Difference Between Magnesium Oxide and Magnesium Glycinate

Difference Between Magnesium Oxide and Magnesium Glycinate: Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element and equals about  2% of the earth’s crust and typically 0.12% of seawater. Magnesium is an abundant mineral present in the human body, it is also available as a dietary supplement(Magnesium oxide & Magnesium glycinate). Magnesium is an essential mineral that is required for energy production, bone development, and also for the synthesis of DNA, and RNA. In this article we will discuss the properties and uses of magnesium oxide and magnesium glycinate:

Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium oxide is an inorganic compound. It is commonly found in nature as a mineral called magnesite. Magnesium oxide is a white, odorless powder that is insoluble in water but soluble in acids. It consists of one magnesium ion (Mg²⁺) bounded by one oxygen ion (O^2-). 

Physical and Chemical Properties of Magnesium Oxide

• Molecular weight: The molecular weight of magnesium oxide is  40.304 g/mol
• Chemical formula: The chemical formula of magnesium oxide is MgO.
• Structure: Magnesium oxide has a cubical crystal structure, in which magnesium and oxygen ions are arranged in a regular pattern of 3D lattice
• Melting and Boiling point: The melting point of magnesium oxide is 2,852°C (5,166°F) and the boiling point is 3600°C (6,512°F)
• Solubility: Magnesium oxide is insoluble in water but it is soluble in acids
• Odor: Magnesium oxide  is odorless 

Magnesium Glycinate

Magnesium glycinate which is also known as magnesium glycinate or magnesium bis-glycinate is a type of organic magnesium salt. In magnesium glycinate, a magnesium ion is bonded with two glycine molecules. Glycine is an amino acid that acts as a chelating agent, that helps in improving the absorption and bioavailability in the human body. 

Physical and Chemical Properties of Magnesium Glycinate

• Molecular Weight: The molecular weight of magnesium glycinate is approximately 216.4g/mol.
• Chemical formula: The chemical formula of magnesium glycinate is C₄H₈MgN₂O_4. 
• Molecular Structure: it has a three-dimensional structure with a magnesium ion at the center and two glycine molecules bonding to it.
• Stability: Magnesium glycinate is a stable compound under normal conditions. To maintain its stability it should be stored and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Solubility: It is soluble in water, when dissolved in water its forms a clear solution. 
•  pH: It has a pH close to 7 which means it is a neutral compound.
• Bioavailability: It is easily absorbed by the body due to high bioavailability.
• Odor: Magnesium oxide is also odorless 

Uses of Magnesium Oxide and Magnesium Glycinate

Magnesium is very important for the normal functioning of bones, cells, muscles, and the heart. Both magnesium oxide and magnesium glycinate are used as a supplement to treat the low amounts of magnesium in the blood.

• Magnesium oxide is used as a supplement to provide enough magnesium to the body. but its low bioavailability and absorption rate may limit its benefits as a magnesium supplement compared to any other form of magnesium supplement. Magnesium oxide is used to promote better bowel movements and also used to get relieve constipation and maintain regularity. It is also used to relieve symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion.
• Magnesium glycinate is known for its high bioavailability and high absorption rate compared to any other magnesium. Magnesium glycinate plays an important role in maintaining muscle and bone health. The presence of glycine makes it more beneficial as it has calming effects on the nervous system. Magnesium glycinate is used to manage stress and promote healthy sleep patterns.

Difference Between Magnesium Oxide and Magnesium Glycinate

Sr no.	Characteristics	Magnesium Oxide	Magnesium Glycinate
1.	Form	It is an inorganic compound	It is an organic compound
2.	Content & Absorption	It has a high magnesium content per unit volume, but its absorption by body is poor	It has low magnesium content per unit volume, but its absorption by the body is high
3.	Composition	Magnesium oxide mainly consists of Magnesium and oxygen	Magnesium glycinate consists of Magnesium and glycine
4.	Chemical formula	MgO	C4H8MgN2O4
5.	Chemical Stability	Magnesium oxide is Stable in nature	Magnesium glycinate is also Stable in nature
6.	Uses	Commonly used for constipation or heartburn	Commonly used as a supplement for magnesium deficiency

Conclusion

Magnesium oxide and Magnesium glycinate both are common supplements of magnesium, which is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various physiological functions in the human body and is widely used for potential health benefits. Magnesium oxide is commonly used as an antacid whereas magnesium glycinate has high bioavailability and also has a high absorption rate which provides more amount of magnesium than any other form.

FAQs on Magnesium Oxide and Magnesium Glycinate

Q1. What are the natural sources of Magnesium?

Ans:  Magnesium is an essential mineral required to maintain good health. It is found in a variety of nutrient-dense foods which include nuts seeds fruits and vegetables. The best sources are :

• whole, unrefined grains
• green leafy vegetables such as spinach
• fruits such as avocados, bananas, etc
• dark chocolate with high cocoa content
• fish
• nuts and seeds

Q2. Which is better absorbed by the body, Magnesium Oxide or Magnesium Glycinate?

Ans: Compared to magnesium oxide, magnesium glycinate is better absorbed by the body due to its bioavailability and high absorption rate. Magnesium glycinate is a chelated form of magnesium in which magnesium is bonded with glycine, an amino acid that acts as a chelating agent which helps in the proper absorption and bioavailability of magnesium. Magnesium oxide, on the other hand, has low bioavailability and low absorption which is why it is less absorbed by the body.  

Q3. What are the common uses of Magnesium Glycinate?

Ans: Magnesium glycinate is commonly used as a dietary supplement to provide magnesium to the body. Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in the proper functioning of the body. Magnesium glycinate is used to relieve stress and anxiety as it is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system. As a magnesium supplement, magnesium glycinate improves bone health, improves blood flow, and also reduces the risk of heart diseases. 

Q4. What are the common uses of Magnesium Oxide?

Ans: Magnesium Oxide is commonly used as a dietary supplement to meet the daily needs of magnesium requirement of the body. Magnesium oxide is popularly used as an antacid, as it neutralizes stomach acid and provides relief from indigestion and other digestive problems. Magnesium oxide is used to treat constipation, as it has a laxative effect on the body.

Q5. What are the side effects of Magnesium Oxide and Magnesium Glycinate?

Ans: Magnesium oxide and magnesium glycinate both are safe supplements if taken as directed. However, some individuals may experience side effects from taking these supplements, if overdosed. If taken more than prescribed then Magnesium oxide and magnesium glycinate both can cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Magnesium oxide can cause dehydration in the body if taken in high doses as it draws water into the intestines leading to increased water loss.