What is the Difference Between Magnesium Glycinate and Magnesium Gluconate?

The main difference between magnesium glycinate and magnesium gluconate lies in their compounds. Magnesium glycinate includes an amino acid known as glycine, while magnesium gluconate contains gluconic acid, a natural compound that is noncorrosive, nontoxic, and less irritating than other acids.

Comparison of Magnesium Glycinate and Magnesium Gluconate

• Formula: Magnesium glycinate has the chemical formula C4H8MgN2O4, while magnesium gluconate has the chemical formula C12H26MgO16.
• Bioavailability: Some studies indicate that magnesium gluconate has the highest level of bioavailability of any magnesium salt.
• Conditions Treated: Magnesium glycinate is used for a wide range of conditions, including insomnia, anxiety, chronic stress, and anti-inflammatory conditions. Magnesium gluconate is used to treat low levels of blood magnesium, which may be caused by prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, various gastrointestinal disorders, kidney disease, or as a result of certain drugs.

Both forms of magnesium are thought to be well-tolerated and beneficial for various health conditions. If you are considering taking a magnesium supplement, it is essential to speak to your healthcare provider about your options.

Comparative Table: Magnesium Glycinate vs Magnesium Gluconate

Here is a table comparing the differences between magnesium glycinate and magnesium gluconate:

Magnesium glycinate is a chelate of amino acid glycine and has a molecular weight of 172.42 g/mol. It is highly bioavailable and is often used for its calming effects to treat anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Magnesium gluconate, on the other hand, is a chelate of gluconic acid and has a molecular weight under 500 g/mol. It is less likely to cause negative side effects than other forms of magnesium, but it is more likely to cause negative side effects than magnesium glycinate.