Improves sleep quality, reduces stress, enhances recovery, and supports fat loss. Most people are deficient. Glycinate form = best absorption, no digestive issues.
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in your body. It's crucial for energy production, muscle function, sleep, and nervous system regulation.
The problem: 50-70% of Americans are magnesium deficient. Modern diets are low in magnesium-rich foods, and stress depletes it rapidly.
Magnesium regulates GABA (calming neurotransmitter) and helps you fall asleep faster and sleep deeper. Better sleep = better recovery = easier fat loss and muscle building.
Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which promotes fat storage (especially belly fat). Magnesium lowers cortisol and helps your body handle stress better.
Magnesium improves how your body uses insulin, reducing fat storage and improving nutrient partitioning. Studies show supplementation improves insulin sensitivity by 10-25%.
Magnesium is essential for ATP production (energy) and muscle contraction. Adequate levels improve strength, endurance, and recovery from training.
If you get leg cramps (especially at night), you're likely magnesium deficient. Proper levels keep muscles relaxed and prevent cramping during workouts.
Not all magnesium is created equal. There are many forms, but glycinate is the best for most people:
Pros: Best absorption, calming effect, no digestive issues, ideal for sleep and recovery.
Use for: Sleep, stress, muscle recovery, general supplementation.
Bottom line: Glycinate is the sweet spot - excellent absorption, calming effects, no digestive issues.
| Goal | Dosage | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| General Health | 200-400mg elemental | Before bed |
| Sleep & Stress | 400-600mg elemental | 1 hour before bed |
| Muscle Recovery | 400-500mg elemental | Post-workout or before bed |
Important: Look at "elemental magnesium" content, not total mg. Doctor's Best has 200mg elemental per 2 tablets.
Timing: Take before bed for sleep benefits. Can also split dose (half morning, half evening) if using higher amounts.
Even with glycinate (gentlest form), some people get loose stools at high doses. Start with 200mg and increase gradually if needed. Max recommended: 600mg elemental per day from supplements.
Magnesium's benefits are extensively researched:
If you have 2+ of these symptoms, try supplementing for 2 weeks and see if they improve.
You likely need it if you:
Best food sources:
Reality: Even eating these foods, most people don't hit 400mg daily (RDA). Supplementation is reliable insurance.
Sleep improvements within 3-7 days. Muscle cramps reduce in 1-2 weeks. Stress/anxiety benefits take 2-4 weeks.
Excess magnesium from supplements causes diarrhea (body's natural safety mechanism). Toxicity is extremely rare with oral supplementation.
No. Take daily for consistent benefits. It's a mineral your body needs every day.
No, unless you take very high doses. Standard doses (200-400mg) are calming but not sedating.
Magnesium glycinate is one of the best supplements for overall health and fat loss support.
Most people are deficient. The benefits for sleep, stress, recovery, and insulin sensitivity are massive. At $15 for 4 months, it's absurdly cheap.
If you only change one thing about your supplement routine, add magnesium before bed. You'll sleep better, recover faster, and handle stress more effectively.
Buy Doctor's Best Magnesium on Amazon →