Welcome back to the Terranova blog. Today we’re going to de-mystify magnesium so you can determine which product is right for you!
We are becoming progressively aware of the research-based evidence for the multiple roles of this mineral within the human body. It’s widely believed in nutrition circles, that magnesium deficiency is prevalent, due to factors such as soil depletion, stressful lifestyles and poor nutrient intake.

1. Where do we get it?

Magnesium is mainly sourced from the food we eat, it is found in nuts, seeds, green leafy veg and even dark chocolate.. (like we needed another reason to eat more chocolate!).

2. There are many forms of Magnesium found in supplements – the following three are among the most commonly used:

*Magnesium oxide – this needs acidity in order to release the mineral portion of the molecule for absorption. For women over 50 who typically have lower stomach acid levels, this would appear to be a concern. Within the Magnesium Calcium Complex  product, Terranova utilises the synergistic effects of freeze-dried ginger (rich in volatile principles) within the Magnifood Complex, to stimulates the release of HCl and pepsin in the stomach, thereby enhancing the digestive environment for the ionisation of the calcium from carbonate and/or magnesium from oxide.

*Magnesium Citrate –  The citrate form of magnesium only needs moisture to release the mineral ion (rather than an acidic environment). Magnesium citrate has a lower elemental weight compared to some other (non-organic) forms, thereby requiring twice the dosage to get the same amount of the mineral. Combining Magnesium citrate with magnesium oxide in the Magnesium Calcium Complex product allows for efficient absorption, without significantly increasing the dose or cost.

*Magnesium Bisglycinate – This is magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine (in a 2:1 ratio of glycine to magnesium). This is a highly bioavailable form of magnesium, allowing for optimal absorption – even in low acid environments. Intestinal tolerance to magnesium is a common concern with people who want or need to take higher doses, and bisglycinate form offers one additional advantage: typically doesn’t cause gastrointestinal symptoms.

Why Magnesium Bisglycinate is better tolerated by the intestines: 

The reason why magnesium bisglycinate doesn’t cause this is because magnesium  in the bisglycinate form is highly stable within the GI tract, since it is perceived by the intestinal tissue as a small peptide, rather than the mineral. As such, it cannot cause the osmotic effect that results in the imbalance of water in the intestines (and is associated with loose stools). The magnesium glycinate absorbs intact and the magnesium is released from the glycine chelate after intestinal absorption takes place.

3. What Terranova Magnesium products are available?

• Terranova Magnesium-Calcium Complex (2:1)/ capsules
• Terranova Magnesium 100mg Complex/ capsules
• Terranova Smooth Mag/ powder

The magnesium range, like all the products in the Terranova range are 100% additive free, 100% vegan. The range provides intensely synergistic nutritional and botanical formulations that are profoundly effective, precisely balanced, gentle on the system and which contain only active ingredients.

Further information on any of these three Terranova magnesium products can be seen by clicking on any of the links above.