 8.25
Pure Formulas
$ 7.05
Amazon
$ 9.99
Vitacost
$ 8.25
Report prices

Analysis

A 500 mg blend of magnesium citrate and oxide provides far more than a modest top-up. Citrate offers moderate absorption, but oxide reduces the quality of the total for systemic replenishment.

The simple formula may support bowel motility and can help close a magnesium gap in users who tolerate it. The label does not reveal how much comes from each form, so effective absorbed magnesium is uncertain.

Affordability is a clear strength, and the product avoids decorative active ingredients. A lower, fully disclosed serving built around citrate or a chelate would be easier to use consistently.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking inexpensive magnesium-based motility support
  • Experienced magnesium users who tolerate high amounts
Best for
  • Occasional stool-softening support
  • Low-cost single-mineral supplementation

Pros

  • Includes magnesium citrate
  • Very substantial labeled amount
  • Simple and economical design

Cons

  • Oxide lowers absorption quality
  • Form proportions are not disclosed
  • The full amount may exceed routine needs

Warnings

  • A 500 mg magnesium serving may cause diarrhea, cramping, or urgent bowel movements.
  • Magnesium can bind tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics and oral bisphosphonates, so these medicines should be taken several hours apart.
  • Impaired kidney function can reduce magnesium clearance, making a large supplemental amount less appropriate without clinical guidance.

Nutrient quality

72 High impact

Citrate improves absorption, but the oxide component lowers overall form quality. The stated magnesium amount is substantial, while the split between forms is not supplied.

Ingredient transparency

83 Highest impact

The total magnesium amount is disclosed. Citrate and oxide are named, but their individual contributions are not.

Customer satisfaction

72 High impact

The aggregate rating is strong and the available feedback volume gives it useful support. No specific review comments are supplied to assess recurring benefits or complaints.

Value for money

82 Highest impact

The low routine cost offsets some of the mixed-form quality limitation. No low-value active extras crowd the formula.

Report analysis

Goals

General Health
General Health
Impact
High effect
A Goal FitB- Strength of SupportC CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Magnesium · 500 mg

The formula supplies a substantial magnesium serving for muscle, nerve, and energy-related functions. Magnesium citrate improves the blend beyond an oxide-only product and all actives are clearly named.

The label does not state how much comes from citrate versus oxide, while oxide is less well absorbed than several chelated forms. A 500 mg supplemental serving may cause diarrhea or cramping, especially when introduced all at once.

Study evidence
Magnesium Supportive 114 studies
Energy
Energy
Impact
High effect
B+ Goal FitB Strength of SupportC- CoverageA- Formula Quality
Magnesium · 500 mg

The magnesium amount exceeds the energy-focused threshold and supports ATP-dependent enzymes when intake is inadequate. Citrate improves the blend, while magnesium oxide lowers absorption and may increase digestive effects.

Energy coverage remains limited to one metabolic cofactor without alertness or stress-resilience support. The formula is focused, though the high amount may cause loose stools in sensitive users.

Study evidence
Magnesium Supportive 4 studies
Cardiovascular Support
Cardiovascular Support
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitB Strength of SupportC- CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Magnesium · 500 mg

Magnesium at 500 mg provides substantial foundational support for vascular tone and normal heart rhythm. Human evidence is strongest when low magnesium status contributes to cardiovascular risk.

The combination includes citrate but also magnesium oxide, which lowers absorption confidence and may increase digestive effects. The large magnesium load may cause diarrhea, especially because oxide has a laxative effect.

Study evidence
Magnesium Supportive 123 studies
Heart Health
Heart Health
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitB Strength of SupportC- CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Magnesium · 500 mg

Magnesium at 500 mg provides substantial foundational support for vascular tone and normal heart rhythm. Human evidence is strongest when low magnesium status contributes to cardiovascular risk.

The combination includes citrate but also magnesium oxide, which lowers absorption confidence and may increase digestive effects. The large magnesium load may cause diarrhea, especially because oxide has a laxative effect.

Study evidence
Magnesium Supportive 158 studies
Bone Health
Bone Health
Impact
High effect
B+ Goal FitB Strength of SupportC- CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Magnesium · 500 mg

Magnesium provides a meaningful mineral contribution to bone formation and vitamin D activation. A 500 mg serving is substantial, but the blend relies partly on magnesium oxide and does not supply calcium, vitamin D, or vitamin K.

Citrate improves the blend, while duplicated form entries make the share supplied by each form unclear. The large supplemental magnesium amount may cause loose stools, especially because oxide is included.

Study evidence
Magnesium Supportive 48 studies
Digestive Health
Digestive Health
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitC Strength of SupportD CoverageB- Formula Quality
Magnesium · 500 mg

Magnesium citrate can support bowel motility, and the large elemental amount gives the formula a clear digestive effect. The simple design may suit occasional constipation-focused use.

Poorly absorbed magnesium oxide weakens the blend and the 500 mg amount may cause diarrhea or cramping. The product does not address gut barrier, enzymes, fiber, or microbiome support.

Study evidence
Magnesium Supportive 50 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Total Carbohydrates
1 Gram(s)
Magnesium (Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Oxide)
 500 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Dairy Free Sugar Free
Report overview
Magnesium (Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Oxide) · 500 mg OverallScore53
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyD+ Value

Citrate adds moderate absorption, but the inclusion of magnesium oxide weakens the source quality. The stated serving is unusually high and may increase the chance of loose stools or abdominal discomfort. A very low serving cost partly offsets the mixed absorption profile.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
91 Performance

Krebs Magnesium Potassium Complex

Nature's Way
Magnesium lysinate and malate provide favorable forms at a useful amount, with a modest potassium contribution. The clearly identified form provides a more predictable magnesium option than the original’s mixed or less fully described formulation. The formula remains focused rather than comprehensive.
88 Performance

Magnesium Bisglycinate Powder

NOW
Magnesium bisglycinate supplies a well-absorbed form at a practical amount in an adjustable powder. The clearly identified form provides a more predictable magnesium option than the original’s mixed or less fully described formulation. The single-mineral design does not address needs beyond magnesium.
85 Performance

Magnesium Bisglycinate 200 mg

Natural Factors
Magnesium bisglycinate provides a highly absorbable form at a moderate amount suited to routine use. The clearly identified form provides a more predictable magnesium option than the original’s mixed or less fully described formulation. The focused formula offers no additional electrolyte or relaxation ingredients.
83 Budget

Magnesium Citrate Pure Powder

Best Naturals
Magnesium citrate in an adjustable powder provides useful absorption with a clearly stated amount. Its lower serving cost improves affordability, while citrate may loosen stools in sensitive users.
80 Budget

Magnesium Caps 500 mg

Life Extension
Citrate, succinate, and named glycinate broaden the magnesium forms in a very economical capsule. Its lower serving cost improves affordability, while the oxide portion lowers average absorption, and the large amount may cause diarrhea or cramping.
84 Budget

Potassium + Magnesium

Nutricost
Magnesium citrate with a modest potassium addition creates a simple two-mineral electrolyte formula. Its lower serving cost improves affordability, while potassium is only a supporting amount, and citrate may loosen stools in sensitive users.
80 Value

Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate

Healthy Origins
TRAACS magnesium bisglycinate combines premium form quality, a useful elemental amount, and a clean powder format. The serving costs more, so the value advantage depends on prioritizing form quality. The formula is narrow, and supplied customer satisfaction is less convincing than its ingredient quality.
83 Value

Magnesium Citrate 420 mg

Nutricost
A substantial magnesium citrate amount offers useful absorption in a focused, economical formula. The lower serving cost strengthens quality-adjusted value. The higher amount may loosen stools or cause abdominal discomfort in sensitive users.
82 Value

Magnesium Citrate 200 mg

The Vitamin Shoppe
A moderate magnesium citrate amount provides practical daily supplementation in a simple tablet. The lower serving cost strengthens quality-adjusted value. Tablet excipients and complete directions are not supplied, and citrate may affect digestive tolerance.
Report alternatives

Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. The effect of food, vitamin, or mineral supplements on chronic constipation in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
    van der Schoot A; Creedon A; Whelan K; Dimidi E · Neurogastroenterology and motility · 2023
    Meta-analysis787 participants8 studies pooledDigestive Health forMagnesium
  2. A Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial on the Effect of Magnesium Oxide in Patients With Chronic Constipation.
    Mori S; Tomita T; Fujimura K; Asano H; Ogawa T; Yamasaki T; Kondo T; Kono T; Tozawa K; Oshima T; Fukui H; Kimura T; Watari J; Miwa H · Journal of neurogastroenterology and motility · 2022
    Randomized trial34 participantsDigestive Health forMagnesium
  3. Effect of the laxative magnesium oxide on gastrointestinal functional recovery in fast-track colonic resection: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study.
    Andersen J; Christensen H; Pachler JH; Hallin M; Thaysen HV; Kehlet H · Colorectal disease : the official journal of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland · 2012
    Randomized trial49 participantsDigestive Health forMagnesium
  4. Diagnosis of magnesium-induced diarrhea.
    Fine KD; Santa Ana CA; Fordtran JS · The New England journal of medicine · 1991
    Clinical trial19 participantsDigestive Health forMagnesium
  5. Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus Lcr35 in children with chronic constipation.
    Bu LN; Chang MH; Ni YH; Chen HL; Cheng CC · Pediatrics international : official journal of the Japan Pediatric Society · 2007
    Randomized trial45 participantsDigestive Health forMagnesium
  6. Association between Serum Magnesium and Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.
    Dominguez LJ; Veronese N; Ciriminna S; Pérez-Albela JL; Vásquez-López VF; Rodas-Regalado S; Di Bella G; Parisi A; Tagliaferri F; Barbagallo M · Nutrients · 2023
    Meta-analysis119,755 participants4 studies pooledBone Health forMagnesium
  7. Bioabsorbable Magnesium-Based Materials Potential and Safety in Bone Surgery: A Systematic Review.
    Hung CH; Kwok YC; Yip J; Wong HH; Leung YY · Craniomaxillofacial trauma & reconstruction · 2025
    Systematic review386 participants8 studies pooledBone Health forMagnesium
  8. Vascularized bone grafting fixed by biodegradable magnesium screw for treating osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
    Zhao D; Huang S; Lu F; Wang B; Yang L; Qin L; Yang K; Li Y; Li W; Wang W; Tian S; Zhang X; Gao W; Wang Z; Zhang Y; Xie X; Wang J; Li J · Biomaterials · 2016
    Randomized trial48 participantsBone Health forMagnesium
  9. An update on magnesium and bone health.
    Rondanelli M; Faliva MA; Tartara A; Gasparri C; Perna S; Infantino V; Riva A; Petrangolini G; Peroni G · Biometals : an international journal on the role of metal ions in biology, biochemistry, and medicine · 2022
    Narrative reviewBone Health forMagnesium
  10. Sex-specific differences in the association of magnesium intake with femoral neck bone mineral density among older adults.
    Wang B; Tan X; Yao X; Zhu Z · Endocrine connections · 2025
    Cross-sectional study1,343 participantsBone Health forMagnesium
  11. Circulating and dietary magnesium and risk of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies.
    Del Gobbo LC; Imamura F; Wu JH; de Oliveira Otto MC; Chiuve SE; Mozaffarian D · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2013
    Meta-analysis313,041 participants16 studies pooledCardiovascular Support forMagnesium
  12. Magnesium and the risk of cardiovascular events: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.
    Qu X; Jin F; Hao Y; Li H; Tang T; Wang H; Yan W; Dai K · PloS one · 2013
    Meta-analysis532,979 participants19 studies pooledCardiovascular Support forMagnesium
  13. Quantitative Association Between Serum/Dietary Magnesium and Cardiovascular Disease/Coronary Heart Disease Risk: A Dose-Response Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies.
    Zhao L; Hu M; Yang L; Xu H; Song W; Qian Y; Zhao M · Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology · 2020
    Meta-analysis544,581 participants18 studies pooledCardiovascular Support Heart Health forMagnesium
  14. Comparative Efficacy of Nutraceuticals on Endothelial Function: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.
    Norouzzadeh M; Rashedi MH; Mahdavi-Mazdeh G; Kosari A; Shahinfar H · Current atherosclerosis reports · 2026
    Meta-analysisCardiovascular Support Heart Health forMagnesium
  15. Serum magnesium, mortality, and cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Xiong J; He T; Wang M; Nie L; Zhang Y; Wang Y; Huang Y; Feng B; Zhang J; Zhao J · Journal of nephrology · 2020
    Meta-analysis200,934 participants20 studies pooledCardiovascular Support forMagnesium
  16. Efficacy of oral magnesium therapy in the treatment of chronic constipation in spastic cerebral palsy children: a randomized controlled trial.
    Hassanein SMA; Deifallah SM; Bastawy HA · World journal of pediatrics : WJP · 2021
    Randomized trial100 participantsDigestive Health forMagnesium
  17. Ca:Mg ratio, medium-chain fatty acids, and the gut microbiome.
    Fan L; Zhu X; Sun S; Yu C; Huang X; Ness R; Dugan LL; Shu L; Seidner DL; Murff HJ; Fodor AA; Azcarate-Peril MA; Shrubsole MJ; Dai Q · Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) · 2022
    Randomized trial240 participantsDigestive Health forMagnesium
  18. The Magnesium-Rich Formula for Functional Constipation in Infants: a Randomized Comparator-Controlled Study.
    Benninga MA; MENA Infant Constipation Study Group; Vandenplas Y · Pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology & nutrition · 2022
    Randomized trial286 participantsDigestive Health forMagnesium
  19. Magnesium treatment increases gut microbiome synthesizing vitamin D and inhibiting colorectal cancer: results from a double-blind precision-based randomized placebo-controlled trial.
    Sun E; Zhu X; Ness RM; Murff HJ; Sun S; Yu C; Fan L; Azcarate-Peril MA; Shrubsole MJ; Dai Q · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2025
    Randomized trial240 participantsDigestive Health forMagnesium
  20. Magnesium-L-threonate improves sleep quality and daytime functioning in adults with self-reported sleep problems: A randomized controlled trial.
    Hausenblas HA; Lynch T; Hooper S; Shrestha A; Rosendale D; Gu J · Sleep medicine: X · 2025
    Randomized trial80 participantsEnergy forMagnesium
  21. Total magnesium intake and risk of frailty in older women.
    Struijk EA; Fung TT; Bischoff-Ferrari HA; Willett WC; Lopez-Garcia E · Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle · 2024
    Cohort study81,524 participantsEnergy forMagnesium
  22. Red blood cell magnesium and chronic fatigue syndrome.
    Cox IM; Campbell MJ; Dowson D · Lancet (London, England) · 1991
    Randomized trial32 participantsEnergy forMagnesium
  23. Exercise, magnesium and immune function.
    Laires MJ; Monteiro C · Magnesium research · 2008
    Narrative reviewEnergy forMagnesium
  24. Perioperative systemic magnesium to minimize postoperative pain: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
    De Oliveira GS; Castro-Alves LJ; Khan JH; McCarthy RJ · Anesthesiology · 2013
    Meta-analysis1,257 participants20 studies pooledGeneral Health forMagnesium
  25. Long-term outcome after intravenous magnesium sulphate in suspected acute myocardial infarction: the second Leicester Intravenous Magnesium Intervention Trial (LIMIT-2).
    Woods KL; Fletcher S · Lancet (London, England) · 1994
    Randomized trial2,316 participantsGeneral Health forMagnesium
  26. Association of magnesium sulfate use with mortality in critically ill patients with sepsis: a retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study.
    Gu WJ; Duan XJ; Liu XZ; Cen Y; Tao LY; Lyu J; Yin HY · British journal of anaesthesia · 2023
    Cohort study10,999 participantsGeneral Health forMagnesium
  27. Hypomagnesemia and Mortality in Incident Hemodialysis Patients.
    Li L; Streja E; Rhee CM; Mehrotra R; Soohoo M; Brunelli SM; Kovesdy CP; Kalantar-Zadeh K · American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation · 2016
    Cohort study9,359 participantsGeneral Health forMagnesium
  28. The effects of magnesium supplementation on abnormal uterine bleeding, alopecia, quality of life, and acne in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.
    Jaripur M; Ghasemi-Tehrani H; Askari G; Gholizadeh-Moghaddam M; Clark CCT; Rouhani MH · Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E · 2022
    Randomized trial64 participantsGeneral Health forMagnesium
  29. Effects of magnesium supplementation on improving hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension in type 2 diabetes: A pooled analysis of 24 randomized controlled trials.
    Xu L; Li X; Wang X; Xu M · Frontiers in nutrition · 2023
    Meta-analysis1,325 participants24 studies pooledHeart Health forMagnesium
  30. The effect of lowering blood pressure by magnesium supplementation in diabetic hypertensive adults with low serum magnesium levels: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
    Guerrero-Romero F; Rodríguez-Morán M · Journal of human hypertension · 2009
    Randomized trial82 participantsHeart Health forMagnesium
  31. Positive effects of magnesium supplementation in metabolic syndrome.
    Kisters S; Kisters K; Werner T; Vormann J; Tokmak F; Westhoff T; Gröber U; Predel HG; Reuter H · International journal of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics · 2024
    Randomized trial54 participantsHeart Health forMagnesium
  32. Role of magnesium supplementation in the treatment of depression: A randomized clinical trial.
    Tarleton EK; Littenberg B; MacLean CD; Kennedy AG; Daley C · PloS one · 2017
    Randomized trial126 participantsStress Relief forMagnesium
  33. Effects of Intravenous Esketamine or Magnesium Sulfate on Early Postoperative Negative Emotions and Pain in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Wang L; Zhou J; Liu Q; Qian K; Wang L; Xie C · Therapeutics and clinical risk management · 2026
    Randomized trial137 participantsStress Relief forMagnesium
  34. Effect of short-term magnesium supplementation on anxiety, depression and sleep quality in patients after open-heart surgery.
    Saba S; Faizi F; Sepandi M; Nehrir B · Magnesium research · 2022
    Non-randomized trial60 participantsStress Relief forMagnesium
  35. Effects of dry needling compared to magnesium infiltration in trigger points for patients with myofascial pain syndrome: a randomized controlled study in Tunisia.
    Dhouibi J; Moncer R; Kalbousi N; Gaddour M; Laayouni S; Ouanes W; Kacem B; Jemni S · Korean journal of family medicine · 2026
    Randomized trial45 participantsStress Relief forMagnesium
  36. Effect of magnesium and vitamin B6 supplementation on mental health and quality of life in stressed healthy adults: Post-hoc analysis of a randomised controlled trial.
    Noah L; Dye L; Bois De Fer B; Mazur A; Pickering G; Pouteau E · Stress and health : journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress · 2021
    Randomized trialStress Relief forMagnesium
  37. Magnesium and anabolic hormones in older men.
    Maggio M; Ceda GP; Lauretani F; Cattabiani C; Avantaggiato E; Morganti S; Ablondi F; Bandinelli S; Dominguez LJ; Barbagallo M; Paolisso G; Semba RD; Ferrucci L · International journal of andrology · 2012
    Cohort study399 participantsTestosterone Support forMagnesium
  38. Analysis of the relationship between the blood concentration of several metals, macro- and micronutrients and endocrine disorders associated with male aging.
    Rotter I; Kosik-Bogacka DI; Dołęgowska B; Safranow K; Kuczyńska M; Laszczyńska M · Environmental geochemistry and health · 2017
    Cross-sectional study313 participantsTestosterone Support forMagnesium
  39. Effect of magnesium supplementation in improving hyperandrogenism, hirsutism, and sleep quality in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
    Gholizadeh-Moghaddam M; Ghasemi-Tehrani H; Askari G; Jaripur M; Clark CCT; Rouhani MH · Health science reports · 2024
    Randomized trial64 participantsTestosterone Support forMagnesium
  40. The effects of trace element supplementation on glycolipid metabolism in PCOS: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Yang L; Gao Y; Zhao W; Qi Y; Duo X; Wang H · Frontiers in nutrition · 2025
    Meta-analysis1,600 participants25 studies pooledTestosterone Support forMagnesium
  41. Effects of magnesium supplementation on testosterone levels of athletes and sedentary subjects at rest and after exhaustion.
    Cinar V; Polat Y; Baltaci AK; Mogulkoc R · Biological trace element research · 2011
    Non-randomized trial20 participantsTestosterone Support forMagnesium