Magnesium

Magnesium, Done Properly — The Science & The Shortcuts | Element 5
The science & the shortcuts

Magnesium,
done properly.

Most magnesium on the shelf is the cheapest form money can buy, quietly underdosed behind a big number, padded with fillers, and shipped in a bag you can't store. Here's how to read past all of that — and why three forms beat one.

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Complementary forms
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mg elemental magnesium
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% of NRV per serving
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Inert fillers
Interactive

The “1500 mg” trick

The number on the front of the tub is the weight of the magnesium compound — not the magnesium itself, and definitely not what you absorb. Pick a form and see what's really going on.

Compound on the label1500 mg
Elemental %s are approximate, by molecular weight. Absorption is an illustrative comparison of how well each form is typically taken up.
1500 mg compound = 900 mg elemental
Magnesium oxide · ~60% elemental by weight
How much you actually absorbLow
Not all magnesium is equal

The form is the whole game

A high elemental percentage is worthless if your body can't take it up. Here's roughly how the common forms compare on absorption — and why the cheapest one is everywhere.

The Element 5 formula

Why three forms, not one

Single-form magnesium is cheaper to make — but each form has its own strengths. We combine three well-absorbed forms so the whole serving works harder. Tap a form to explore it.

What it does

254 mg of elemental magnesium

That's 68% of the daily Nutrient Reference Value — a meaningful, honestly-stated dose. Magnesium contributes to:

0%of NRV / serving
    It's not just what's inside

    A bottle you can live with

    Loose powder in a resealable bag is cheap to ship — and a pain to actually use. We chose pre-measured capsules in a proper bottle. Switch between the two.

      Quality vs the cut-price corner

      What you're really comparing

      When a magnesium competes on price, something has to give. Usually several things at once.

      Common questions

      Magnesium, answered

      The takeaway

      Read the elemental, not the headline.

      Check the form, the elemental dose, and what fills the rest of the capsule. That's how you tell real magnesium from a cheap number on a bag.

      This content is for education only and is not medical advice. The health statements describe authorised EU/UK nutrient claims for magnesium and apply to the nutrient generally, not to any specific outcome. Absorption comparisons between forms are illustrative. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before changing your supplement regimen. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.