Magnesium bisglycinate and magnesium glycinate usually mean the same thing on supplement labels. Both names describe magnesium joined to glycine, an amino acid. The main thing to check is how much magnesium you get in each daily serving.
The short answer
Yes, magnesium bisglycinate and magnesium glycinate usually refer to the same form of magnesium.
Magnesium is a mineral. Glycine is an amino acid, one of the small building blocks of protein.
When magnesium joins to glycine, it forms magnesium glycinate.
The word "bis" means two. In magnesium bisglycinate, one magnesium part is joined to two glycine parts.
That is why you may see both names on UK supplement labels.
You do not need to look for two different products. In most cases, the names describe the same ingredient.
Why labels use two names
If you have looked at a magnesium supplement, you may have seen different names on the front and back of the pack.
This can make choosing a product confusing.
For example, the front of the Snooze jar says "Magnesium Glycinate".
The ingredient list uses the name "magnesium bisglycinate".
Both names refer to the same magnesium form in this product.
You can see this on our magnesium glycinate gummies product page.
When comparing supplements, read the full label. Do not choose a product based only on which name appears on the front.
The amount of magnesium per daily serving matters more than the longer or shorter name.
How to read the magnesium amount on a label
This is one of the most useful things to know when buying magnesium supplements.
The number shown for magnesium glycinate is not always the amount of magnesium you get.
There are two different measurements to understand.
Magnesium glycinate amount
This is the weight of the full compound. It includes magnesium and the glycine joined to it.
Elemental magnesium amount
This is the actual amount of magnesium the compound provides.
Let's use Snooze as an example.
Each daily serving of two Snooze gummies contains:
- 600 mg magnesium glycinate.
- 78 mg elemental magnesium.
- 21% of the Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) for magnesium.
The 600 mg figure is the full compound amount.
The 78 mg figure tells you how much magnesium you are taking.
When you compare products, look for the elemental magnesium amount per daily serving.
This helps you compare products even when their labels show different compound amounts.
For more information, read our elemental magnesium dosage guide.
How much magnesium you need
Magnesium is an essential mineral found in many everyday foods.
According to UK guidance from the NHS and Food Standards Scotland, adults need about:
- Men: 300 mg of magnesium a day.
- Women: 270 mg of magnesium a day.
These amounts include magnesium from your food.
You can find magnesium in green leafy vegetables, such as spinach. It is also found in nuts, bread, fish, meat and dairy foods.
Eating a varied and balanced diet should come first.
If you take a magnesium supplement, check how much elemental magnesium it contains.
UK guidance says that taking 400 mg or less of magnesium a day from supplements is unlikely to cause harm.
Do not take more than 400 mg a day from supplements unless your doctor tells you to.
High doses of magnesium taken for a short time can cause diarrhoea.
Always follow the serving amount on your chosen product.
What magnesium contributes to
Magnesium has several recognised functions in the body.
These benefits come from the mineral itself, not from the name glycinate or bisglycinate.
Four approved UK health claims for magnesium are:
- Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
- Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
- Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.
- Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
These claims apply to magnesium from suitable supplements as well as magnesium found in food.
For a closer look at the mineral and its recognised functions, read our guide to magnesium glycinate benefits.
When to take magnesium bisglycinate
There is no single time that you must take every magnesium supplement.
The simplest approach is to follow the directions on your product label.
Some supplements give a recommended time. Others only tell you how many servings to take each day.
For Snooze, the label recommends chewing two gummies per day, ideally 30 minutes before bedtime.
You can make this part of your evening routine.
The suggested time is a routine, not a promise of a particular effect.
Do not take extra gummies if you have already taken the recommended daily serving.
If you take other supplements, check their labels too. This helps you keep track of your total magnesium intake.
Snooze magnesium glycinate gummies
If you prefer a chewable supplement, Snooze offers magnesium glycinate in a blueberry flavour.
The front of the jar says "Magnesium Glycinate". The ingredient list uses "magnesium bisglycinate".
Each daily serving of two gummies provides:
| Ingredient | Amount per 2 gummies |
|---|---|
| Magnesium glycinate | 600 mg |
| Elemental magnesium | 78 mg (21% NRV) |
| Chamomile extract | 100 mg |
| Lemon balm 10:1 extract | 100 mg |
Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.
Snooze is vegan, gluten free and palm oil free.
Each jar contains 60 gummies. That gives you 30 daily servings.
The label also states "Food supplement with sugar and sweeteners".
Chew two gummies a day, ideally 30 minutes before bedtime.
Snooze Magnesium Glycinate
600 mg magnesium glycinate per two gummies, providing 78 mg magnesium.
Blueberry flavour with chamomile extract and lemon balm extract.
60 gummies per jar. Vegan, gluten free and palm oil free.
Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
This product is not intended for children. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition or take any medication, consult your doctor before use.
Excessive consumption may produce laxative effects.
Store the jar in a cool, dry place and keep it out of reach of young children.
Questions people ask
Is bisglycinate better than glycinate?
In most supplements, magnesium bisglycinate and magnesium glycinate mean the same thing.
One name is not better than the other.
Instead, compare the amount of elemental magnesium per daily serving, the format and the product label.
Does magnesium bisglycinate help with sleep?
There is no approved UK health claim for magnesium and sleep, so we do not make one.
Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
If a supplement recommends taking it before bedtime, follow the label. The suggested timing should not be taken as a claim about its effect.
Can I take magnesium bisglycinate every day?
Magnesium is needed as part of your daily diet.
For a supplement, follow the recommended daily serving on its label.
Snooze recommends two gummies per day.
Remember to check the magnesium amounts in any other supplements you take.
If you have a medical condition or take medication, speak to your doctor before use.
Is magnesium bisglycinate the same as magnesium citrate?
No. Magnesium citrate is a different form of magnesium.
Magnesium bisglycinate contains magnesium joined to glycine. Magnesium citrate contains magnesium joined to citrate.
Both provide magnesium.
When comparing them, check the elemental magnesium amount and the recommended daily serving.
Where can I buy magnesium bisglycinate in the UK?
You can look for magnesium bisglycinate in supplements labelled magnesium glycinate.
Always read the ingredient list to confirm the form used.
Snooze Magnesium Glycinate contains magnesium bisglycinate and comes in a chewable gummy format.
Check the label for the amount of magnesium provided by each daily serving.
The bottom line
Magnesium bisglycinate and magnesium glycinate usually describe the same form of magnesium. The most useful number to check is the elemental magnesium amount per daily serving.
If you prefer gummies, Snooze contains magnesium glycinate in a blueberry-flavoured format. Follow the recommended serving and check the label before adding it to your routine.
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.