On a magnesium label there are two figures worth telling apart: the amount of the salt (bisglycinate, malate, taurate, citrate, oxide) and the amount of elemental magnesium that salt provides. They are different things, and the difference explains much of the confusion around this mineral. This article describes each form Bodyvibe uses and how to read the composition table.

Magnesium never travels alone

Magnesium is a mineral that, in a food supplement, always comes bound to another molecule. That combination is called a salt. The partner molecule changes the total weight, the solubility and the texture of the powder, but the nutrient the regulation recognises is always the same: magnesium. That is why authorised claims are attributed to magnesium and not to a particular salt.

Bisglycinate: a chelate with glycine

In bisglycinate, each magnesium atom is bound to two molecules of glycine, the smallest amino acid. This structure is called a chelate. The bisglycinate Bodyvibe uses is Albion® Minerals, a Balchem Corporation brand that manufactures this form with a documented identity and process; its logo on the label is accompanied by the corresponding trademark attribution. For every 1000 mg of bisglycinate, the label declares 200 mg of magnesium.

Malate: magnesium and malic acid

Magnesium malate combines the mineral with malic acid, an organic acid naturally present in fruits such as apples. It is a salt with a well-defined chemical identity and a lower proportion of magnesium per gram than the bisglycinate on the label. In Magnesium Complex, 180 mg of malate provide 42 mg of magnesium.

Taurate: magnesium and taurine

Taurate binds magnesium to taurine, a sulphur-containing amino acid. Bodyvibe includes it as a third form and declares its contribution: 100 mg of taurate, 8 mg of magnesium. We attribute no function to taurine: EFSA has assessed several claim applications for this substance and none has been authorised.

The figure that matters: elemental magnesium

The Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) for magnesium in the EU is 375 mg a day. Dividing the 250 mg on the label by 375 gives the 66.6% shown in the table. When comparing products, always look for the “of which magnesium” or “total elemental magnesium” row: the salt figure alone does not tell you how much mineral you are taking.

What the regulation says

These sentences are attributed to magnesium, whatever the salt. What the regulation does not authorise are comparisons between forms: no claim in the register says that a chelate works better than another salt, and so Bodyvibe does not say it. We chose three forms for their documented identity and standardisation, and we declare every milligram.

A responsible dose

250 mg per serving matches the tolerable upper intake level for supplemental magnesium set by EFSA. It is an amount designed to be taken on its own: do not combine Magnesium Complex with other supplements that also provide magnesium. Excessive magnesium intake may have a laxative effect. Two capsules a day with plenty of water, preferably at night, as the label states. Adults only; consult a health professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition.

In short

  • The salt (bisglycinate, malate, taurate) and elemental magnesium are different figures: look for the “of which” row.
  • 250 mg of magnesium per serving equals 66.6% of the NRV (375 mg).
  • Claims are attributed to magnesium; there are no authorised comparative claims between forms.
  • Do not combine with other magnesium supplements.