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Magnesium 200 mg

Swanson

4.7
(1029 ratings)
Magnesium 400 mg
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Score 35.0

An economical magnesium supplement providing 200mg elemental magnesium from magnesium oxide. Its poor systemic bioavailability limits its effectiveness for broad health goals, primarily serving as a laxative.

Quantity: 250 Capsule(s)Servings size: 2 Capsule(s) (125 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
General Health
Energy
Stress Relief
Heart Health
Bone Health

Score 35.0

An economical magnesium supplement providing 200mg elemental magnesium from magnesium oxide. Its poor systemic bioavailability limits its effectiveness for broad health goals, primarily serving as a laxative.

Analysis

Swanson Magnesium 200 mg (per the title, derived from 400mg Magnesium Oxide in the ingredients) delivers 200mg of elemental magnesium. As with other magnesium oxide supplements, its effectiveness for systemic benefits like energy, stress, heart, bone, mood, and sleep is severely limited by its very low systemic bioavailability. A significant portion of the magnesium will instead exert an osmotic laxative effect. Despite its economical price per serving and numerous positive reviews, consumers seeking comprehensive magnesium repletion for broad health benefits should be aware of the absorption challenges associated with this form.
Pros
  • Very low price per serving
  • Economical way to get a magnesium dose
  • Can be effective for occasional constipation
Cons
  • Magnesium Oxide form has low systemic bioavailability for most health goals
  • Less effective for addressing systemic magnesium deficiency
  • May cause digestive upset or laxative effects
Warnings
  • Primary action is often laxative; individuals not seeking this effect should consider alternative forms.
  • Not ideal for long-term systemic magnesium supplementation due to poor absorption.
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$6.59($0.05 per serving)
iHerb
$ 6.59
Walmart
$ 11.41
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Effectiveness for goals

Dosage, timing & forms

Safety & interactions

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Magnesium
400 mg
Adults 18–50
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Categories

Offers magnesium at a very competitive price, but the low systemic bioavailability of the Magnesium Oxide form means it's less effective for comprehensive magnesium supplementation compared to better forms.

Goals

Provides elemental magnesium, but the Magnesium Oxide form is poorly absorbed for systemic functions, thus offering limited contribution to overall physiological health compared to more bioavailable forms.
Direct energy support through ATP requires good absorption, which is not efficiently achieved with Magnesium Oxide, making its impact on energy levels minimal.
Systemic availability is key for magnesium to impact stress, and Magnesium Oxide's low absorption reduces its efficacy for calming the nervous system and supporting stress relief.
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Chelated Magnesium 133 mg

Swanson
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(5354 ratings)
Offers a premium, highly absorbable form (bisglycinate chelate) at an exceptionally low price per serving, providing outstanding value for a high-quality magnesium.
95 Value

Magnesium Caps 500 mg

Life Extension
4.8
(71620 ratings)
Delivers a premium, highly absorbable blend of magnesium forms at an incredibly low price per serving, making it an outstanding value for superior quality.
75 Value

Triple Magnesium Complex 400 mg

Swanson
4.8
(15589 ratings)
Combines magnesium oxide with more bioavailable forms like citrate and aspartate at a very competitive price point, offering a better balance of absorption and cost.
95 Performance

Magnesium Caps 500 mg

Life Extension
4.8
(71620 ratings)
Features a superior blend of highly bioavailable magnesium forms (Lysyl Glycinate Chelate, Succinate, Citrate) for significantly better absorption compared to magnesium oxide.
92 Performance

Magnesium & Calcium

NOW
4.8
(16706 ratings)
Offers a comprehensive blend of well-absorbed magnesium forms like Glycinate, Taurinate, and Citrate, providing superior systemic benefits over magnesium oxide.
95 Performance

Chelated Magnesium 133 mg

Swanson
4.8
(5354 ratings)
Utilizes TRAACS Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate, a premium and highly absorbable form known for gentleness on the stomach, far surpassing the bioavailability of magnesium oxide.
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