Magnesium Glycinate vs Bisglycinate: Is There a Difference?
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Short answer: in most cases they're the same ingredient. Magnesium bisglycinate is the more precise chemical name — one magnesium bound to two glycine molecules. "Magnesium glycinate" is the shorter, everyday name brands often use for it. What matters more is what else is in the formula and how much elemental magnesium you get per serving.
What the names mean
- Magnesium bisglycinate: "bis" means two. Each magnesium is attached to two glycine molecules.
- Magnesium glycinate: the common shortened name. On most labels it refers to the same bisglycinate form.
- Chelate / chelated: means the magnesium is bound to the amino acid. You'll often see "magnesium bisglycinate chelate."
"Buffered" vs fully reacted
This is the difference that actually changes what's in the bottle. Some products are buffered: they combine magnesium bisglycinate with another form, often magnesium oxide, to reach a higher amount per capsule. Others are 100% bisglycinate.
Both are labeled honestly when the Supplement Facts panel lists every form. For example, Nutri77 Magnesium Bisglycinate is a buffered formula: its label lists magnesium bisglycinate chelate and magnesium oxide (Albion®), for 400 mg of elemental magnesium per 2-capsule serving.
How to read a magnesium label
- Find the form(s). Look for "magnesium bisglycinate," "glycinate," and any other forms listed, like oxide or citrate.
- Check elemental magnesium. The mg number on the Supplement Facts panel is usually the amount of magnesium itself, not the whole compound.
- Check the serving size. "400 mg" may be per 2 capsules, not per capsule.
- Look for the mineral supplier. Some brands list a named source, such as Albion® chelated minerals.
Quick comparison
| Label says | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Magnesium glycinate | Common name for magnesium bisglycinate |
| Magnesium bisglycinate chelate | Magnesium bound to two glycine molecules |
| Buffered magnesium bisglycinate | Bisglycinate combined with another form (often oxide) |
| 100% / fully reacted bisglycinate | Only the bisglycinate form |
FAQ
Is magnesium bisglycinate the same as magnesium glycinate?
Usually, yes — they're two names for the same form. Always check the Supplement Facts panel for any added forms.
How much should I take?
Follow the serving size on your label. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you take other supplements or medications.
Shop Nutri77 Magnesium Bisglycinate – 400 mg, 120 vegetable capsules