Magnesium Bisglycinate · Chelated Magnesium · Mg Glycinate
The most tolerated magnesium form — critical electrolyte depleted on GLP-1 protocols.
FDA
Approved
WADA
Not Listed
HALF-LIFE
N/A (mineral)
ROUTE
Oral
SCHEDULE
Daily, pre-sleep
In Plain English
The most tolerated magnesium form — critical electrolyte depleted on GLP-1 protocols.
Status & Legality
NATTY?
No Test ExistsNo established test exists for this compound.
FDA
ApprovedFDA approved for human use.
WADA
Not ListedNot currently on WADA prohibited list.
COMPOUNDING
Rx AvailableAvailable at licensed pharmacies with prescription.
PRESCRIBED
By prescriptionPhysicians can prescribe this compound legally.
ROUTE
OralAdministration via oral.
Electrolyte repletion
Sleep quality
Muscle relaxation
GLP-1 adjunct
Magnesium is a cofactor for 300+ enzymatic reactions and roughly 50% of people are deficient at baseline. GLP-1 users are at especially high risk: reduced appetite, GI side effects, and rapid weight loss all deplete magnesium. Glycinate form — bound to glycine — provides superior absorption and gut tolerance versus oxide or citrate. It also crosses the blood-brain barrier, contributing to anxiolytic and sleep-quality effects.
Loose stool at high doses (less common with glycinate vs. citrate)
Drowsiness — use at night intentionally
Hypotension in rare cases at high doses
Generally very well tolerated
Using magnesium oxide (the most common and cheapest form) — only ~4% absorption vs 80%+ for glycinate; you're essentially taking an inert capsule
Taking it in the morning when pre-sleep timing maximizes both relaxation and sleep quality benefits from the glycine component
Starting at 400 mg immediately when some people experience loose stool — begin at 200 mg and increase over 1–2 weeks
Antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones) — magnesium chelates with these antibiotics, reducing their absorption; separate by 2 hours
Bisphosphonates (osteoporosis medications) — similar chelation concern; separate by 2+ hours
Calcium supplements — compete for absorption at high doses; take calcium in the morning, magnesium at night
Magnesium is deficient in roughly 50% of people at baseline — and GLP-1 protocols make this dramatically worse through reduced food intake and GI losses. Glycinate form is the non-negotiable choice: well-absorbed and well-tolerated. The pre-sleep timing is intentional — glycine itself has sleep-promoting effects that compound with magnesium's muscle relaxation.
Stats
Sources & Studies
Tarleton EK. et al., PLoS One, 2017