Form explainer
Magnesium Glycinate vs Bisglycinate
Are they the same thing? What labels actually mean.
Short answer
In practice, 'magnesium glycinate' and 'magnesium bisglycinate' are commonly marketed as the same form — magnesium bound to two glycine molecules. The important comparison is the elemental dose, not the name on the front of the bottle.
Key comparison points
- 01What the names refer to
- 02Why the front label can mislead
- 03Buffered vs fully-chelated claims
- 04What to check on the back of the pack
- 05Common label tricks
- 06How to compare like-for-like
Reading the label
| Label says | Often means | Check for |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium glycinate | Bisglycinate chelate | Elemental mg per serving |
| Magnesium bisglycinate | Two glycine molecules per mg | Whether 'buffered' with oxide |
| High-strength glycinate | Marketing term | Actual elemental dose |
What Fair Shelf compares
- Stated form vs likely real form
- Elemental dose per capsule
- Whether the product is buffered with cheaper magnesium oxide
- Cost per elemental mg
Stop reading. Start comparing.
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Related magnesium guides
Value pickBest Value Magnesium Glycinate in the UKPricingWhy is Magnesium So Expensive?How to compareHow to Compare Magnesium SupplementsInformational only — not medical advice. Fair Shelf does not tell you to start, stop or switch supplements. Always check the label and speak to a qualified professional if unsure.