Comparison
Magnesium glycinate vs citrate vs bisglycinate
Magnesium glycinate and bisglycinate are the same thing, magnesium bound to glycine, and are commonly chosen for being gentle on the stomach. Citrate is also well absorbed but can have a laxative effect at higher amounts, while oxide is cheaper but less well absorbed. The right form is mainly about tolerance and value, not a difference in what the magnesium does. This is information, not medical advice.
At a glance
| Form | What it is | Tolerance and absorption | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glycinate (bisglycinate) | Magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine. | Commonly chosen for being gentle on the stomach and well absorbed. | Those who find other forms cause digestive upset. |
| Citrate | Magnesium bound to citric acid. | Well absorbed; at higher amounts it can have a laxative effect. | Those wanting a widely available, well-absorbed everyday form. |
| Oxide | Magnesium combined with oxygen; high magnesium content by weight. | Cheaper but less well absorbed; more likely to cause loose stools. | Those prioritising low cost who tolerate it well. |
Glycinate and bisglycinate: the same form
The most common point of confusion is that glycinate and bisglycinate describe the same form: magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine. UK labels use the two names interchangeably, with bisglycinate being the more precise chemical term. Both are popular because they tend to be gentle on the stomach and well absorbed.
How we compared
Our methodology is simple and disclosed. We describe each form factually on what it is, how well tolerated and absorbed it tends to be, and who it suits, without claiming any form treats a condition. We do not rank by affiliate commission. Where a buying link is not yet live, the link is marked as pending rather than guessed.
Named UK brands by form
For the full background read our guide to magnesium for women, see the best magnesium for women roundup, or the practical question of when to take magnesium. It comes up most through perimenopause and the senior years.
Frequently asked questions
Is glycinate the same as bisglycinate?
In practice yes. Magnesium glycinate and magnesium bisglycinate refer to magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine, and the terms are used interchangeably on UK labels. Bisglycinate is the more precise chemical name. Both are commonly chosen for being gentle on the stomach.
Which is gentler on the stomach, glycinate or citrate?
Glycinate (bisglycinate) is often described as the gentler of the two, while citrate at higher amounts can have a laxative effect. Tolerance varies between people, so the gentlest form is the one your own digestion handles well. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.
Is citrate better absorbed than oxide?
Citrate and glycinate are generally considered better absorbed than oxide, which has a high magnesium content by weight but is less well absorbed and more likely to loosen stools. This is why oxide is usually the cheapest form. None of these is a treatment for any condition.
Which magnesium form should I choose?
There is no single right answer. Many women start with glycinate or citrate for tolerance, and read the label for the elemental magnesium per serving rather than the compound weight. If you take other medication or have kidney problems, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
This is information, not medical advice, and is not a substitute for a registered clinician. Always read product labels and speak to your GP or pharmacist before starting a supplement.
Editor, Her Vitals
Oliver leads Her Vitals's editorial coverage of women's life-stage health and supplements. He curates and reviews existing branded products across trying to conceive, pregnancy, postnatal, perimenopause, menopause and the senior years, weighing what the evidence supports against guidance from bodies such as EFSA, the NHS and NICE, and is clear that the content is information rather than medical advice.
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026