What is Magnesium Bisglycinate Granular?
Magnesium bisglycinate is a chelated magnesium compound formed by the binding of one magnesium ion to two glycine (amino acid) molecules. Chelation wraps the mineral with an organic carrier, allowing it to remain more stable in the digestive system and exhibit a tendency for higher bioavailability compared to inorganic salts like magnesium oxide. It is a tasteless, odorless, white-to-cream colored powder used as a dietary supplement and food raw material.
- Molecular formula: C₄H₈MgN₂O₄
- CAS number: 14783-68-7
- Form: Powder / Chelated Magnesium Bisglycinate
- Quality: Food / Pharmaceutical Grade
- Approximately 14% elemental Mg in the pure compound (~709 mg magnesium bisglycinate ≈ 100 mg elemental Mg).
What is Magnesium Bisglycinate Granular Used For? Why is it Used?
Thanks to its chelation with glycine, magnesium bisglycinate generally has higher bioavailability compared to inorganic salts like magnesium oxide and is gentler on the gastrointestinal system. It is preferred for users who experience tolerance issues, as it exhibits less osmotic/laxative effect compared to some highly soluble forms (evidence level: moderate).
Main areas of use: Capsule Filling, Tablet Production, Food Supplements, Beverage Powders, Energy Bars, Mineral Support.
Usage in Dietary Supplements
- Forms: capsules, tablets, and powders: Used in capsule, chewable/swallowable tablet, and beverage-mix powder formulations; its tasteless and odorless nature and good flowability make it suitable for formulation.
- Why bisglycinate: Due to being an amino acid chelate, magnesium can be absorbed largely independently of stomach acid; this is highlighted as an advantage for those with low stomach acid or those who cannot tolerate inorganic salts.
- Bioavailability: According to NIH ODS, water-soluble organic forms tend to show higher bioavailability compared to magnesium oxide and sulfate; bisglycinate falls into this category.
- Gastric tolerance: It is reported that the chelated form leaves less osmotic/laxative effect in the intestines; however, osmotic diarrhea may occur at high doses.
Usage in the Food Industry
- Supplement raw material (regulations): It is among the permitted magnesium sources under the Turkish Food Codex Dietary Supplements Regulation; in the EU, amino acid chelates are also accepted as magnesium sources (2002/46/EC).
- Food and beverage fortification: Can be used as a magnesium source in functional beverages, sports drinks, and powder mixes; its tasteless profile has less impact on taste.
- NRV labeling: In the EU, nutrition claims are made via the NRV according to Regulation 1169/2011; the NRV for magnesium is 375 mg/day.
Effects on Health
Magnesium is a mineral that plays a role in many fundamental functions in the body. The main functions authorized/evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
- Normal muscle function: Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function (including muscle contraction) (EFSA authorized claim).
- Reduction of fatigue and asthenia: Magnesium contributes to the reduction of fatigue and asthenia (EFSA authorized claim).
- Nervous system and psychological function: Magnesium contributes to normal nervous system function and normal psychological function (EFSA).
- Energy metabolism and protein synthesis: Magnesium contributes to normal energy metabolism and protein synthesis; it acts as a cofactor in over 300 enzymes (EFSA).
- Electrolyte balance: Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance (EFSA).
- Bones and teeth: Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth (EFSA).
Usage Limits in Supplement Foods
- Nutrient Reference Value (NRV): Magnesium NRV is 375 mg/day (EU 1169/2011, Annex XIII).
- Upper Level of Intake (EFSA): EFSA/SCF: UL for additional magnesium from supplements is 250 mg/day (readily soluble compounds; natural Mg in food excluded). The critical effect is osmotic diarrhea.
- Turkish legislation (TETGK): Magnesium bisglycinate is a permitted magnesium source in the TR Dietary Supplements Regulation; a specific numerical upper limit per day has not been directly confirmed from the official text (not fabricated).
The difference between 375 mg (NRV) and 250 mg (UL) serves different purposes; calculations are made based on elemental Mg.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Purity (Mg) | ≥13.0 |
| Appearance | White Powder |
| Moisture | ≤5.0 % |
| Solubility | Water Soluble |
Scientific Studies
The following independent researches relate to the bioavailability, usage, and effects of this mineral (evidence levels are indicated):
- PubMed 7815675 — Small clinical study showing that magnesium diglycinate (bisglycinate) has better bioavailability compared to magnesium oxide in patients with ileal resection.
- PubMed 16548135 — Animal study comparing organic and inorganic magnesium salts in magnesium-deficient rats, showing that organic salts are better absorbed.
- PubMed 11794633 — Study comparing the bioavailability of commercial magnesium preparations, reporting that soluble organic forms are better absorbed than oxide.
- PubMed 32162607 — Human study evaluating the bioavailability of magnesium citrate and oxide via urinary excretion.
- PubMed 32956536 — Recent Cochrane review evaluating magnesium supplementation for skeletal muscle cramps.
- PubMed 40918053 — Randomized placebo-controlled study showing that magnesium bisglycinate slightly improved insomnia severity.
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA and supply conditions for Magnesium Bisglycinate Granular.
References
- ods.od.nih.gov
- efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- eur-lex.europa.eu
- resmigazete.gov.tr
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The usage and health information on this page has been compiled from official legislation/institution sources (EFSA, NIH ODS, Turkish Food Codex, EUR-Lex) and independent scientific publications (PubMed). The product is a food supplement/food raw material and is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of disease.