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Magnesium is the 4th most common mineral found in your body. It helps with all sorts of bodily functions, from supporting your bones and teeth to supporting your nervous system and helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue.1
In fact, it is involved in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate chemical reactions in the body, including the ones we mentioned above.2
The NHS recommends that you get the magnesium you need through your diet.3 However, if you want to enjoy the ‘insurance’ of a mineral supplement or are more prone to magnesium deficiency we’ve got you covered.
Knowing which is the ‘best’ supplement for magnesium isn’t always obvious, especially if you’ve never taken a magnesium supplement before or are new to taking supplements full stop.
That’s where this article comes in. It features a list of 10 of our best-selling magnesium supplements, as voted for by our customers, and is designed to help you answer the all-important question, ‘What is the best magnesium supplement UK?
Summary
- Magnesium is essential for the healthy function of the nervous system, as well as helping reduce fatigue and support healthy bones, teeth and muscles
- The NHS recommends getting enough magnesium through your diet, but there are also reasons you may want to take a supplement
Why do our bodies need magnesium?
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in our bodies, and it supports lots of everyday functions.
Here are some of the benefits of keeping our magnesium levels topped up:
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Magnesium supports bone health
Even though calcium seems to get all the credit for keeping our bones healthy, magnesium is also very important. It plays a key role in the structural development of our bones and teeth.4
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Magnesium can reduce tiredness and fatigue
Feeling tired for no reason can be a sign that something is not quite right in the body. If you feel fatigued after getting good sleep, exercising and eating well, it may be an indicator of a deficiency.5
Magnesium is essential for transporting energy to all the cells in your body, so if you’re running low in this mineral, you can feel excessively tired and fatigued for seemingly ‘no reason’.
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Magnesium keeps your muscles moving
Magnesium works in conjunction with calcium to make our muscles contract and relax.6
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Magnesium supports your nervous system
Our nervous systems need magnesium to function normally. The nervous system plays a bit part in the way our bodies work, from the way we think and feel to the way we move around.7
Summary
- Magnesium helps with multiple body functions, including the support of muscle, bones, and teeth
How much Magnesium a day do we need?
The National Institute of Health recommends the following Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for magnesium8:
| Age | Male | Female | Pregnancy | Lactation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-6 months | 30mg* | 30mg* | ||
| 7-12 months | 75mg* | 75mg* | ||
| 1-3 years | 80mg | 80mg | ||
| 4-8 years | 130mg | 130mg | ||
| 14-18 years | 410mg | 360mg | 400mg | 360mg |
| 19-30 years | 400mg | 310mg | 350mg | 310mg |
| 31-50 years | 420mg | 320mg | 260mg | 320mg |
| 51+ years | 420mg | 320mg |
You can find magnesium in various types of food, e.g. nuts, spinach, wholemeal bread and other common foods.9 So it’s very unlikely that you will have to get all your magnesium from supplements, but they may help.
If you feel your diet may be lacking, you can also get your daily fill of magnesium by taking supplements too.
Summary
- There are different daily recommendations for women, men and children, which varies with age
Types of Magnesium
There are many types of magnesium, but the few that are most commonly used to make magnesium supplement are called10:
- Magnesium oxide
- Magnesium citrate
- Magnesium chloride
Absorption rates of magnesium supplements varies from kind to kind.11
Forms of magnesium that dissolve well in liquid are better absorbed in the gut than less soluble forms.12
10 of the best magnesium supplements UK
We’ve rounded up 10 of the best magnesium supplements in the UK, covering a range of different forms.
What is the best magnesium supplement?
There are many types of magnesium supplements, each with its own unique benefits.
Types of magnesium supplements you ingest:
- Magnesium tablets: usually the most cost-effective way to take magnesium
- Magnesium spray: using a magnesium spray means it bypasses the digestive system and gets absorbed quicker via the bloodstream (also very handy on the go)
- Magnesium capsules: a great alternative to traditional tablets for those who still want to take magnesium this way but don’t like the texture
- Magnesium drinks: a tasty alternative to tablets, magnesium drinks are a great way to stay topped up
- Magnesium effervescent tablets: another great alternative for those who don’t like taking tablets
- Magnesium powder: magnesium powders often contain added ingredients and can be added to water to make a drink
Types of magnesium supplements you DO NOT ingest:
It’s worth noting that magnesium supplements you apply to the skin or bathe in, like the ones below, will work differently to those you take orally.
- Magnesium cream: magnesium cream is applied to aching muscles to help ease soreness
- Magnesium bath flakes: if you love a nice bath,
- Magnesium gel: magnesium gel can help soothe aching muscles at the source
Which type of magnesium is best?
We chose the most popular supplements with the best reviews, while making sure to display as many forms as possible to help you discover which is the best type of magnesium for you.
1. The best value magnesium tablets
Holland & Barrett Magnesium Tablets, 250mg, 100 tablets
Simple is sometimes best…
Like to keep it simple with your supplements? These easy-to-swallow coated tablets could be the best way for you to manage your magnesium levels.
Suitable for both vegetarians and vegans, these magnesium tablets contain 250mg of high-quality magnesium. Simply take one a day with a meal to help keep you topped up!
Magnesium type: Magnesium oxide
Strength: 250mg per tablet
Main benefits:
- Contains 250mg of high-quality yet affordable magnesium oxide
- Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function, bones, teeth and energy levels
- Easy-to-swallow coated tablets
- Effective yet gentle on the stomach
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- Take just one a day with a meal
What our customers think:
Jeanette44 – Excellent vegan product – 5/5 stars
“I take these and whenever I have a blood test my magnesium levels are good. Vegan product too.”
Gerard62 – Great product – 5/5 stars
“This is an easy to take supplement that is vital for anyone who trains regularly.”
2. The best natural magnesium
Together Natural Marine Magnesium, 30 Capsules
A 100% natural way to get your magnesium…
This magnesium supplement is complete, which means it contains the five natural forms of magnesium: oxide; hydroxide; sulphate; carbonate and chloride.
It’s made by evaporating water from the deep blue, mineral-rich waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It is then purified so the magnesium can be extracted.
Simply take one to two capsules (188mg each) daily as a food supplement, with or without food.
Magnesium type: Magnesium: oxide; hydroxide; sulphate; carbonate and chloride
Strength: 188mg per capsule
Main benefits:
- Contains 188mg of high-quality magnesium from ocean water
- Enjoy 5 types of magnesium extracted directly from nature
- Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function, bones, teeth and energy levels
- Easy-to-swallow capsules
- Gentle on the digestive system
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- Take just one a day with a meal
What our customers think:
Mrs B Potgieter – Natural marine magnesium capsules – 5/5 stars
“It is all natural, and it works. So obviously it is a good product. And I have had no side effects.”
3. Best magnesium oil spray
Holland & Barrett Magnesium Oil Spray, 100ml
A quick and simple spray to keep you topped up
Full of the best absorbed magnesium, this spray is one of the most convenient ways to enjoy the benefits of magnesium.
This magnesium oil spray contains a super-saturated source of magnesium, which gets absorbed directly into the skin. It can be applied to any area of the body to replace magnesium loss through modern diets and busy lifestyles.
Apply 5 to 10 sprays in the morning and the evening. Ideally apply after having a shower or a bath then massage into dry or wet skin.
Unlike some other supplements, this magnesium spray is suitable for children and women during pregnancy, so the whole family can use it
Magnesium type: Magnesium chloride hexahydrate
Main benefits:
- Contains the most absorbable source of magnesium
- Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function, bones, teeth and energy levels
- Easy and convenient spray you can use anywhere
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- Use anywhere on the body, massaging it into wet or dry skin
- Simply spay 5-10 times morning and night
What our customers think:
Joan bee – Magnesium oil – 5/5 stars
‘It’s effective, works quickly, easy to use, rubs in well.’
4. Best magnesium flakes
Better You Magnesium Flakes, 150g
There’s nothing like a good soak…
These flakes are a highly concentrated form of 100% natural, pharmaceutical-grade magnesium chloride. Soaking in a magnesium flake bath, this product supports muscle remineralisation.
For foot soaks – dissolve 150g of magnesium flakes (one mug) in warm water, immerse your feet and relax for 20 minutes, or longer, if desired.
For bath soaks – dissolve 250g of magnesium flakes (two mugs) in a warm bath and sit for 20 minutes.
Magnesium type: Magnesium chloride
Strength: 12g per 100g
Main benefits:
- Highly concentrated form of pharmaceutical-grade magnesium chloride
- 100% natural and perfect for foot soaks and relaxing baths
- Can support skin health, muscle health and remineralisation
What our customers think:
Libby May – Magnesium Flakes – 5/5 stars
“Flakes quickly dissolve in the bath ready for a nice long soak!”
Mary R – Just relax! – 5/5 stars
‘Most relaxing way to absorb magnesium! Use in the bath or as a foot soak.’
5. Best liquid magnesium
Floradix Magnesium Mineral Drink, 250ml
Drink your way to healthier magnesium levels…
This delicious magnesium liquid formula contains herbal extracts and real fruit juice concentrates, making it highly effective yet functional. It’s great for people who don’t like tablets.
As the magnesium is already dissolved, it gets absorbed quicker by the digestive system when compared with normal tablets.
It can be taken by both children and adults, even women who are pregnant / breastfeeding, so it’s great for the whole family.
Magnesium type: Magnesium gluconate and magnesium citrate
Strength: 62.5mg per 5ml serving
Main benefits:
- High-quality magnesium meets real fruit juice concentrates and herbal extracts
- An easy and enjoyable way to top up magnesium levels, especially if you don’t like tablets
- The magnesium is already dissolved in the formula, making it easier and faster for the digestive system to process
- Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function, bones, teeth and energy levels
- Gluten-free, lactose-free and suitable for vegetarians
What our customers think:
Sunshine7 – Full of goodness – 5/5 stars
“When I first tasted this, I got the feeling it was full of goodness. I take it before breakfast and it is helpful to find a liquid form of magnesium intake, as I find tablets difficult to swallow. Too early to tell the impact but I will say that I sense an improved sense of wellbeing.”
Mercedes1- Great product!!! – 5/5 stars
“Feeling so much better since I started taking it. Floradix range is super-efficient. As it’s liquid it is immediately assimilated. I strongly recommend to anyone.”
6. Best magnesium powder
Holland & Barrett Magnesium Powder, 200g
Magnesium your way…
This powdered magnesium citrate is a convenient and easily absorbable version of magnesium.
As it is unflavored, you can mix it into plain water, juice or other drinks, or even sprinkle it on your cereal and porridge – enjoy it your way!
Suitable for vegans, mix half a teaspoon (approximately 2.5g) with 200ml of water / other liquid and take once a day.
Magnesium type: Magnesium citrate
Strength: 375mg per ½ teaspoon
Main benefits:
- High-quality magnesium that can taste however you like!
- An easy and enjoyable way to top up magnesium levels, especially if you don’t like tablets
- Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function, bones, teeth and energy levels
- Gluten-free and suitable for vegans
What our customers think:
Kassy123 – Helps reduce fatigue – 5/5 stars
‘Great product. Has really helped me feel less tired and I have a lot more energy now.’
7. Best magnesium oil for joints
BetterYou Magnesium Oil Joint Spray. 100ml
A spray to support your joints…
This magnesium joint oil spray has been formulated with glucosamine for direct muscle and joint application. It also incorporates the cooling and calming effect of menthol.
Spray on the body, ideally after showering, and massage well into the skin. Reapply whenever you need to. For best results, apply to clean skin.
Magnesium type: Magnesium chloride
Strength: 40mg magnesium + 80mg glucosamine per 10 sprays
Main benefits:
- Contains the most absorbable source of magnesium
- Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function, bones, teeth and energy levels
- Easy and convenient spray you can use anywhere
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- Use anywhere on the body, massaging it into wet or dry skin
- Simply spray 5-10 times morning and night
What our customers think:
Anonymous – Brilliant product – 5/5 stars
‘Brilliant way to get magnesium into your joints and it’s easy to apply.’
The final word
- Magnesium can be found in lots of foods, including nuts, beans, wholegrains and more
- You may choose to take a magnesium supplement if your diet can’t provide enough
- Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function, bones, teeth and energy levels
- You can choose from sprays, tablets, drinks, effervescent tablets and more to top up your magnesium
- Hopefully this buyer’s guide has helped you decide which is best for you and your family
- If you’re not sure if you can take magnesium supplements because you’re taking medications or have a condition, please check with your GP before you make a decision
