Medically reviewed by Dr. Reina Punj, MBBS, PG Diploma in Endocrinology (University of South Wales), Lead Physician, Excelgenics Clinical Panel.
Beyond the nervous system, magnesium plays a foundational role in energy metabolism and in bones. It contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the maintenance of normal bones. Population studies have also linked higher magnesium intake with better metabolic and bone health, although these studies show associations rather than cause and effect. Magneva by Excelgenics is a magnesium bisglycinate supplement that can help top up intake when diet falls short.
For a fuller overview of forms, dosage and safety, see our Magnesium Supplements Guide.
Magnesium and Metabolic Regulation
Magnesium is a cofactor for many enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, and it is involved in insulin signalling inside cells (Barbagallo and Dominguez, 2015). A 2016 meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies by Fang and colleagues found that higher dietary magnesium intake was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. These are associations from diet, not proof that a supplement prevents disease.
In a randomised, double-blind trial, Guerrero-Romero and colleagues (2015) gave 116 adults who had both prediabetes and low blood magnesium either magnesium chloride solution (382 mg magnesium a day) or placebo for four months. The magnesium group had lower fasting glucose and lower insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) than the placebo group. The participants were already low in magnesium and a different form was used, so this does not show that any supplement will have the same effect. If you have prediabetes or diabetes, or take blood sugar medicines, speak to your doctor before starting magnesium.
Bone Health: Magnesium's Essential Role in Skeletal Integrity
About 50–60% of the body's magnesium is stored in bone. Magnesium is involved in the activity of parathyroid hormone and in vitamin D metabolism, both of which help regulate calcium balance, and it contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
Some population studies have linked higher magnesium intake with higher bone mineral density, but the evidence from supplement trials is limited and mixed. A 2013 review by Castiglioni and colleagues described the evidence as still fragmentary and noted doubts about supplementing the general population, because too much magnesium may also be harmful to bone. If you are concerned about bone density or fracture risk, speak to a doctor.
Why Magneva's Chelated Magnesium Suits Regular Use
Chelated forms such as bisglycinate are generally better absorbed than magnesium oxide and are often reported to be gentle on digestion, which makes long-term daily use easier. Bisglycinate has not been shown to be better absorbed than magnesium citrate, which gave the highest blood levels in one randomised trial.
Magneva also contains 1.9 mg vitamin B6, which contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Magnesium itself contributes to normal muscle function, so Magneva can also be a practical choice for those looking for magnesium for muscle relaxation support.
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 first.
- Magnesium can reduce the absorption of some antibiotics (tetracyclines and quinolones) and bisphosphonates, a type of osteoporosis medicine. Separate them as your doctor or pharmacist advises.
Consumer Takeaway: Magneva for Everyday Metabolic and Bone Nutrition
For adults whose diets are low in magnesium-rich foods, Magneva provides 350 mg of elemental magnesium (from 1,590 mg magnesium bisglycinate) with vitamin B6 in one vegan tablet a day. As a magnesium dietary supplement, it contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal muscle function and the maintenance of normal bones, as part of a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.
References
- Barbagallo M, Dominguez LJ. Magnesium and type 2 diabetes. World Journal of Diabetes. 2015;6(10):1152–1157. doi:10.4239/wjd.v6.i10.1152
- 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
- Guerrero-Romero F, Simental-Mendía LE, Hernández-Ronquillo G, Rodriguez-Morán M. Oral magnesium supplementation improves glycaemic status in subjects with prediabetes and hypomagnesaemia: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial. Diabetes & Metabolism. 2015;41(3):202–207. doi:10.1016/j.diabet.2015.03.010
- Castiglioni S, Cazzaniga A, Albisetti W, Maier JAM. Magnesium and osteoporosis: current state of knowledge and future research directions. Nutrients. 2013;5(8):3022–3033. mdpi.com
- 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
- 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.
