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Magnesium 250 mg

Nature Made

4.7
(4316 ratings)
Magnesium 250 mg
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Score 30.0

A very affordable magnesium supplement providing 250mg of magnesium as magnesium oxide. Its low bioavailability makes it less effective for systemic health goals, primarily functioning as a laxative.

Quantity: 200 Tablet(s)Servings size: 1 Tablet(s) (200 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
General Health
Energy
Stress Relief
Heart Health
Bone Health

Score 30.0

A very affordable magnesium supplement providing 250mg of magnesium as magnesium oxide. Its low bioavailability makes it less effective for systemic health goals, primarily functioning as a laxative.

Analysis

Nature Made Magnesium 250 mg offers a daily dose of 250mg of magnesium exclusively in the form of Magnesium Oxide. While remarkably inexpensive per serving, Magnesium Oxide is well-known for its poor systemic absorption, typically around 4-10%. This means that a significant portion of the magnesium is not absorbed into the bloodstream for utilization in vital bodily functions related to energy, stress relief, heart health, bone health, mood, metabolism, or sleep. Instead, its primary action at this dosage is often as an osmotic laxative, drawing water into the intestines. Consumers may find it economical, but its utility for comprehensive systemic health benefits is limited.
Pros
  • Extremely low price per serving
  • From a reputable and widely available brand (Nature Made)
  • Can be effective for occasional constipation
Cons
  • Magnesium Oxide form has very low systemic bioavailability
  • Largely ineffective for systemic health goals requiring magnesium uptake
  • Prone to causing digestive upset or laxative effects
Warnings
  • May cause diarrhea or gastrointestinal discomfort; not suitable for individuals sensitive to laxative effects.
  • Not recommended for addressing systemic magnesium deficiency due to poor absorption.
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$9.59($0.04 per serving)
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Effectiveness for goals

Dosage, timing & forms

Safety & interactions

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Magnesium
250 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50
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Categories

Provides magnesium at a very low cost, but the choice of Magnesium Oxide as the sole form significantly reduces its value as a bioavailable source for meeting broad systemic magnesium needs.

Goals

While magnesium is fundamental for general health, the minimal systemic absorption of Magnesium Oxide severely limits its overall contribution to broad physiological functions compared to better-absorbed forms.
The contribution to energy production through ATP synthesis is negligible with Magnesium Oxide due to its poor absorption into cells where energy metabolism occurs.
Systemic absorption is crucial for magnesium's role in calming the nervous system and reducing stress, a function poorly supported by the low uptake of Magnesium Oxide.
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(430 ratings)
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Life Extension
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(71620 ratings)
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(16706 ratings)
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Swanson
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(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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