What Does Chelated Magnesium Mean?

Why Do We Need Magnesium?

Magnesium (Mg2+) is a vital mineral required for the proper function of every organ in the body. It serves as a cofactor for over 600 enzymes and plays a significant role in many cellular processes. Some of its key functions include [1]:

• DNA and protein synthesis: Magnesium is critical for the creation of DNA and proteins, which are fundamental to cellular function.

• Energy metabolism: It supports the production and activity of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy source for cells.

• Muscle and nerve function: Magnesium is needed for nerve impulses, muscle contraction, and heart function.

• Bone health: It is crucial for bone growth and mineralization.

• Immune health: Magnesium is essential for optimal immune system function and immune signaling.

Although there are many options for magnesium-rich foods to include in a healthy diet, the fact is that their actual magnesium content has declined over the past fifty years due to soil nutrient depletion and food processing. Up to 80% of the magnesium in food can be lost during processing, making it difficult to achieve adequate intake through diet alone [1–6]. As a result, many individuals, especially older adults, are at risk of magnesium deficiency due to decreased absorption and increased elimination through urine [7,8].

Low magnesium levels can have significant consequences, including genetic instability, loss of mitochondrial function, disrupted cellular metabolism, and cellular senescence. These changes can contribute to aging-related issues and impact physical and mental well-being [9–18]. 

Magnesium supplements may help you get all the magnesium you need every day. Maintaining sufficient magnesium intake, either through diet or supplementation, has been linked to benefits such as improved cardiovascular and metabolic function, gut health, stronger bones and muscles, and enhanced mood and sleep quality [19–35].* 

Which Form of Magnesium Is Best?

Magnesium supplements come in many forms, making it challenging to determine which one is most effective. Many supplement brands emphasize bioavailability—the amount of magnesium absorbed into the bloodstream—as the key factor in choosing a magnesium supplement. However, bioavailability alone does not determine effectiveness.

Bioavailability refers to the ability of a compound to enter systemic circulation and potentially reach target tissues. While this is important, true benefits occur only when magnesium is retained in cells and tissues where it can exert its physiological effects. Therefore, the best magnesium supplements are those that are not only bioavailable but also well retained by the body.*

We delve deeper into this topic in our article “Which Magnesium Is Best?”. 

Understanding Chelated Magnesium

Chelated magnesium is a form of magnesium that is chemically bound to a ligand, also known as a chelant, chelator, or chelating agent. Chelation is a type of chemical bonding in which a positively charged ion, such as magnesium, binds with a ligand, often an organic compound like an amino acid or organic acid. 

Another common category of magnesium supplements includes magnesium salts. These are formed when a positively charged ion (cation) and a negatively charged ion (anion) bond together through electrostatic forces to create an electrically neutral compound. The bond in magnesium salts, known as an ionic bond, is weaker than the coordinate covalent bond found in magnesium chelates.

Both chelated magnesium and magnesium salts serve as sources of magnesium for the body. However, because chelated magnesium has stronger, more stable bonds, it provides distinct advantages over magnesium salts. In magnesium salts, the weaker bonds allow magnesium to be released quickly, making it more likely to bind with other dietary compounds that can interfere with absorption. Chelated magnesium, on the other hand, remains bound to its ligand longer, potentially reducing interactions with other dietary compounds.* 

Some magnesium–amino acid chelates may be absorbed through dipeptide channels in the gut rather than ion channels, which is the typical absorption pathway for free Mg2+ [36]. This alternative absorption route may improve magnesium availability in the body. Following absorption, the stable bonds of magnesium–amino acid compounds may allow them to remain in circulation and available for cellular uptake longer, which may potentially lead to enhanced retention. As mentioned above, good retention is essential for magnesium supplements to be as beneficial as they can be.*

Why Chelated Magnesium?

Chelated magnesium may offer several advantages:

• Stability: The stronger bonds in chelated magnesium reduce interference from other dietary compounds, promoting absorption.*

• Absorption: Some chelated forms may use dipeptide channels, bypassing common barriers to magnesium absorption.*

• Retention: Chelated forms may promote retention in the body, making them good choices for long-term support of tissue magnesium levels.*

• Reduced Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Chelated magnesium tends to be gentler on the stomach than some inorganic magnesium salts.*

QUALIA MAGNESIUM+® contains 2 types of chelated magnesium: Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate (also known as Magnesium Glycinate) and Magnesium Creatine Chelate. In addition, it contains 7 other forms, for a total of 9 types of magnesium. It also  includes 70 minerals and trace minerals to enhance absorption and tissue retention.* This combination is one of the things that make QUALIA MAGNESIUM+® unique. 

If you want to learn more about each form of magnesium included in our product, why we selected them, and their specific properties and benefits, check out our article “Qualia Magnesium+ Ingredients.” 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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