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Spectrum 5 Magnesium Complex contains five forms of magnesium chosen for their complementary functions and bioavailability profiles. Understanding what each form does helps explain why a multi-form supplement outperforms any single-ingredient product.

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Supplement Facts

Other Ingredients: Hypromellose (capsule), Rice Flour, Silicon Dioxide. No artificial colors, no stearates, no soy, no gluten, no GMOs.

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The Five Magnesium Forms

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1. Magnesium Glycinate

Magnesium glycinate is magnesium bound to glycine, an amino acid. It is the most bioavailable form of supplemental magnesium, meaning a higher percentage of each dose is absorbed and utilized. Primary functions:
  • Promotes calmness and reduces anxiety via glycine’s inhibitory neurotransmitter activity
  • Improves sleep onset and sleep quality
  • Gentle on the digestive tract — does not cause loose stools at normal doses
  • Supports GABA activity in the brain
Best for: Sleep support, anxiety management, sensitive stomachs

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2. Magnesium Malate

Magnesium malate combines magnesium with malic acid, a compound naturally produced in the body during the Krebs cycle (energy metabolism). Primary functions:
  • Supports ATP (cellular energy) production
  • Reduces muscle soreness and fatigue
  • Particularly beneficial for individuals with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue
  • Supports exercise recovery
Best for: Energy, muscle function, athletic performance

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3. Magnesium Citrate

Magnesium citrate is magnesium bound to citric acid. It is one of the most widely studied forms of supplemental magnesium with high absorption rates and broad health benefits. Primary functions:
  • Supports metabolic health and blood sugar regulation
  • Promotes mood balance through serotonin precursor pathways
  • Supports kidney health and may help prevent kidney stones
  • Mild laxative effect at higher doses
Best for: Metabolic health, mood, everyday supplementation

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4. Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium oxide contains the highest elemental magnesium percentage by weight of any form (~60%), though its absorption rate is lower than glycinate or malate. When combined with other forms, it contributes significant elemental magnesium to the total dose. Primary functions:
  • Linked to migraine prevention in multiple clinical studies
  • Supports sleep improvement
  • Helps with indigestion and acid reflux (acts as an antacid)
  • Contributes high elemental magnesium content to the formula
Best for: Migraine prevention, high-dose magnesium replenishment

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5. Magnesium Hydroxide

Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) is well known for its digestive benefits and is used in over-the-counter antacid products. Primary functions:
  • Promotes digestive regularity and bowel health
  • Neutralizes excess stomach acid
  • Gentle laxative effect at therapeutic doses
  • Supports gut motility
Best for: Digestive health, regularity, acid relief

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Why Five Forms Together

Using all five forms simultaneously means the body receives magnesium through multiple absorption pathways, increasing overall uptake and delivering benefits across a wider range of physiological systems than any single form can achieve.

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Capsule Shell and Excipients

The capsule is made from hypromellose — a plant-derived cellulose that is 100% vegan and dissolves easily. Rice flour is used as a minimal filler. Silicon dioxide is a flow agent used in trace quantities during manufacturing. There are no magnesium stearate, talc, titanium dioxide, or artificial dyes in Spectrum 5.
For maximum absorption, take Spectrum 5 with a meal. Magnesium absorption is slightly enhanced in the presence of food and is not significantly affected by timing relative to other supplements.
Related: Dosage Guide · Who Needs Magnesium? · 5-Form vs Single-Form