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Magnesium Caps 400 mg

NOW

4.8
(29692 ratings)
Magnesium 400 mg
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Score 65.0

A cost-effective magnesium blend with mixed bioavailability due to the inclusion of poorly absorbed magnesium oxide alongside better forms.

Quantity: 180 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Veg Capsule(s) (180 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
General Health
Energy
Stress Relief
Heart Health
Bone Health

Score 65.0

A cost-effective magnesium blend with mixed bioavailability due to the inclusion of poorly absorbed magnesium oxide alongside better forms.

Analysis

NOW Magnesium Caps 400 mg combines Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Citrate, and Magnesium Aspartate. While Citrate and Aspartate offer decent to good bioavailability for systemic benefits, the significant presence of Magnesium Oxide (known for its poor absorption and potential laxative effects) reduces the overall effectiveness for addressing magnesium deficiencies comprehensively. This blend might be suitable for those seeking a budget-friendly option with some benefits from the better forms, but it is not ideal for optimal absorption across all stated goals. The very high review count indicates its widespread popularity, likely due to its affordability and the trusted NOW brand.

Pros
  • Very economical with a low price per serving, making it highly accessible.
  • Includes more bioavailable forms like magnesium citrate and aspartate.
  • From NOW, a highly reputable brand with extensive positive user reviews.
Cons
  • The presence of low-bioavailability magnesium oxide diminishes the overall systemic absorption for various health goals.
  • May cause digestive discomfort or laxative effects in sensitive individuals due to the oxide content.
Warnings
  • Magnesium oxide can cause laxative effects or digestive upset, especially at higher doses.
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$12.69($0.07 per serving)
Vitacost
$ 12.69
Daily Vita
$ 12.70
Pure Formulas
$ 13.08
iHerb
$ 13.46
Walmart
$ 15.95
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Effectiveness for goals

Dosage, timing & forms

Safety & interactions

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Magnesium (Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Aspartate) 400 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Kosher Dairy Free Vegetarian
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Categories

The product's mixed blend of magnesium forms, including both low and moderate bioavailability types, makes it an average choice for comprehensive magnesium supplementation.

Goals

The blend provides some bioavailable magnesium, but the inclusion of oxide limits the overall effectiveness for comprehensive general health support.
The citrate and aspartate forms offer some calming benefits, but the mixed absorption makes it less potent for stress relief compared to higher-quality single-form products.
Some magnesium will be absorbed to support heart health, but the blend's overall bioavailability is compromised by the oxide component.
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Magnesium Caps 500 mg

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(71620 ratings)
Although slightly more expensive per serving, it offers significantly superior chelated forms of magnesium for better absorption and systemic benefits, representing excellent overall value.
80 Value

Triple Magnesium Complex 400 mg

Swanson
4.8
(15589 ratings)
Offers a similar beneficial blend of Magnesium Oxide, Citrate, and Aspartate at virtually the same low price per serving, providing comparable value.
95 Value

Target-Mins Magnesium Potassium Aspartate With Other Target-Mins Chelates

Country Life
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(4315 ratings)
While a higher price per serving, its comprehensive blend of highly bioavailable magnesium forms and added potassium provides exceptional value for those seeking broad, effective mineral support.
90 Performance

Magnesium Caps 500 mg

Life Extension
4.8
(71620 ratings)
Contains TRAACS Magnesium Lysyl Glycinate Chelate and Magnesium Succinate, highly bioavailable forms that offer superior absorption and efficacy compared to a blend with Magnesium Oxide.
95 Performance

Target-Mins Magnesium Potassium Aspartate With Other Target-Mins Chelates

Country Life
4.7
(4315 ratings)
Provides a comprehensive array of highly bioavailable magnesium forms (Taurinate, Aspartate, Citrate, Alpha-Ketoglutarate) along with potassium, offering broader and more effective benefits.
90 Performance

Chelated Magnesium 133 mg

Swanson
4.8
(5354 ratings)
Features TRAACS Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate, a premium, highly absorbable, and gentle form, ideal for those seeking maximum bioavailability without laxative effects.
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