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Magnesium 500 mg

KAL
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(3992 ratings)
Magnesium 500 mg
Arginine 100 mg
Glutamine 100 mg
Product Image
Score 75.0

KAL Magnesium 500 mg is a budget-friendly multi-form magnesium supplement featuring Taurate, Oxide, Orotate, and Citrate, plus small amounts of L-Glutamine and L-Arginine. It aims to support a wide range of health goals, from energy and sleep to heart and bone health, by utilizing various magnesium types for potentially better absorption. Its main strength is its cost-effectiveness and comprehensive blend, though the exact elemental magnesium contribution from each listed 500mg form is unclear, which might confuse consumers.

Quantity: 60 Tablet(s)Servings size: 1 Tablet(s) (60 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Stress Relief
Mood Support
Bone Health
Sleep Support
Fitness

Score 75.0

KAL Magnesium 500 mg is a budget-friendly multi-form magnesium supplement featuring Taurate, Oxide, Orotate, and Citrate, plus small amounts of L-Glutamine and L-Arginine. It aims to support a wide range of health goals, from energy and sleep to heart and bone health, by utilizing various magnesium types for potentially better absorption. Its main strength is its cost-effectiveness and comprehensive blend, though the exact elemental magnesium contribution from each listed 500mg form is unclear, which might confuse consumers.

Analysis

The KAL Magnesium 500 mg product attempts to provide a comprehensive magnesium supplement by combining four different forms: Magnesium Taurate, Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Orotate, and Magnesium Citrate. This multi-form approach aims to leverage the distinct absorption profiles and potential benefits of each type, such as better bioavailability from citrate and taurate, and the specific heart-supporting properties of taurate and orotate. The inclusion of low doses of L-Glutamine and L-Arginine (100mg each) suggests a slight synergistic intent, although these amounts are generally considered sub-therapeutic for their individual primary benefits (e.g., gut repair for glutamine, nitric oxide for arginine). The "ActiSorb Base" is likely intended to further enhance overall absorption. Online reviews are generally positive, highlighting effectiveness for various goals like sleep and muscle cramps. However, a significant point of ambiguity lies in the ingredient labeling, where "Magnesium, Form: Magnesium Taurate, Quantity: 500.00mg" for each form implies 2000mg of *total magnesium salts* if read literally, or potentially 500mg of *elemental magnesium from each form*, which would mean an excessive and potentially dangerous total elemental magnesium intake if the product name "Magnesium 500 mg" refers to the elemental amount. Assuming the product name "Magnesium 500 mg" refers to the *total elemental magnesium* per serving, sourced from these forms, it's a reasonable and effective product. The very affordable price per serving ($0.17) makes it highly competitive.

Pros
  • Contains multiple forms of magnesium (Taurate, Oxide, Orotate, Citrate) for potentially better absorption and varied benefits.
  • Includes L-Glutamine and L-Arginine, which can offer additional synergistic benefits for gut health, muscle recovery, and cardiovascular support.
  • Very competitive price per serving.
  • Good review count (3983) indicates popularity and user satisfaction.
Cons
  • The total elemental magnesium from the *named 500mg* quantities of each specific form (Taurate, Oxide, Orotate, Citrate) is ambiguous; if each is 500mg of the *salt*, the total elemental magnesium would be extremely high and potentially unsafe. This ambiguity in labeling can be confusing for consumers.
  • Doses of L-Glutamine (100mg) and L-Arginine (100mg) are low for significant therapeutic effects when taken alone, though they may offer subtle synergistic benefits within the complex.
Warnings
  • Given the ambiguity in the ingredient listing (e.g., "Magnesium, Form: Magnesium Taurate, Quantity: 500.00mg"), consumers should clarify with the manufacturer if "500mg" refers to the total elemental magnesium *from that specific form's salt* or the *salt amount itself*. Assuming the product name "Magnesium 500 mg" refers to the total elemental magnesium, the labeling should ideally specify the elemental contribution from each form for clarity. Exceeding 350-400mg of elemental magnesium from supplements daily is generally not recommended unless under medical supervision due to potential side effects like diarrhea.
$10.59($0.17 per serving)
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Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Magnesium (Magnesium Taurate, Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Orotate, Magnesium Citrate) 500 mg
L-Arginine Hydrochloride 100 mg
L-Glutamine 100 mg
ActiSorb Base 10 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegetarian
Categories
Magnesium 80.0
The product provides a diverse blend of magnesium forms, aiming for comprehensive absorption and varied benefits, which is a strong point for a magnesium supplement. However, the ambiguous labeling of elemental magnesium content per source slightly detracts from its clarity compared to best-in-class options.
Glutamine 50.0
While L-Glutamine is included, the dosage of 100mg is significantly below typical therapeutic recommendations for specific benefits like gut health or muscle recovery. It may offer minor synergistic effects but is not a primary source of glutamine.
Arginine 50.0
The inclusion of L-Arginine at 100mg is a very low dose for achieving significant benefits related to nitric oxide production, cardiovascular support, or athletic performance. It is more of an auxiliary ingredient rather than a primary arginine source.
Goals
General Health 85.0
Magnesium is a fundamental mineral involved in over 300 bodily functions, directly contributing to overall well-being. The product's blend of multiple magnesium forms increases the likelihood of comprehensive absorption and utilization for general physiological support.
Stress Relief 85.0
Magnesium is well-known for its calming properties on the nervous system, helping to regulate stress responses and promote relaxation. Magnesium taurate and orotate, specifically included in this blend, are often cited for their anxiolytic effects.
Heart Health 85.0
Magnesium is essential for maintaining healthy heart rhythm and blood pressure, and for proper cardiovascular muscle function. The presence of magnesium taurate and orotate is particularly beneficial, as these forms are often recommended by nutritionists for their specific roles in heart health.
75 Value

L-Arginine 500 mg

Swanson
4.7
★★★★★
(3442 ratings)
This alternative provides five times the amount of L-Arginine found in the KAL product per serving, at a remarkably low price per serving (4 vs 15). This makes it an excellent value for those specifically interested in increasing their L-Arginine intake for cardiovascular support or athletic performance without overspending.
80 Value

Chelated Magnesium 133 mg

Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(5354 ratings)
While the dosage is lower at 133mg, this product features TRAACS Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate, a highly absorbable and gentle form, at an exceptionally low price per serving (6 vs 15) for a chelated magnesium. It offers superior quality magnesium per dollar, allowing flexible dosing for those prioritizing absorption and value.
70 Value

L-Glutamine 500 mg

Swanson
4.7
★★★★★
(1258 ratings)
For those seeking the benefits of L-Glutamine, this product offers five times the dose of the KAL product's Glutamine at a significantly lower price per serving (7 vs 15). This provides much better value per milligram of Glutamine, offering a more meaningful dose for its intended purposes at a budget-friendly cost.
90 Performance

Magnesium Caps 500 mg

Life Extension
4.8
★★★★★
(71611 ratings)
This product features TRAACS Magnesium Lysyl Glycinate Chelate, which is widely regarded by nutritionists and online reviews as one of the most highly bioavailable and well-tolerated forms of magnesium, superior to Magnesium Taurate for general absorption and gentle digestion. It provides the same 500mg dose of elemental magnesium, making it a direct upgrade in terms of absorption and overall effectiveness.
85 Performance

L-Glutamine

Jarrow Formulas
4.7
★★★★★
(5640 ratings)
While the KAL product includes a very small amount of L-Glutamine (100mg), this alternative provides ten times the dose per serving, which is much closer to the therapeutically effective dosages recommended for gut health, immune support, and muscle recovery. If L-Glutamine's benefits are a primary goal, this is a significantly more effective and targeted choice.
80 Performance

L-Arginine 1000 mg

21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(9054 ratings)
Similar to Glutamine, the L-Arginine content in the KAL product (100mg) is very low for typical benefits. This alternative provides ten times the L-Arginine per serving (1000mg), which is a more effective dose for supporting nitric oxide production, cardiovascular health, and exercise performance, offering a more impactful contribution to these specific goals.
70 Budget

Magnesium 250 mg

21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(63969 ratings)
This product is significantly cheaper per serving (2 vs 15) than the KAL Magnesium, making it a very economical choice for basic magnesium supplementation. While Magnesium Oxide is less bioavailable than Taurate, its low cost makes it an accessible option for many budget-conscious consumers.
65 Budget

Magnesium 500 mg

Nature's Bounty
4.7
★★★★★
(95048 ratings)
Offers the same 500mg dose of magnesium as the original for significantly less per serving (4 vs 15) and provides many more servings, making it a highly cost-effective option for long-term use. This makes it an attractive alternative for those prioritizing affordability for a standard magnesium dose.
60 Budget

Triple Magnesium Complex 400 mg

Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(15585 ratings)
Provides a substantial amount of magnesium at a very competitive price per serving (7 vs 15) compared to the KAL product. It's a straightforward, budget-friendly magnesium option for daily intake, despite primarily containing the less absorbed Magnesium Oxide form.
75 Value

L-Arginine 500 mg

Swanson
4.7
★★★★★
(3442 ratings)
This alternative provides five times the amount of L-Arginine found in the KAL product per serving, at a remarkably low price per serving (4 vs 15). This makes it an excellent value for those specifically interested in increasing their L-Arginine intake for cardiovascular support or athletic performance without overspending.
80 Value

Chelated Magnesium 133 mg

Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(5354 ratings)
While the dosage is lower at 133mg, this product features TRAACS Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate, a highly absorbable and gentle form, at an exceptionally low price per serving (6 vs 15) for a chelated magnesium. It offers superior quality magnesium per dollar, allowing flexible dosing for those prioritizing absorption and value.
70 Value

L-Glutamine 500 mg

Swanson
4.7
★★★★★
(1258 ratings)
For those seeking the benefits of L-Glutamine, this product offers five times the dose of the KAL product's Glutamine at a significantly lower price per serving (7 vs 15). This provides much better value per milligram of Glutamine, offering a more meaningful dose for its intended purposes at a budget-friendly cost.
90 Performance

Magnesium Caps 500 mg

Life Extension
4.8
★★★★★
(71611 ratings)
This product features TRAACS Magnesium Lysyl Glycinate Chelate, which is widely regarded by nutritionists and online reviews as one of the most highly bioavailable and well-tolerated forms of magnesium, superior to Magnesium Taurate for general absorption and gentle digestion. It provides the same 500mg dose of elemental magnesium, making it a direct upgrade in terms of absorption and overall effectiveness.
85 Performance

L-Glutamine

Jarrow Formulas
4.7
★★★★★
(5640 ratings)
While the KAL product includes a very small amount of L-Glutamine (100mg), this alternative provides ten times the dose per serving, which is much closer to the therapeutically effective dosages recommended for gut health, immune support, and muscle recovery. If L-Glutamine's benefits are a primary goal, this is a significantly more effective and targeted choice.
80 Performance

L-Arginine 1000 mg

21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(9054 ratings)
Similar to Glutamine, the L-Arginine content in the KAL product (100mg) is very low for typical benefits. This alternative provides ten times the L-Arginine per serving (1000mg), which is a more effective dose for supporting nitric oxide production, cardiovascular health, and exercise performance, offering a more impactful contribution to these specific goals.