Neuroscientist shares which magnesium supplements to avoid and which ones to take

Magnesium is essential for a healthy brain, but most people don’t take it the right way. (Picture Credit: Pexels)

Magnesium supplements have gained popularity in recent years and are being taken for a number of reasons, from better productivity to improved sleep at night. While there’s no denying they may be helpful, neuroscientist Robert W. B. Love said not all types of magnesium are suitable for the body. They must be taken knowing what they have to offer.

In his new post on Instagram, he shared that magnesium is essential for a healthy brain but most people don’t take it the right way. “Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic processes in your body, and according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), seven out of ten Americans are deficient in magnesium, which means most of us would benefit from magnesium supplements,” he said.

He also shared that dissection studies of Alzheimer’s brains found that people with Alzheimer’s have an increased risk of magnesium deficiency, implying that they were deficient in magnesium compared to healthy brains. He called magnesium deficiency a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, though not the only cause.

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Types of magnesium you should avoid:

Magnesium citrate and magnesium oxide — He said they are very inexpensive, but the problem is that they hurt the stomach and cause “disaster pants.” They give you a stomach ache and make you run to the bathroom. They have a laxative effect, and they aren’t absorbed well in the body, which reduces their benefits significantly.

Types of magnesium you should have:

He highly recommended the following magnesium types and called them great for the brain and body, and assured they won’t upset your stomach.

Magnesium threonate: “It is a smaller and the most expensive form of magnesium. This can cross the blood-brain barrier, get into the brain, and be very helpful,” he said.

Take a look at the video:

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A post shared by Robert W.B. Love (@robertwblove)

Magnesium glycinate: He said this is a less expensive form of magnesium and listed some of its benefits: it’s gentle on the stomach, very absorbable, bioavailable, good for the brain and overall body health, and good for sleep.

Magnesium taurate: It is really good for the heart and helps reduce stress and anxiety.

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While magnesium plays an important role in various body functions, it is important to take the supplement after consulting a doctor to know the type and the amount needed by your body.

FAQs on magnesium supplements:

1. Why do people take magnesium supplements?

To support muscle function, nerve health, sleep quality, and reduce stress.

2. Are magnesium supplements safe?

Yes, when taken in recommended doses. Excess can cause diarrhea or stomach upset.

3. What is the best time to take magnesium?

Many prefer taking it at night as it may promote relaxation and better sleep.

4. Who may need magnesium supplements?

People with low dietary intake, high stress, digestive issues, or certain deficiencies.

5. Can magnesium interact with medications?

Yes, it may affect antibiotics or blood pressure medicines—consult a doctor if you're on medication.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.