Magnesium Glycinate Chelate Benefits

Magnesium is an element on the periodic table of the elements, designated by the atomic number 12. When mined, magnesium is a mineral used to manufacture lightweight alloys. Within the human body, magnesium is an essential component to keeping the body functioning normally. In cases of magnesium deficiency, you can take a chelated version of magnesium known as magnesium glycinate.

Magnesium Glycinate

A chelate is the result of a bond between two chemicals, in this case magnesium and glycine. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, magnesium plays a crucial role in both the function and structure of the human body. Most people take in an ample amount of magnesium from food, such as leafy green vegetables, nuts and grains. However, an unhealthy diet may lead to a magnesium deficiency. If this is the case, your doctor may advise you take a magnesium supplement. Of the various types of chelated magnesium supplements available, magnesium glycinate offers a number of advantages over other magnesium chelates.

The Bowel

One of the biggest negative side effects associated with magnesium chelate supplements involves problems with the digestive system. Magnesium can cause cramping in the muscles of the colon, and may also lead to loose stool and diarrhea. According to the website of Nutrichem Pharmacy, magnesium glycinate is far easier on the bowel than other forms of magnesium chelate. Magnesium oxide has been demonstrated to solidify stool and lead to constipation, while magnesium citrate, magnesium sulphate and magnesium chloride have the opposite effect, often causing diarrhea.

Absorption

Another advantage of magnesium glycinate is that it's more easily absorbed by the body than other forms of magnesium. Magnesium glycinate is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream due to the presence of glycine, an amino acid. The glycine allows the magnesium to quickly penetrate cell membranes. Because of this, magnesium glycinate isn't dependent upon stomach acid in order to be absorbed into the bloodstream, meaning it can be absorbed quickly and travel immediately to the parts of the body where it's needed.

Depression

One potential cause of depression is magnesium deficiency, a theory that formed the basis of a study published in the March 2006 issue of "Medical Hypotheses." According to this study, a deficiency of magnesium could result in neurological damage that may manifest as depression. Therefore, concluded the study, taking a magnesium supplement, such as magnesium glycinate, could remedy this damage and prevent the depression brought about by a magnesium deficiency in the body.

Magnesium Glycinate Chelate Benefits