From the Guidelines
Magnesium glycinate can potentially decrease the absorption of certain medications, and it is recommended to separate its intake from other medications by at least 2-4 hours to minimize interactions. Specifically, magnesium supplements may interfere with the absorption of antibiotics (particularly tetracyclines like doxycycline and fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin), bisphosphonates (like alendronate for osteoporosis), and some blood pressure medications 1. This is because magnesium can bind to certain medications in the digestive tract, forming complexes that are poorly absorbed.
Key Considerations
- Magnesium glycinate is less likely to cause interactions compared to other magnesium forms like magnesium oxide or citrate because of its higher bioavailability and lower concentration of elemental magnesium, but separation is still prudent.
- The bioavailability and clinical efficacy of magnesium glycinate for various health conditions are unknown, as most studies have evaluated magnesium oxide 1.
- Systemic regulation of magnesium levels is maintained by renal excretion, and hypermagnesemia is more likely to occur in individuals with significant renal impairment, making it essential to avoid magnesium supplements in those with a creatinine clearance of <20 mg/dL 1.
Practical Recommendations
- If you take antibiotics in the morning, consider taking magnesium glycinate in the evening to minimize potential interactions.
- Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you're taking to ensure they can account for potential interactions when prescribing medications.
- Be aware of the potential for magnesium to interact with other medications, such as antacids, antiemetics, and blood thinners, and take steps to minimize these interactions 1.
From the Research
Magnesium Glycinate and Medication Absorption
- There is limited direct evidence on the effect of magnesium glycinate on the absorption of other medications.
- However, a study on metal ion-tetracycline interactions in biological fluids found that magnesium can form complexes with tetracycline derivatives, potentially affecting their bioavailability in blood plasma 2.
- The study suggests that the metal-bound fraction of tetracyclines, including those bound to magnesium, represents a significant portion of these drugs in plasma, which may impact their absorption and effectiveness.
- Another study on tetracycline antibiotics discusses the mode of action, applications, and resistance mechanisms of these drugs, but does not provide direct information on the interaction between magnesium glycinate and tetracycline absorption 3.
- A more recent study on the management of myasthenia gravis provides updated guidance on treatment topics, but does not address the specific question of magnesium glycinate's effect on medication absorption 4.