Magnesium Glycinate
Magnesium glycinate, or bisglycinate, is a compound that combines magnesium with the amino acid glycine. It is one of the forms of magnesium used in supplements.
Also listed as Magnesium Bisglycinate, Magnesium bisglycinate chelate
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
What is magnesium glycinate?
Magnesium bisglycinate combines magnesium with the amino acid glycine. A 2025 trial tested a preparation supplying both substances, so the trial cannot separate the contribution of magnesium from that of glycine. 1
A nutrient need is different from a sleep claim
Magnesium supports normal nerve and muscle function. Meeting that nutritional need does not by itself prove that a particular salt will treat insomnia or work better than other forms. 1 2
Key studies
The most recent publications linked to Magnesium Glycinate's ratings.
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Is glycinate the same as bisglycinate?
The studied supplement was magnesium bisglycinate, a magnesium–glycine compound. Its labeled elemental magnesium amount is what matters when comparing doses. 1
How soon did the sleep study assess benefit?
The main comparison was after four weeks. It does not establish an immediate sleeping-pill effect or long-term benefit. 1
Is it better than magnesium citrate for sleep?
The bisglycinate trial compared it with placebo, not citrate. It cannot answer that question. 1
Can it cause diarrhea?
Yes, supplemental magnesium can cause diarrhea and cramping. Good tolerability in one short trial does not remove that possibility. 1 2
Does 250 mg mean the weight of the whole compound?
No. In the trial, 250 mg referred to elemental magnesium; the amount of bisglycinate compound was larger. 1
Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium Sulfate
Magnesium Oxide
Magnesium Malate
Magnesium