What is an organic form of magnesium - tablet form or food form?

What is an organic form of magnesium - tablet form or food form?

Organic means type of chemical bonds. Magnesium oxide is "non-organic" and magnesium citrate or magnesium chelate is organic form. It has nothing to do where it comes from. From food you normally get organic forms. In a tablet you can get both organic and non-organic - depends on what the manufacturer puts in.

Thanks Ciro what is the difference then between organic and non-organic in tablet form

Hi Janet

It is to do with chemistry. Roughly - (but I'm open to correction ;))

compounds have carbon atoms in them and are usually derived from living organisms. Thus if you buy a chelated or organic magnesium it will have carbon in it in the form of gluconate, citrate, aspartate, glutamate, glycinate, etc. There is usually less actual magnesium element in the compound because the organic element it is attached to is by comparison a very large molecule. It is usually better absorbed though because being recognised by the body as a compound from something that was once living. Chelated compounds are minerals attached to an organic compound.

compounds are those ones which do not contain carbon, except as simple compounds such as carbon dioxide or carbonate salts and is associated with minerals or mineral compounds. These include chlorides, sulphates, oxides, silicates, etc. Being simpler these are sometimes more easily absorbed, but often the body doesn't react too well to them.

So chelated magnesium is more gentle and better absorbed usually. Magnesium oxide, often given to boost magnesium levels and available as a supplement is poorly absorbed. Magnesium sulphate will also boost magnesium levels over time but will often cause loose bowels - and has been taken as a remedy for constipation for many years.

Magnesium has many and many would benefit from taking it. Lack of magnesium can cause very many problems.

Thanks Caroline - which one out of the above is best absorbed and less likely to cause bloat and one you would recommend?

Quoted from the link given in my last post:

Magnesium Supplements
• The RDA (the minimum amount needed) for magnesium is about 300 mg a day. Most of us get far less than 200 mg.
• Some may need much more depending on their condition.
• Most people benefit from 400 to 1,000 mg a day.
• The most absorbable forms are magnesium citrate, glycinate, taurate, or aspartate, although magnesium bound to Kreb cycle chelates (malate, succinate, fumarate) are also good.
• Avoid magnesium carbonate, sulfate, gluconate, and oxide. They are poorly absorbed (and the cheapest and most common forms found in supplements).
• Side effects from too much magnesium include diarrhoea, which can be avoided if you switch to magnesium glycinate.
• Most minerals are best taken as a team with other minerals in a multi-mineral formula.
• Taking a hot bath with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) is also a good way to absorb magnesium.
• People with kidney disease or severe [url]heart disease[/url] should take magnesium only under a doctor's supervision.

The article is very good and well worth reading.

Magnesium compounds are used medicinally as common laxatives, antacids (e.g., milk of magnesia), and in a number of situations where stabilization of abnormal nerve excitation and blood vessel spasm is required.