If you have been shopping for magnesium, you have probably seen both magnesium bisglycinate and magnesium glycinate and wondered which one to choose. The good news is that in most cases they are the same thing. This guide explains why the names differ and what actually matters when you compare products.

Is magnesium bisglycinate the same as magnesium glycinate?

In practice, yes. Both names describe magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine. Each magnesium atom is bound to two glycine molecules, which is where the “bis” (meaning two) comes from. So “magnesium bisglycinate” is simply the more precise chemical name, and “magnesium glycinate” is the shorter, more common one.

You may also see “magnesium bisglycinate chelate”. A chelate is the bound form itself, so this is another name for the same compound.

So why do labels use different names?

Mostly marketing and convention. Some brands use the shorter name because more people search for it, and others use the full chemical name to be precise. The name on the front of the pack tells you much less than the information on the back.

What to check on the label

The amount of magnesium, not just the compound. Magnesium bisglycinate is a large molecule, so 1500mg of the compound provides roughly 300mg of magnesium. Always compare the magnesium figure.
Whether it is “buffered”. Some products labelled glycinate also contain magnesium oxide to increase the magnesium per capsule. That is not necessarily a problem, but it is not pure bisglycinate.
The serving size. Check how many capsules make one serving, so you can compare price per serving fairly.

How does it compare with other forms of magnesium?

Magnesium bisglycinate is one of several forms you will see:

Magnesium bisglycinate (glycinate) – bound to glycine and generally considered gentle on the stomach.
Magnesium citrate – a widely used form that can have a laxative effect at higher doses.
Magnesium oxide – contains a lot of magnesium per gram, but is more often linked to loose stools. Some studies suggest it may be absorbed less well than forms such as citrate and glycinate.

Whichever form you choose, the same nutrition rules apply: magnesium contributes to normal muscle function and to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, magnesium bisglycinate or glycinate?
Neither, because they are the same compound. Compare products on the amount of magnesium per serving, whether they are buffered, and price per serving.

Which is better for sleep?
There is no difference between them. There is no approved health claim in the UK linking magnesium to sleep, although many people choose to take their magnesium in the evening as part of their routine.

How much should I take?
Follow the directions on the label. The NHS says taking 400mg or less of magnesium a day from supplements is unlikely to cause harm. For more, see our guide to magnesium bisglycinate side effects.

Elevate Magnesium Bisglycinate

Elevate Magnesium Bisglycinate contains 1500mg of magnesium bisglycinate per 2-capsule serving, providing 300mg of magnesium (80% of your daily reference intake).

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If you have a health condition or take medication, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking a supplement.

Magnesium Bisglycinate vs Glycinate: Is There a Difference?