The UK's 5 Best Magnesium Supplements
27th Mar 2024 Wellbeing
8 min read
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in our health, supporting over 300 enzymatic reactions, from energy production to nerve and muscle function. Yet, a significant portion of people in the UK doesn't get enough, with 2.5% to 15% of the population meeting the clinical criteria for magnesium deficiency.
As awareness grows, health-conscious consumers are increasingly turning to magnesium supplements to fill the nutritional gap. In this article, we review the best magnesium supplements available on the UK market, providing you with reliable options to enhance your wellness journey.
Top 5 Magnesium Supplements
Discover our top picks for magnesium supplements in the UK, each selected for its quality, effectiveness, and user satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for value, specific benefits, or convenience, our list has you covered.
- Best Overall - MAGSUPPS Triple Magnesium Complex
- Best Budget - Zipvit Magnesium Tablets
- Best Powder - Lamberts MagAsorb Magnesium Powder
- Best Gummy - Novomin Magnesium Gummies
- Best Oil - BetterYour Magnesium Oil Spray
Now let’s dive deeper into each of these products to help you choose the best magnesium supplement for your specific needs.
1. MAGSUPPS Triple Magnesium Complex
Brand: MAGSUPPS
Price: £15.95
Where to Buy: Amazon
Brief Overview:
The MAGSUPPS Triple Magnesium Complex is designed to support muscles, sleep, calm, and energy through its advanced formula of 300mg of pure magnesium, combining magnesium glycinate, malate, and citrate. With 40 servings per bottle and 120 capsules, this UK-made supplement ensures a high-absorption, filler-free experience.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Pure & Potent: Each serving delivers 300mg of elemental magnesium, equally divided among magnesium glycinate, malate, and citrate for a balanced effect.
- Clean Formula: Vegan-friendly capsules contain only active ingredients, free from fillers or flow agents.
- High Absorption: Non-buffered formula for easy digestion and maximum absorption.
- Quality Assured: Produced in a state-of-the-art Oxford facility adhering to GMP, ISO 9001, FSSC 22000, and HACCP standards.
Why We Chose It:
The MAGSUPPS Triple Magnesium Complex stands out for its innovative blend of three magnesium forms, ensuring broad-spectrum support for health and well-being. Its commitment to purity and quality, coupled with exceptional absorption, makes it our top pick.
What Customers Are Saying:
"I have been taking magnesium for years and have tried various brands. The MAGSUPPS Triple Magnesium Complex, with its trio of magnesium forms, has significantly improved my sleep quality. Highly recommended for those seeking a superior magnesium supplement.
2. Zipvit Magnewium Tablets
Brand: Zipvit
Price: £7.97
Where to Buy: Amazon
Brief Overview:Zipvit Magnesium 500mg offers an exceptional blend of value and efficiency, delivering 500mg of elemental magnesium per tablet to support muscle and bone health. Approved by the Vegetarian Society, this vegan formula provides a three-month supply with 90 tablets, making it the best budget-friendly choice without compromising quality.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Optimal Strength: Each tablet contains 500mg of elemental magnesium, offering 133% of the Nutrient Reference Value (NRV).
- Comprehensive Health Support: Contributes to normal muscle function, electrolyte balance, and reduces tiredness & fatigue.
- Mental and Physical Well-being: Supports normal psychological function and the maintenance of bones and teeth.
- Charitable Contributions: Zipvit is committed to giving back, with significant donations to charities and local causes.
Why We Chose It:
Zipvit's Magnesium 500mg stands out for its high strength, comprehensive benefits, and commitment to both health and community well-being. It's the perfect choice for budget-conscious individuals seeking a high-quality, vegan magnesium supplement.
3. Lamberts MagAsorb Magnesium Powder
Brand: Lamberts
Price: £19.95
Where to Buy: official website
Brief Overview:
Building on the success of their leading magnesium product, MagAsorb introduces its Powder version, offering 375mg of elemental magnesium per 5.5g serving in the highly bioavailable citrate form. This 100% NRV formulation is praised for its solubility, taste, and ease of use, especially for those who prefer not to take tablets. The powder comes with a free scoop for easy measurement, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable way to meet your daily magnesium needs.
Key Features and Benefits:
- High Bioavailability: Utilises magnesium citrate, known for its excellent absorption rate.
- Optimal Dosage: Each serving provides 375mg of magnesium, fulfilling 100% of the adult Nutrient Reference Value (NRV).
- Easy to Use: Comes with a pleasant citrus flavour, easily dissolves in water, and includes a free scoop for accurate dosing.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly: Suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.
- Quality Ingredients: Made with the finest grade mineral compounds to enhance solubility and effectiveness.
Why We Chose It:
MagAsorb Powder stands out for its highly bioavailable form of magnesium, providing an effective and enjoyable option for those seeking an alternative to tablets. Its great taste and ease of dissolution make it our top choice for the best magnesium powder supplement.
4. Novomins Magnesium Gummies
Brand: Novomins
Price: £10.34
Where to Buy: Amazon
Brief Overview:
Novomins Magnesium Gummies redefine magnesium supplementation with their delightful raspberry-flavoured gummy bears. Packed with 1455mg of Magnesium Citrate per serving, providing 160mg of highly absorbable magnesium, these vegan gummies are designed for everyone in the family. Free from artificial colors, and preservatives, NON-GMO, and Halal certified, they offer a tasty, high-strength, gluten-free alternative to traditional supplements.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Delicious Flavor: Raspberry gummy bears that make taking your daily magnesium a treat.
- Highly Absorbable: 1455mg of Magnesium Citrate per serving, ensuring effective absorption.
- Formulated for All: Ideal for men, women, and children who prefer not to swallow pills.
- Quality and Safety: Produced to the highest standards (GMP), with ethically sourced, pure ingredients.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: Full money-back guarantee for complete peace of mind.
Why We Chose It:
Novomins Magnesium Gummies stand out for their exceptional taste, making magnesium supplementation enjoyable. Their commitment to quality, alongside a scientifically formulated, high-strength, and easily digestible gummy, places them at the forefront for those seeking a convenient and pleasant way to meet their magnesium needs.
5. BetterYou Magnesium Oil Spray
Brand: BetterYou
Price: £9.18
Where to Buy: Amazon
Brief Overview:
Unlock the power of magnesium with BetterYou Magnesium Oil Body Spray. This pure and natural Magnesium Chloride solution is designed for direct skin application, supporting muscle recovery, easing joint and muscle pains, and promoting the effective absorption of calcium for healthy bones and teeth. Vegan and palm-oil-free, this spray bypasses the digestive system for quick, effective magnesium replenishment.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Pure Magnesium Chloride: Utilises Zechstein Inside magnesium chloride hexahydrate for unmatched purity and concentration.
- Direct Skin Absorption: Formulated for topical use, magnesium begins absorption immediately upon skin contact.
- Muscle and Joint Support: Provides targeted relief for muscle stiffness and discomfort in joints.
- Optimal Wellbeing: Enhances the body's immune system efficiency and supports natural muscle recovery.
- Easy Application: Includes 600 sprays per 100ml bottle, with each application delivering a high dose of elemental magnesium.
Why We Chose It:
BetterYou Magnesium Oil Body Spray is our top choice for an oil-based magnesium supplement due to its high-quality formulation and ease of use. It's particularly suitable for those seeking immediate relief from muscle and joint discomfort, as well as individuals looking for a convenient alternative to oral supplements.
FAQs About Magnesium Supplements
What is magnesium?
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in our bodies. It is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body and is required for various physiological processes, including energy production, nerve function, muscle contractions, and protein synthesis.
Approximately 50-60% of the magnesium in our bodies is stored in our bones, while the rest is found in muscles, soft tissues, and bodily fluids.
How much magnesium per day?
In the UK, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for magnesium is 375mg. However, the NHS recommends slightly different daily intakes based on gender and age: men aged 19 to 64 years should aim for 300 mg per day, while women in the same age range should target 270 mg per day. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the right amount for your specific health needs and conditions.
What are the benefits of magnesium supplements?
Magnesium supplements have garnered significant attention for their wide-ranging health benefits. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), these benefits are well-supported by scientific evidence:
- Reduces Tiredness and Fatigue: Magnesium is pivotal in cellular energy production, supporting your body's energy metabolism and helping mitigate feelings of tiredness and fatigue.
- Supports Nervous System and Psychological Health: Essential for the nervous system's proper function, magnesium aids nerve impulse transmission and neurotransmitter synthesis, crucial for maintaining healthy psychological function.
- Maintains Normal Muscle and Heart Function: Involved in muscle contractions and relaxation, magnesium is key to proper muscle function, including the heart muscle, ensuring a steady rhythm and normal blood pressure.
- Strengthens Bones and Teeth: With 50-60% of the body's magnesium stored in bones, it plays a critical role in bone health, working with calcium to maintain bone density and structure.
- Promotes Normal Metabolism and Electrolyte Balance: By participating in various enzymatic reactions, magnesium is vital for energy production and maintaining electrolyte balance, essential for hydration, nerve, and muscle function.
Incorporating a high-quality magnesium supplement can offer these benefits, complementing a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle for optimal health.
What are the different types of magnesium?
There are several forms of magnesium, each with unique benefits and applications. Here are ten common types:
- Magnesium Citrate: Known for its bioavailability and effectiveness in improving digestion and preventing constipation.
- Magnesium Glycinate: Highly absorbable, it's preferred for its calming effects, supporting relaxation and better sleep.
- Magnesium Malate: Often recommended for its energy-boosting properties, it's especially beneficial for those with fatigue and fibromyalgia.
- Magnesium Oxide: Commonly used as a laxative and for relief from acid reflux and heartburn, though less absorbable than other forms.
- Magnesium Chloride: Easily absorbed through the skin, making it ideal for transdermal applications like oils and lotions for muscle relaxation.
- Magnesium Lactate: Considered gentle on the digestive system, making it a suitable option for those who need to take larger doses.
- Magnesium Sulfate: Also known as Epsom salt, it's commonly used in baths to soothe muscle aches and improve skin conditions.
- Magnesium Taurate: The combination of magnesium and taurine, it's often chosen for its potential to improve heart health.
- Magnesium Threonate: Known for its ability to penetrate the brain barrier, making it an excellent choice for improving cognitive functions and memory.
- Magnesium Orotate: Contains orotic acid, believed to support heart health and enhance athletic performance by aiding in the repair of tissues.
Each type of magnesium serves specific health needs, making it important to choose the right one based on individual health goals and conditions.
Should I take a magnesium supplement?
Deciding on magnesium supplementation involves considering your diet, health conditions, lifestyle, and any deficiency symptoms:
- Dietary Intake: If your diet lacks magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, a supplement could be beneficial.
- Medical Conditions: Certain conditions or medications may lower magnesium levels. Consulting a healthcare professional can clarify if supplementation is needed.
- Lifestyle: High stress, excessive alcohol intake, and poor sleep can deplete magnesium. Supplements may help in these situations.
- Symptoms of Deficiency: Watch for signs like muscle cramps, fatigue, and insomnia, which may indicate a need for extra magnesium.
Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning any supplement to ensure it's safe and suitable for your specific needs.
The Bottom Line: The Best Magnesium Supplement
Choosing the right magnesium supplement can significantly impact your health and well-being. Whether you're looking to boost your energy levels, improve sleep quality, or support muscle and nerve function, magnesium plays a crucial role.
Remember, while supplements can provide a significant boost, they're most effective when used as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it aligns with your health goals and conditions.
Banner image credit:
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
