What Is Magnesium Complex Used For?

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant cation in the human body and a critical cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate energy metabolism, neuromuscular function, cardiovascular health, bone integrity, and more. Despite its importance, emerging evidence confirms that nearly two-thirds of the population in the western world is not achieving the recommended daily allowance for Magnesium — a deficiency problem contributing to various health conditions.

So what is Magnesium Complex used for? Nature's Sunshine Magnesium Complex is formulated to support three vital areas: heart health, nervous system health, and kidney health. It delivers Magnesium in two highly soluble organic forms — Magnesium citrate and Magnesium malate — chosen for optimum effectiveness and absorption. Two capsules provide 184 mg of Magnesium.

Understanding why the form of Magnesium matters is key. Organic forms such as Magnesium citrate and Magnesium malate are generally more soluble and have higher bioavailability than inorganic forms like Magnesium oxide. Research has shown that Magnesium citrate had high solubility even in water (55%) and was substantially more soluble than Magnesium oxide in all states of acid secretion. This means more of the Magnesium you take actually gets absorbed and put to work.

Cardiovascular Support

Research suggests that Magnesium plays a well-documented role in cardiovascular health. It regulates cardiac excitation, vascular tone, and endothelial function. Large meta-analyses and prospective cohort studies consistently associate higher Magnesium levels with lower risks of coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. Magnesium is also a well-established cofactor in cardiac electrophysiology, modulating ion channel exchanges and action potentials, and hypomagnesemia is strongly linked to both ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias.

Multiple RCTs and meta-analyses suggest that Magnesium supplementation may modestly but significantly reduce blood pressure, particularly in Magnesium-deficient or hypertensive individuals. Mechanisms include vasodilation, calcium channel antagonism, and RAAS modulation. In 2022, the U.S. FDA approved a qualified health claim noting that consuming diets with adequate Magnesium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure, though the agency characterized the evidence as inconsistent and inconclusive.

Studies also suggest that Magnesium supplementation may significantly reduce arterial stiffness. A 24-week RCT with 350 mg/day Magnesium citrate reduced pulse wave velocity from 9.1 to 8.3 m/s versus placebo. Magnesium also participates in vascular calcification prevention and may improve flow-mediated dilation.

Nervous System Support

Magnesium is fundamental to nervous system function, acting as a physiological NMDA receptor antagonist and regulator of neuronal excitability, neuromuscular transmission, and nerve signaling. Hypomagnesemia is clinically associated with neuromuscular hyperexcitability, tremors, and seizures, and Magnesium deficiency is linked to neurological disorders ranging from migraine to depression.

Research also suggests Magnesium plays a critical role in nerve excitability by blocking NMDA receptors and regulating calcium and potassium channels. Deficiency is associated with heightened neuropathic pain and peripheral nerve hyperexcitability, and clinical evidence supports Magnesium supplementation for nerve excitability modulation. Additionally, Magnesium is an essential mineral cofactor in dopamine synthesis and a physiological blocker of NMDA glutamate receptor channels, supporting inhibitory-excitatory neurotransmitter balance.

Kidney Support

The kidneys are the primary site of Magnesium excretion and the major regulator of whole-body Magnesium homeostasis — typically only 3–5% of filtered Magnesium is excreted in urine. Research suggests that Magnesium is a well-established inhibitor of calcium oxalate crystallization in urine. A landmark double-blind RCT of potassium-Magnesium citrate (n=64, up to 3 years) showed new stones formed in only 12.9% of treated subjects versus 63.6% on placebo. Magnesium supplementation also reduces urinary oxalate excretion and raises urinary citrate, both key protective factors against stone formation.

Given that an estimated 56–68% of Americans do not obtain enough Magnesium daily to meet the recommended dietary allowance, a broad range of adults may benefit from Magnesium supplementation. The RDA for adult men is 400–420 mg/day and for adult women is 310–320 mg/day.

Older adults are especially susceptible to Magnesium deficiency due to decreased absorption from food, increased medication use (diuretics can deplete Magnesium), and potential dietary restrictions. Men older than 70 and teenage girls are most likely to have low intakes.

People concerned about cardiovascular health may find Magnesium Complex particularly relevant. Research suggests that chronic Magnesium deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and Magnesium participates in blood pressure regulation, cardiac rhythm, and vascular function.

Those seeking nervous system support — including people who experience muscle cramps, fatigue, or occasional tension — may also benefit, as Magnesium deficiency can lead to symptoms such as muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, and cardiovascular abnormalities.

Individuals taking certain medications should be aware that loop and thiazide diuretics, proton pump inhibitors (when taken for prolonged periods), and other drugs can deplete Magnesium. If you take medications and are wondering whether Magnesium Complex is right for you, our naturopath is available for a free consultation to help you think through your options.

Take 2 capsules twice daily with a meal.

Each serving of 2 capsules provides 184 mg of Magnesium from two organic forms — Magnesium citrate and Magnesium malate. The bottle contains 100 capsules.

It is important to be aware of potential interactions. Magnesium can form insoluble complexes with tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics — these should be taken at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after Magnesium. Similarly, Magnesium-rich supplements should be separated from oral bisphosphonates by at least 2 hours. Magnesium may also reduce the absorption of gabapentin by approximately 20%.

If you have questions about how Magnesium Complex fits with your current routine or medications, our naturopath offers free consultations and is happy to help.