Why is magnesium oxide poorly absorbed?

Magnesium oxide has the highest amount of elemental, or actual, magnesium per weight. However, it’s poorly absorbed. Studies have found that magnesium oxide is essentially insoluble in water, making absorption rates low ( 9 , 10 ).

Is there a difference between magnesium and magnesium oxide?

Magnesium oxide is a type of magnesium mineral supplement that is mostly made of magnesium—it actually contains more magnesium than other magnesium supplements. Magnesium oxide is acquired by burning magnesium with pure oxygen, but this method is quite costly.

Is magnesium oxide better absorbed?

Some research suggests that this type is among the most bioavailable forms of magnesium, meaning that it’s more easily absorbed in your digestive tract than other forms ( 4 ). It’s typically taken orally to replenish low magnesium levels.

Which magnesium is poorly absorbed?

Magnesium oxide This type isn’t typically used to prevent or treat magnesium deficiencies, as some studies report that it’s poorly absorbed by your digestive tract ( 7 ). Instead, it’s more frequently used for short-term relief of uncomfortable digestive symptoms, such as heartburn, indigestion, and constipation.

How is magnesium absorbed?

Magnesium is absorbed principally in the small intestine, through a saturable transport system and via passive diffusion through bulk flow of water. Absorption of magnesium depends on the amount ingested. When the dietary content of magnesium is typical, approximately 30-40\% is absorbed.

Which is better absorbed magnesium citrate or oxide?

Magnesium citrate It is often an ingredient in supplements and appears to be easier for the body to absorb than some other forms. An older 2003 study of 46 adults found that magnesium citrate absorbed better than magnesium oxide and magnesium chelate.

Is magnesium oxide absorbed?

Magnesium oxide has difficulty dissolving in water and is not absorbed into bodily tissues as easily as water-soluble magnesium salts, such as magnesium citrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium lactate, or magnesium malate.

What does magnesium oxide do?

Magnesium oxide is used as a supplement to maintain adequate magnesium in the body. Magnesium oxide is also used as an antacid to treat indigestion, or as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation. Magnesium oxide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most absorbable form of magnesium?

Magnesium glycinate — Magnesium glycinate (magnesium bound with glycine, a non-essential amino acid) is one of the most bioavailable and absorbable forms of magnesium, and also the least likely to induce diarrhea. It is the safest option for correcting a long-term deficiency.

Which is better to take magnesium or magnesium oxide?

An older 2003 study of 46 adults found that magnesium citrate absorbed better than magnesium oxide and magnesium chelate. However, doctors also use magnesium citrate to treat constipation. For some people, this may mean it causes unwanted digestive side effects, such as diarrhea.

What magnesium is best absorbed?

Magnesium glycinate — Magnesium glycinate (magnesium bound with glycine, a non-essential amino acid) is one of the most bioavailable and absorbable forms of magnesium, and also the least likely to induce diarrhea.

What competes with magnesium absorption?

Studies also found that calcium directly or indirectly competes with magnesium for intestinal absorption and transport (20). A low concentration of calcium and a high concentration of magnesium (thus, a low Ca:Mg) in the lumen activates the transport of magnesium (20).