Magnesium Caps 400 mg
NOW
Magnesium Caps 400 mg
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(29692 ratings)
Magnesium 400 mg
Score 65.0
A cost-effective magnesium blend with mixed bioavailability due to the inclusion of poorly absorbed magnesium oxide alongside better forms.
Quantity: 180 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Veg Capsule(s) (180 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
General Health
Energy
Stress Relief
Heart Health
Bone Health
leaderboard Score 65.0
A cost-effective magnesium blend with mixed bioavailability due to the inclusion of poorly absorbed magnesium oxide alongside better forms.
insights Analysis
NOW Magnesium Caps 400 mg combines Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Citrate, and Magnesium Aspartate. While Citrate and Aspartate offer decent to good bioavailability for systemic benefits, the significant presence of Magnesium Oxide (known for its poor absorption and potential laxative effects) reduces the overall effectiveness for addressing magnesium deficiencies comprehensively. This blend might be suitable for those seeking a budget-friendly option with some benefits from the better forms, but it is not ideal for optimal absorption across all stated goals. The very high review count indicates its widespread popularity, likely due to its affordability and the trusted NOW brand.
- Very economical with a low price per serving, making it highly accessible.
- Includes more bioavailable forms like magnesium citrate and aspartate.
- From NOW, a highly reputable brand with extensive positive user reviews.
- The presence of low-bioavailability magnesium oxide diminishes the overall systemic absorption for various health goals.
- May cause digestive discomfort or laxative effects in sensitive individuals due to the oxide content.
- Magnesium oxide can cause laxative effects or digestive upset, especially at higher doses.
$12.69($0.07 per serving)
 Vitacost | $ 12.69 | |
 Daily Vita | $ 12.70 | |
 Pure Formulas | $ 13.08 | |
 iHerb | $ 13.46 | |
 Walmart | $ 15.95 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
The effectiveness of magnesium can vary by its specific form due to differences in bioavailability and targeted uses. For instance, magnesium L-threonate is researched for cognitive support due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Magnesium citrate is often chosen for digestive regularity, while magnesium glycinate is frequently used for relaxation benefits and high absorption.
Magnesium contributes to the regulation of neurotransmitters and hormones involved in the sleep cycle. Studies indicate that magnesium supplementation may help improve sleep quality, especially in older adults or those with restless leg syndrome. It is often sought for its calming properties that can support relaxation.
Magnesium plays a role in regulating neurotransmitters that promote relaxation and sleep. Some studies indicate that magnesium supplementation may improve sleep quality, especially in older adults or those with insomnia symptoms, by helping to calm the nervous system. More research is needed to fully understand its effects across different populations.
Magnesium contributes to the relaxation of blood vessels and may help regulate blood pressure. Some studies have shown a modest reduction in blood pressure, especially in individuals with hypertension or at risk for it, with magnesium supplementation. The effect can vary based on individual health status and existing conditions.
Magnesium plays a vital role in muscle contraction and relaxation. Some research suggests that magnesium supplementation may help reduce the frequency and intensity of muscle cramps, particularly in individuals experiencing magnesium deficiency. It is a commonly explored option for this purpose.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for magnesium varies by age and sex, generally ranging from 310-420 mg for adult men and 310-320 mg for adult women. These recommendations are for dietary intake from food and supplements combined. It is important to consult current health guidelines for specific age and life stages.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adult men is 400-420 mg per day, and for adult women, it is 310-320 mg per day. These recommendations can vary slightly based on age and life stage. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Common forms include magnesium citrate, oxide, glycinate, and L-threonate. Magnesium citrate is often used for bowel regularity, while magnesium oxide has lower bioavailability but is a common, inexpensive form. Magnesium glycinate is typically well-absorbed and gentle on the stomach, and magnesium L-threonate is studied for its potential to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Excessive intake of magnesium from supplements, but not from food, can lead to side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping. In very high doses, it can cause more serious issues such as low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and irregular heartbeat. The tolerable upper intake level for supplemental magnesium is 350 mg per day for adults.
For healthy adults, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for supplemental magnesium is 350 mg per day. This UL specifically applies to magnesium from supplements and medications, not from food or water. Exceeding this limit regularly may lead to adverse effects like diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Yes, magnesium supplements can interact with several types of medications. These include certain antibiotics (tetracyclines and quinolones), diuretics, proton pump inhibitors, and bisphosphonates. It's advisable to consult a healthcare professional about potential interactions when taking medications.
Common side effects often involve the digestive system, such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping. These effects are typically mild and more likely with higher doses or certain forms like magnesium citrate. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing can help mitigate these symptoms.
Common side effects, especially with higher doses, can include diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping. These effects are often dose-dependent and may be mitigated by reducing the amount taken. Different forms of magnesium can also influence gastrointestinal tolerance.
While rare from food sources alone, excessive intake from supplements can lead to hypermagnesemia, particularly in individuals with impaired kidney function. Symptoms may include low blood pressure, lethargy, muscle weakness, and an irregular heartbeat. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening.
Individuals with impaired kidney function should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before taking magnesium supplements. Kidneys are responsible for excreting excess magnesium, and compromised function can lead to an accumulation of magnesium in the body. This accumulation can result in hypermagnesemia, which is potentially dangerous.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Magnesium | 400 mg |
Categories
Magnesium 65.0
The product's mixed blend of magnesium forms, including both low and moderate bioavailability types, makes it an average choice for comprehensive magnesium supplementation.
Goals
General Health 65.0
The blend provides some bioavailable magnesium, but the inclusion of oxide limits the overall effectiveness for comprehensive general health support.
Stress Relief 65.0
The citrate and aspartate forms offer some calming benefits, but the mixed absorption makes it less potent for stress relief compared to higher-quality single-form products.
Heart Health 65.0
Some magnesium will be absorbed to support heart health, but the blend's overall bioavailability is compromised by the oxide component.
Recommended Alternatives
90 Value 
Magnesium Caps 500 mg
Life Extension
4.8
★★★★★
(71620 ratings)
Although slightly more expensive per serving, it offers significantly superior chelated forms of magnesium for better absorption and systemic benefits, representing excellent overall value.
80 Value 
Triple Magnesium Complex 400 mg
Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(15589 ratings)
Offers a similar beneficial blend of Magnesium Oxide, Citrate, and Aspartate at virtually the same low price per serving, providing comparable value.
95 Value 
Target-Mins Magnesium Potassium Aspartate With Other Target-Mins Chelates
Country Life
4.7
★★★★★
(4315 ratings)
While a higher price per serving, its comprehensive blend of highly bioavailable magnesium forms and added potassium provides exceptional value for those seeking broad, effective mineral support.
90 Performance
Magnesium Caps 500 mg
Life Extension
4.8
★★★★★
(71620 ratings)
Contains TRAACS Magnesium Lysyl Glycinate Chelate and Magnesium Succinate, highly bioavailable forms that offer superior absorption and efficacy compared to a blend with Magnesium Oxide.
95 Performance
Target-Mins Magnesium Potassium Aspartate With Other Target-Mins Chelates
Country Life
4.7
★★★★★
(4315 ratings)
Provides a comprehensive array of highly bioavailable magnesium forms (Taurinate, Aspartate, Citrate, Alpha-Ketoglutarate) along with potassium, offering broader and more effective benefits.
90 Performance 
Chelated Magnesium 133 mg
Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(5354 ratings)
Features TRAACS Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate, a premium, highly absorbable, and gentle form, ideal for those seeking maximum bioavailability without laxative effects.
45 Budget 
Magnesium 500 mg
Nature's Bounty
4.7
★★★★★
(95059 ratings)
Significantly cheaper per serving, though exclusively Magnesium Oxide, which has very low bioavailability for systemic benefits.
45 Budget 
Magnesium 500 mg
Sundown
4.7
★★★★★
(30035 ratings)
Offers a very low price per serving, but contains only Magnesium Oxide, primarily suitable for laxative effects rather than addressing magnesium deficiency.
40 Budget 
Magnesium 250 mg
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(63969 ratings)
One of the cheapest options available, providing Magnesium Oxide, which is poorly absorbed for general supplementation.
90 Value
Magnesium Caps 500 mg
Life Extension
4.8
★★★★★
(71620 ratings)
Although slightly more expensive per serving, it offers significantly superior chelated forms of magnesium for better absorption and systemic benefits, representing excellent overall value.
80 Value
Triple Magnesium Complex 400 mg
Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(15589 ratings)
Offers a similar beneficial blend of Magnesium Oxide, Citrate, and Aspartate at virtually the same low price per serving, providing comparable value.
95 Value
Target-Mins Magnesium Potassium Aspartate With Other Target-Mins Chelates
Country Life
4.7
★★★★★
(4315 ratings)
While a higher price per serving, its comprehensive blend of highly bioavailable magnesium forms and added potassium provides exceptional value for those seeking broad, effective mineral support.
90 Performance
Magnesium Caps 500 mg
Life Extension
4.8
★★★★★
(71620 ratings)
Contains TRAACS Magnesium Lysyl Glycinate Chelate and Magnesium Succinate, highly bioavailable forms that offer superior absorption and efficacy compared to a blend with Magnesium Oxide.
95 Performance
Target-Mins Magnesium Potassium Aspartate With Other Target-Mins Chelates
Country Life
4.7
★★★★★
(4315 ratings)
Provides a comprehensive array of highly bioavailable magnesium forms (Taurinate, Aspartate, Citrate, Alpha-Ketoglutarate) along with potassium, offering broader and more effective benefits.
90 Performance
Chelated Magnesium 133 mg
Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(5354 ratings)
Features TRAACS Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate, a premium, highly absorbable, and gentle form, ideal for those seeking maximum bioavailability without laxative effects.