Today we’re investigating one the body’s most vital minerals, magnesium. We’ll be taking a look at two different magnesium supplements: Nature’s Bounty 500mg Magnesium tablets & Nature’s Way 500mg Magnesium Complex capsules.

Nature's Way Magnesium Complex and Nature's Bounty Magnesium

Magnesium plays an important role in many functions of the human body. It has been linked to helping prevent osteoporosis, diabetes, anxiety, migraines, indigestion, constipation and other ailments. Magnesium is also important for activation of cellular energy(ATP,Adenosine triphosphate). While magnesium is one of the most common elements in the human body most people do not intake enough magnesium on a daily basis.

Those with digestive problems will be looking towards using magnesium for it’s laxative properties. Magnesium is a mineral that attracts water to itself, this is mainly where it’s abilities as a laxative come from. It should not be considered a stimulant laxative. This means that it’s milder, better tolerated & the body is less likely to build an immunity to it.

Which magnesium supplement is more potent?

There are two main types of magnesium used for supplements: magnesium oxide & magnesium citrate. Usually magnesium citrate is considered to be more potent.

Nature’s Bounty Magnesium tablets use only magnesium oxide, while Nature’s Way Magnesium Complex uses a blend of both magnesium oxide & magnesium citrate.In this battle Nature’s Way Magnesium Complex comes out slightly ahead due to the inclusion of magnesium citrate, but they do not specify how much of it is included in the 500mg.

Which magnesium supplement is easier to take?

Nature’s Bounty 500mg Magnesium tablets are smaller & have a coating on them to make them easier to swallow. Keep in mind this is only for their 500mg version. Nature’s Bounty also offers a 250mg version that does not have this coating which gives those tablets a rough texture & makes them start dissolving almost immediately when they come in contact with water.

Nature’s Way is in capsule form. The capsules are rather sizable & may be hard to swallow for some. If you find it hard to swallow you can open the capsule & pour the powdered magnesium into food. This is something that is harder to do with the Nature’s Bounty 500mg Magnesium tablets as you’d have to crush those & crushing coated tablets can be a bit of a pain.

Keep in mind that magnesium has a slightly sour taste & very chalky texture. I would not recommend mixing it into most foods.

Which magnesium supplement is vegetarian safe?

This is where Nature’s Way fails as they use a gelatin capsule which is derived from animal products. Nature’s Bounty on the other hand does not have any animal products & is vegetarian safe.

Which magnesium supplement is a better value?

As far as pricing goes on Amazon.com, Nature’s Way Magnesium Complex barely eeks out a win over Nature’s Bounty 500mg Magnesium tablets. Magnesium is pretty cheap regardless of who you get it from.

How much magnesium should I take?

This really depends on what kind of benefit you get from magnesium. I am currently taking two Nature’s Way Magnesium Complex capsules along with six Nature’s Way Psyllium Husk capsules & two Custom Probiotic CP-1 Adult Formula capsules. It would probably be best to start off with one 500mg tablet or capsule & then maybe go up to two or three later on. I would recommend taking the magnesium with fiber & probiotics to aid in their traversal through the digestive system.

Are there any other brands of magnesium you’d recommend?

Though I haven’t tried it personally, Solgar’s Magnesium Citrate tablets may be better than Nature’s Way Magnesium Complex or Nature’s Bounty 500mg Magnesium tablets. It’s 400mg of pure magnesium citrate in tablet form & vegetarian friendly. If I do try it I’ll post a review about it later.

If you’ve tried magnesium supplements for yourself, feel free to leave a comment & let others know if they’ve helped at all.