Medically reviewed by Dr. Reina Punj, MBBS, PG Diploma in Endocrinology (University of South Wales), Lead Physician, Excelgenics Clinical Panel.
If you have been waking up tired, getting muscle cramps at night or feeling constantly on edge, low magnesium intake may be one of several possible factors. If you are considering magnesium bisglycinate tablets in India, this guide explains how the main forms differ, what to look for on a label and how to take magnesium safely.
Looking for a full, doctor-reviewed buying guide? See our Magnesium Supplements Guide, covering the forms compared, how much to take, the best time to take it, and safety.
Before you buy a magnesium supplement online, know that products differ a lot in form and dose.
Why Many Magnesium Supplements Fall Short
Many low-cost magnesium products on Indian shelves use inorganic salts such as magnesium oxide or carbonate. These are not useless, but magnesium oxide in particular is poorly absorbed in comparison studies: in one small US study only about 4% was absorbed. Higher doses of these forms are also more likely to cause loose stools and stomach discomfort.
Chelated magnesium in India is a different approach. In a chelate, magnesium is bound to an amino acid; in bisglycinate's case, to two molecules of glycine. Chelated forms are generally well tolerated and tend to cause fewer digestive complaints than oxide, although loose stools, nausea or stomach cramps can still occur with any magnesium supplement.
What does the research say about absorption? A 2003 randomised trial by Walker and colleagues compared an amino-acid chelate, magnesium citrate and magnesium oxide over 60 days. Both organic forms were better absorbed than oxide, but magnesium citrate produced the highest blood levels. In other words, the evidence supports choosing an organic form over oxide; it does not show that bisglycinate is better absorbed than citrate. The US National Institutes of Health also notes that citrate, aspartate, lactate and chloride forms are absorbed better than oxide and sulphate, based on small studies.
Magnesium comes in many forms, and we compare them in more detail here:
Magnesium Bisglycinate vs Citrate vs Oxide — Which Form Actually Works?
Magneva by Excelgenics — What's Inside
When comparing magnesium bisglycinate tablets in India, check the elemental magnesium per tablet, not just the compound weight. Here is exactly what each serving (1 tablet) of Magneva delivers:
| Ingredient | Strength per Tablet |
|---|---|
| Magnesium Bisglycinate | 1,590 mg |
| Elemental Magnesium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl) | 1.9 mg |
Magnesium and vitamin B6 both contribute to normal functioning of the nervous system, normal psychological function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Each tablet is vegan, and a pack contains 30 tablets.
What Magneva Does for Your Body
Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems in the body. Here is what the nutrients in Magneva contribute to, and what research has found:
- Relaxation and your evening routine — Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system. Research on magnesium and sleep is still limited: one small 2012 trial in 46 older adults with insomnia found that magnesium oxide improved some sleep measures and serum melatonin compared with placebo (Abbasi B et al., Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 2012). That study used a different form in a specific group and does not show that Magneva will treat sleep problems.
- Read more about magnesium and sleep
- Muscle function — Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function and electrolyte balance, which is relevant for active people and older adults.
- Mood and mental energy — Magnesium and vitamin B6 contribute to normal psychological function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
- What population research shows — Magnesium is involved in normal heart rhythm and muscle function. Separately, a 2016 meta-analysis of population studies by Fang and colleagues found that higher dietary magnesium intake was associated with a lower risk of stroke, heart failure, type 2 diabetes and death from any cause. These are associations from diet, not proof that a supplement prevents disease.
- Energy metabolism — Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism. If you have diabetes or take medicines for blood sugar, speak to your doctor before starting magnesium.
Who Should Use Magneva?
Good, representative data on magnesium status in India are limited, so be wary of headline figures about how many Indians are deficient. What we do know is that diets heavy in refined grains and low in vegetables, nuts, seeds and pulses can fall short, and that some medicines can increase magnesium loss.
If you recognise the warning signs, this breakdown of magnesium deficiency symptoms in Indians is useful reading.
Magneva may suit:
- Adults whose diet is low in magnesium-rich foods
- People who often feel tired or get muscle cramps
- People under ongoing stress
- People on long-term diuretics or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which can lower magnesium, after checking with their doctor
- Understand how some medicines can affect magnesium
- Athletes, fitness enthusiasts and frequent travellers
If you have a medical condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, a thyroid disorder or kidney disease, talk to your doctor before taking a magnesium supplement.
How Magneva Compares With Magnesium Oxide
| Feature | Magneva (magnesium bisglycinate) | Typical magnesium oxide product |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Chelated (bound to glycine) | Inorganic salt |
| Absorption | Organic and chelated forms absorbed better than oxide in comparison studies | Low (about 4% in one small study) |
| Digestive comfort | Generally well tolerated | More likely to cause loose stools |
| Elemental magnesium per daily dose | 350 mg | Varies; check the label |
| Added vitamin B6 | Yes, 1.9 mg | Usually not |
| Vegan | Yes | Varies |
How to Take Magneva
- Dosage: 1 tablet per day
- Best time: preferably 30–60 minutes before bedtime
- Take with: Water or a light meal
- Form: Vegan tablet
Safety: Magneva provides 350 mg of magnesium, which equals the NIH upper limit for supplemental magnesium in adults, so do not take it with other magnesium supplements or magnesium-containing antacids. Possible side effects include loose stools, nausea and stomach cramps. If you have kidney disease, take magnesium only on medical advice. Magnesium can reduce the absorption of some antibiotics (tetracyclines and quinolones) and bisphosphonates, so take these at a different time; ask your pharmacist about spacing. Consult your doctor before use if you take diuretics or heart medicines.
Where to Buy Magneva
Magneva is available from Excelgenics in a 30-tablet pack. When you buy a magnesium supplement online, check the form, the elemental magnesium per tablet and the daily dose, and make sure the total from all your supplements stays within safe limits.
References
- Walker AF, Marakis G, Christie S, Byng M. Mg citrate found more bioavailable than other Mg preparations in a randomised, double-blind study. Magnesium Research. 2003;16(3):183–191. PubMed 14596323
- Firoz M, Graber M. Bioavailability of US commercial magnesium preparations. Magnesium Research. 2001;14(4):257–262. PubMed 11794633
- Abbasi B, Kimiagar M, Sadeghniiat K, et al. The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. 2012;17(12):1161–1169. PubMed 23853635
- Fang X, Wang K, Han D, et al. Dietary magnesium intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality: a dose–response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. BMC Medicine. 2016;14:210. doi:10.1186/s12916-016-0742-z
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Magnesium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. ods.od.nih.gov
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Food supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition or take medication.
