What does magnesium do for your body?
Magnesium supports over 300 processes in the body including muscle function, nerve signalling, energy production and sleep regulation. Most people don't get enough from diet alone, which is why supplementation is so popular.
Which type of magnesium is best?
It depends on your goal. Magnesium glycinate is best for sleep and relaxation. Magnesium citrate is great for digestion and general use. Magnesium threonate is specifically studied for brain health and focus. If you're unsure, glycinate is a safe all-rounder.
How much magnesium should I take daily?
Most adults benefit from 200–400mg per day. The recommended daily allowance is around 310–420mg depending on age and gender. Start on the lower end and increase gradually to see how your body responds.
When is the best time to take magnesium?
If you're taking it for sleep, 30–60 minutes before bed works best. For general health, energy or muscle recovery, morning or afternoon with food is ideal. Consistency matters more than timing.
Does magnesium help with sleep?
Yes. Magnesium glycinate in particular helps calm the nervous system, relax muscles and support your body's natural melatonin production. Many people notice a difference within the first week.
Does magnesium help with anxiety and stress?
Magnesium plays a key role in regulating your stress response. Low magnesium levels are linked to higher levels of cortisol. Supplementing can help take the edge off daily stress, though it's not a replacement for professional treatment of clinical anxiety.
Can you take too much magnesium?
Yes, but it's hard to overdo it with standard supplements. The most common sign of too much is loose stools, especially with magnesium citrate or oxide. If that happens, simply reduce your dose.
Can I take magnesium with other supplements or medications?
Magnesium is safe to take with most supplements. However it can interact with certain antibiotics, blood pressure medications and diuretics. If you're on prescription medication, check with your doctor first.
What are the signs of magnesium deficiency?
Common signs include muscle cramps, poor sleep, fatigue, headaches, irritability and restless legs. These are easy to overlook because they mimic general stress and tiredness, which is why deficiency often goes unnoticed.
Why not just get magnesium from food?
Foods like spinach, almonds, dark chocolate and avocado contain magnesium, but modern farming and food processing have reduced mineral content in soil and crops significantly. Most people fall short of their daily needs through diet alone.
What is magnesium good for?
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 bodily functions. It supports muscle and nerve function, energy production, bone health and sleep quality. It also plays a role in mood regulation and stress management. Because many people don't get enough through diet alone, it's one of the most commonly recommended supplements in Australia.
Is 500mg of magnesium too much?
For most people 500mg is above the recommended daily allowance but not dangerous. The tolerable upper limit from supplements specifically is around 350mg according to most guidelines, with the rest ideally coming from food. If you're taking 500mg and not experiencing loose stools or digestive issues, your body is likely tolerating it fine. But it's worth checking with a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
Does magnesium cause diarrhoea?
It can, depending on the type. Magnesium citrate and magnesium oxide are more likely to have a laxative effect because they draw water into the intestines. If this is a concern, magnesium glycinate is the better choice as it's absorbed differently and much gentler on the gut. Reducing your dose can also help.
Which magnesium is best for sleep and anxiety?
Magnesium glycinate is the top choice for both. It crosses the blood-brain barrier effectively, has a calming effect on the nervous system and doesn't cause the digestive side effects that other forms can. If anxiety is your main concern, look for a glycinate supplement you can take in the evening to support both relaxation and sleep quality.
How long does magnesium take to work?
Some people feel the effects within a few days, particularly for sleep and muscle relaxation. For longer-term benefits like reduced anxiety, improved energy or better recovery, it typically takes two to four weeks of consistent daily use. If you're correcting a genuine deficiency, it can take several weeks to fully restore your levels.
Can you take magnesium while pregnant?
Magnesium is generally considered safe during pregnancy and many women are actually advised to increase their intake. It can help with leg cramps, sleep and muscle tension which are all common during pregnancy. That said, always check with your midwife or obstetrician before starting any new supplement during pregnancy.
What does magnesium do for women specifically?
Magnesium is particularly beneficial for women because it supports hormone balance, can ease PMS symptoms like cramps and mood swings, supports bone density which is especially important post-menopause, and helps with the sleep disruptions that often come with hormonal changes. Women are also statistically more likely to be deficient than men.
What is magnesium glycinate and what is it good for?
Magnesium glycinate is magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine. This makes it one of the most absorbable forms available and the least likely to cause stomach issues. It's the go-to form for sleep, stress, anxiety and general relaxation. Glycine itself also has calming properties which makes this a two-in-one combination.
Does magnesium spray actually work?
Topical magnesium is popular but the evidence is mixed. Some people find magnesium sprays and oils helpful for localised muscle cramps and tension, but absorption through the skin is limited compared to oral supplements. If you're looking to raise your overall magnesium levels, an oral supplement will be more effective. Sprays can work well as a complement for targeted relief.
Does magnesium cause constipation?
No, magnesium is actually more likely to have the opposite effect. In fact magnesium citrate is commonly used to relieve constipation. If you're experiencing constipation while taking magnesium glycinate, it's likely unrelated to the supplement. Increasing your water intake alongside magnesium can help keep things moving.
How do you make magnesium oil at home?
Magnesium oil is made by dissolving magnesium chloride flakes in warm water at a roughly one-to-one ratio. While it's simple to make, the concentration and purity of store-bought magnesium oil is more consistent. If you're after reliable absorption and results, a professionally formulated spray or oral supplement is usually the better option.
Why does magnesium spray sting or itch?
This is completely normal and very common. The tingling or stinging happens because magnesium draws moisture to the surface of the skin and can stimulate nerve endings, especially if your skin is dry or you're deficient in magnesium. It usually fades after a few minutes and tends to reduce over time with regular use. Applying it after a shower or moisturising over the top can help.
How do you use magnesium spray?
Spray it directly onto your skin, focusing on areas like your legs, arms, stomach or the soles of your feet. Rub it in and leave it on for at least 20 to 30 minutes before showering or wiping off. For best results use it after a warm shower when your pores are open. Most people apply it before bed to support relaxation and sleep.
Where can I buy magnesium oil in Australia?
You can buy magnesium oil and magnesium supplements right here in our store. We ship across Australia and carry a range of formats including oral supplements, sprays and topical options so you can choose what works best for you.
When is the best time to take magnesium glycinate?
The best time to take magnesium glycinate is 30 to 60 minutes before bed. Glycinate is the most popular form for sleep and relaxation, so evening dosing lines up with what most people are taking it for. If you're using it for general health or stress, morning with food works fine too. Just stay consistent with whichever time you choose.
What is the best magnesium supplement in Australia?
The best magnesium supplement depends on your goal. For sleep and anxiety, magnesium glycinate is the standout. For digestion and general use, magnesium citrate is a solid choice. Look for a supplement that lists the elemental magnesium amount on the label, not just the total compound weight, so you know exactly what you're getting per dose.
Can dogs have magnesium?
Magnesium is an essential mineral for dogs just like it is for humans. However, you should never give your dog a human magnesium supplement without veterinary advice. The dosage requirements are very different and some forms of magnesium can cause digestive upset in animals. If you think your dog may be deficient, speak with your vet first.
Is magnesium found in salt?
Regular table salt contains little to no magnesium. However, natural unrefined salts like Himalayan pink salt and Celtic sea salt do contain trace amounts of magnesium along with other minerals. That said, the amounts are far too small to have any meaningful supplement effect. You'd need a dedicated magnesium supplement to reach your daily requirements.