What is the recommended dosing for magnesium glycinate?

Magnesium Glycinate Dosing Recommendations

The recommended dose of magnesium glycinate for adults is 500 mg to 1 g daily (providing approximately 100-200 mg of elemental magnesium), not exceeding the maximum daily dose of 350 mg elemental magnesium for women and 420 mg for men. 1

Dosage Guidelines

• Standard adult dosing:

  • 500 mg to 1 g of magnesium glycinate daily 1
  • This provides approximately 100-200 mg of elemental magnesium
  • Maximum recommended daily dose should not exceed 350 mg elemental magnesium for women and 420 mg for men 1, 2

• Administration strategy:

  • Divide into smaller doses throughout the day to improve absorption 1
  • Consider taking at night when intestinal transit is slower for better absorption 1
  • May be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects

Special Populations and Considerations

• Renal impairment:

  • Contraindicated in significant renal impairment (creatinine clearance <20 mg/dL) 1
  • Patients with kidney disease should avoid magnesium supplements due to risk of hypermagnesemia

• Specific clinical applications:

  • Hypomagnesemia: 500 mg to 1 g daily, can be increased with monitoring 1
  • Sleep disorders: 500 mg before bedtime may help with periodic limb movements and mild-to-moderate restless leg syndrome 3

Monitoring

• Monitor for gastrointestinal side effects, which are the most common adverse reactions
• For patients on long-term supplementation, periodically check serum magnesium levels
• More frequent monitoring is necessary for patients on diuretics or with cardiac conditions 1

Clinical Pearls

• Magnesium glycinate is generally better tolerated than other forms of magnesium (like oxide or citrate) due to reduced gastrointestinal side effects
• When treating electrolyte abnormalities, correct magnesium deficiency before addressing potassium or calcium abnormalities 1
• Indicators for patients who would likely respond to supplementation include:
  • Dietary intake <250 mg/day
  • Urinary excretion <80 mg/day
  • Serum magnesium <0.85 mmol/L 1

Cautions

• Long-term high-dose supplementation should be monitored as it may decrease intestinal motility 4
• Check for potential drug interactions before initiating therapy, particularly with antibiotics, bisphosphonates, and certain cardiac medications 1
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers before using magnesium supplements 1