Form comparison
Magnesium glycinate vs citrate vs threonate: what's the difference?
Three of the most-marketed magnesium forms — what they're commonly used for, and how they compare on price and elemental dose.
Short answer
Glycinate is commonly marketed for general use and sleep positioning. Citrate is positioned for digestive comfort and is usually the cheapest per elemental mg. L-threonate is positioned for cognitive support and is significantly more expensive. They are not interchangeable on price — always compare a form against the same form.
Key comparison points
- 01What each form is bound to
- 02Typical elemental dose per serving
- 03Cost per 200mg elemental — by form
- 04What each form is commonly marketed for
- 05Why a premium price isn't always a premium product
- 06How FairDose compares them like-for-like
Forms side-by-side
| Form | Commonly marketed for | Typical £ / 200mg elemental |
|---|---|---|
| Glycinate / bisglycinate | General use, sleep positioning | £0.40 – £1.20 |
| Citrate | Digestive comfort | £0.20 – £0.60 |
| L-Threonate | Cognitive positioning | £1.50 – £3.50 |
What FairDose compares
- Stated form vs likely real form
- Elemental magnesium per serving
- Cost per 200mg elemental within a form
- Whether the elemental dose is clearly stated on the label
Stop reading. Start comparing.
Run a like-for-like magnesium glycinate comparison, or read the FairDose methodology.
Related magnesium guides
Informational only — not medical advice. FairDose does not tell you to start, stop or switch supplements. Always check the label and speak to a qualified professional if unsure.