Not all magnesium is created equal. Why we chose Bisglycinate over Citrate or Oxide for sleep support.
The Mineral of Relaxation
Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic processes in the body, including muscle relaxation and nerve transmission. However, when you buy a 'magnesium' supplement, you are actually buying a magnesium compound—magnesium attached to another molecule to make it stable. The type of molecule it is attached to completely changes how it affects your body.
Magnesium Oxide: The Cheap Filler
This is the most common form found in multivitamins because it is small and cheap. However, it has very poor bioavailability (absorption rate). Most of it passes right through your digestive tract, often causing a laxative effect. It is useful for constipation, but useless for sleep.
Magnesium Citrate: The Gut Mover
Magnesium Citrate is better absorbed than Oxide but still draws water into the intestines. It is widely used as a gentle laxative. While it can raise magnesium levels, its tendency to cause loose stools makes it less than ideal for a nightly sleep ritual.
Magnesium Bisglycinate: The Sleep Specialist
This is magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine. Glycine itself is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation. Because this form is highly stable and does not rely on stomach acid for absorption, it has high bioavailability and is very gentle on the stomach. It effectively crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it can calm the nervous system and support sleep. This is why it is the only form we use in Tonight's Tonic.
