Magnesium Bisglycinate is a highly bioavailable, well-tolerated chelated form of magnesium, where magnesium is bound to two glycine molecules. It is primarily used for the treatment and prevention of magnesium deficiency, which is prevalent in the Indian population due to dietary habits, soil depletion, and conditions like diabetes. It is superior to inorganic salts (oxide, citrate) due to better absorption and minimal gastrointestinal side effects.
Adult: For deficiency/treatment: 400 mg once or twice daily. For maintenance/prophylaxis: 400 mg once daily. Best taken with meals to enhance absorption and reduce rare GI upset.
Note: Oral administration. Swallow tablet whole with a full glass of water. Can be taken with or without food, but taking with food may improve tolerability. Do not crush or chew unless specified by formulation (e.g., effervescent). Space doses at least 4-6 hours apart if taking twice daily.
Magnesium (Mg2+) is the second most abundant intracellular cation. It acts as an essential cofactor for over 600 enzymatic reactions, including ATP metabolism, glucose utilization, protein synthesis, and nucleic acid stability. As a physiological calcium channel blocker and NMDA receptor antagonist, it regulates neuromuscular transmission, vasodilation, and neuronal excitability. The bisglycinate chelate enhances absorption via peptide transport pathways.
Pregnancy: Category A (Australian categorization). Magnesium is essential for fetal development. Supplementation is often required and considered safe at recommended doses (400 mg/day). However, use should be under obstetrician guidance, especially in the third trimester where high doses are used for eclampsia prophylaxis (IV, not oral).
Driving: No known effect on driving ability at recommended doses. However, symptoms of hypermagnesemia (drowsiness, dizziness) could impair performance.
| Oral Bisphosphonates (e.g., Alendronate) | Magnesium can significantly reduce absorption of bisphosphonates. Separate administration by at least 2 hours. | Major |
| Tetracycline & Quinolone Antibiotics (e.g., Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin) | Chelation in GI tract reduces antibiotic absorption. Administer magnesium supplement 2-4 hours before or 4-6 hours after the antibiotic. | Major |
| Potassium-Sparing Diuretics (e.g., Spironolactone, Amiloride) | Increased risk of hypermagnesemia due to reduced renal excretion of magnesium. | Moderate |
| Muscle Relaxants & Anesthetics | Potentiates neuromuscular blocking effects, leading to increased muscle weakness. | Moderate |
| Cardiac Glycosides (Digoxin) | Magnesium deficiency can potentiate digoxin toxicity. Correction of deficiency is beneficial, but monitor for bradycardia. | Moderate |
| Antacids/Laxatives containing Magnesium | Additive effect, increasing risk of hypermagnesemia and diarrhea. | Moderate |
Same composition (Magnesium Bisglycinate (400mg)), different brands: