Medically reviewed by Dr. Reina Punj, MBBS, PG Diploma in Endocrinology (University of South Wales), Lead Physician, Excelgenics Clinical Panel.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that is easy to overlook. It is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems in the body, including those involved in energy production, muscle and nerve function and protein synthesis. It is found in leafy greens, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains, yet dietary surveys in the United States suggest many people eat less than recommended. Data for India are limited, but diets that rely heavily on refined cereals tend to be lower in magnesium.
Magneva by Excelgenics is a magnesium bisglycinate supplement: magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine, with added vitamin B6. Bisglycinate is generally reported to be gentle on digestion, which makes it practical for regular daily use.
For a fuller overview of forms, dosage and safety, see our Magnesium Supplements Guide.
Magnesium: The Biochemical Linchpin for Energy and Homeostasis
Magnesium is needed to make and use ATP, the molecule cells use for energy, and it is involved in muscle contraction and relaxation. It contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal muscle function and normal nervous system function.
Within nerve cells, magnesium naturally regulates NMDA receptors, which help control how excitable neurons are. Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function, normal nervous system function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Why Bisglycinate Chelation: What the Evidence Shows
Magnesium forms differ in how well they are absorbed. Forms that dissolve well, such as citrate, chloride and lactate, tend to be better absorbed than magnesium oxide, which is also more often linked to loose stools.
In a randomised, double-blind trial by Walker and colleagues (2003), magnesium citrate produced the highest blood levels of the forms tested, ahead of an amino acid chelate and magnesium oxide. Bisglycinate has therefore not been shown to be better absorbed than citrate. Its main practical advantage is that it is generally reported to be well tolerated, although no form of magnesium is free of digestive side effects for everyone.
Magnesium and Winding Down: The Nervous System
Magnesium contributes to normal nervous system function, and laboratory research suggests it is involved in damping down excitatory signals in the brain. This is why magnesium is often discussed as evening nutritional support.
A small clinical trial by Abbasi and colleagues (2012) studied 46 older adults with insomnia. Those taking 500 mg of magnesium a day as magnesium oxide for eight weeks showed improvements in insomnia severity scores, sleep efficiency, time taken to fall asleep and serum melatonin compared with placebo. The trial was small, limited to one older population and did not use bisglycinate, so it does not show that Magneva or any other supplement will have the same effect. Ongoing sleep problems deserve a conversation with a doctor; supplements are not a treatment for insomnia.
Cardiovascular and Muscle Recovery: What Research Shows
Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function, including the smooth muscle of blood vessel walls, and to electrolyte balance. A 2016 meta-analysis of 34 randomised trials found that magnesium supplementation (median 368 mg a day for about three months) was associated with small average reductions in blood pressure of about 2 mmHg systolic and 1.8 mmHg diastolic. These are research findings, not a claim for any product. If you have high blood pressure or a heart condition, follow your doctor's advice and do not use a supplement in place of treatment.
Magnesium is lost in sweat, so requirements may be higher in people who train hard. However, the evidence that magnesium relieves muscle cramps is weak: a 2020 Cochrane review concluded that magnesium is unlikely to give meaningful protection against typical cramps in older adults, and found no trials in exercise-associated cramps. Magnesium's role in recovery is a nutritional one, supporting normal muscle function and energy metabolism.
What Is in Magneva: Dosing and Quality
Each Magneva tablet contains 1,590 mg magnesium bisglycinate, providing 350 mg elemental magnesium, with 1.9 mg vitamin B6. The suggested use is one vegan tablet a day, preferably 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime, with water or a light meal. Each pack contains 30 tablets, and Magneva is made under an FSSAI licence.
Safety
- The NIH upper limit for magnesium from supplements is 350 mg a day for adults. Magneva provides 350 mg, so do not take it alongside other magnesium supplements.
- Possible side effects include loose stools, nausea and stomach cramps.
- If you have kidney disease, speak to your doctor before taking magnesium.
- Magnesium can reduce the absorption of some antibiotics (tetracyclines and quinolones) and bisphosphonates, so these need to be taken at a different time. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Consumer Takeaway: A Practical Choice for Everyday Magnesium
If your diet falls short on magnesium-rich foods and you are looking for magnesium for muscle relaxation and everyday support, a gentle, well-tolerated form such as bisglycinate is a practical option. Magneva is a magnesium dietary supplement that supports normal muscle function, normal nervous system function and normal energy-yielding metabolism, as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
References
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Magnesium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. ods.od.nih.gov
- 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
- Abbasi B, Kimiagar M, Sadeghniiat K, Shirazi MM, Hedayati M, Rashidkhani B. 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. PMC3703169
- Zhang X, Li Y, Del Gobbo LC, Rosanoff A, Wang J, Zhang W, Song Y. Effects of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials. Hypertension. 2016;68(2):324–333. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.116.07664
- Garrison SR, Korownyk CS, Kolber MR, et al. Magnesium for skeletal muscle cramps. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2020;9:CD009402. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009402.pub3
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.
