Magnesium Citrate Benefits | Deep-Dive Guide
Explore Magnesium citrate benefits for nervous system health, bone density, and muscle cramps. Learn about key ingredients, how to take it, and more.
Understanding Magnesium Citrate Benefits
Magnesium is one of the hardest-working minerals in your body β a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate everything from energy production to muscle and nerve function. Yet 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 that may contribute to a wide range of health concerns.
Nature's Sunshine Magnesium delivers 250 mg of Magnesium per tablet in a formula combining Magnesium oxide and Magnesium amino acid chelate, set in a base of Licorice root, Kelp plant, Peppermint leaves, and White willow bark. The Magnesium citrate benefits people search for β nervous system support, bone density, muscle relaxation, and everyday vitality β trace directly back to this essential mineral's deep involvement in enzymatic activity, ATP synthesis, and mineral homeostasis.
Calcium and Magnesium are nutritional partners and work best when taken together, which is why this formula also includes 40 mg of Calcium. The result is a comprehensive tablet designed to support several hundred enzymes in their daily tasks while promoting proper elimination and energy production.
How Magnesium Supports Your Body
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant cation in the human body and is found in the bones, soft tissues, and blood. It helps metabolize various nutrients such as vitamin C, Phosphorus, potassium, and sodium β acting as a behind-the-scenes coordinator for much of your daily biochemistry.
Energy production: MgΒ²βΊ plays a pivotal role in ATP synthesis, the molecule your body uses to store and release energy. Without adequate Magnesium, cellular energy generation across virtually all tissues is compromised.
Nervous system: Research identifies Magnesium as a natural NMDA receptor antagonist, modulating synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability. Deficiency is associated with increased risk of neurological symptoms, and supplementation supports normal nerve function.
Bone density: Magnesium is involved in bone formation and influences the activities of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. It also affects concentrations of both parathyroid hormone and the active form of vitamin D, which are major regulators of bone homeostasis. Observational data from large cohort studies found higher Magnesium intake associated with 2β3% greater bone density in women.
Muscle relaxation: Magnesium deficiency impairs muscle relaxation β muscles contract normally but struggle to fully release when levels are low. A 2024 systematic review found Magnesium supplementation reduced muscle soreness, improved performance and recovery, and exerted a protective effect on muscle damage in physically active individuals.
If you'd like personalized guidance on how Magnesium fits into your wellness routine, our naturopath offers free consultations β just reach out.
Key Ingredients

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Who May Benefit from This Formula
This Magnesium formula may be a good fit for adults looking to support several key areas of everyday health:
- Active individuals and athletes β Exercise may increase Magnesium requirements by 10β20%. Research suggests Magnesium supplementation may reduce muscle soreness and support recovery in physically active individuals.
- Those concerned about bone health β Magnesium influences osteoblast and osteoclast activity and is required for vitamin D activation. People with higher levels of Magnesium may have higher bone mineral density, which is important in helping reduce the risk of bone fractures.
- Adults seeking nervous system support β Magnesium modulates neuronal excitability through NMDA receptor activity, and deficiency is associated with neurological symptoms.
- Older adults β As we age, Magnesium absorption and retention can decrease, leading to deficiency. Older people are more susceptible due to decreased absorption from food, increased medication use, and potential dietary restrictions.
- Anyone not meeting daily Magnesium needs through diet β It is estimated that between 56 and 68% of Americans do not obtain enough Magnesium in their diet on a daily basis to meet the recommended daily allowance.
Not sure whether this formula suits your individual needs? Our naturopath is happy to talk things through with you at no charge.
How to Take It
Take 1 tablet daily with a meal.
Each bottle contains 180 tablets β a generous six-month supply at the recommended serving size. Taking the tablet with food supports absorption and may reduce any potential for stomach sensitivity.
Written by Greg Howlett
Frequently asked questions
What are the main Magnesium citrate benefits?
The Magnesium citrate benefits most supported by research include support for nervous system health, bone density, muscle relaxation, and energy production. Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems and is required for ATP synthesis, making it essential for cellular energy across virtually all tissues. Research also suggests it may support healthy inflammatory response β a 2022 meta-analysis of 17 RCTs found Magnesium supplementation significantly decreased serum C-reactive protein levels.
What forms of Magnesium are in this product?
Nature's Sunshine Magnesium comes in 250 mg capsules of Magnesium oxide and Magnesium amino acid chelate. Organic chelated forms of Magnesium, such as amino acid chelate, are generally more soluble and have higher bioavailability, while Magnesium oxide is the most concentrated form by weight.
Why does this Magnesium formula also contain Calcium?
Calcium and Magnesium are nutritional partners and work best when taken together. Both minerals are essential for bone formation, muscle contraction, and electrolyte balance. Magnesium is required for sodium-potassium ATPase function and also affects concentrations of parathyroid hormone and vitamin D β two major regulators of Calcium homeostasis.
How common is Magnesium deficiency?
Research estimates that between 56 and 68% of Americans do not obtain enough Magnesium in their diet to meet the recommended daily allowance. Men older than 70 and teenage girls are most likely to have low intakes. Early signs of deficiency include loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, and weakness. As deficiency worsens, numbness, tingling, muscle cramps, and abnormal heart rhythms can occur.
Can Magnesium interact with medications?
Yes. Several types of medications can interact with Magnesium. Bisphosphonates (used for osteoporosis) should be separated from Magnesium by at least 2 hours. Magnesium can form insoluble complexes with tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics β take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4β6 hours after Magnesium. Loop and thiazide diuretics may deplete Magnesium, and long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use can cause hypomagnesemia. Speak with a healthcare professional or our naturopath if you take any of these medications.
What role do the herbal base ingredients play in this formula?
The herbal base includes Licorice root, Kelp plant, Peppermint leaves, and White willow bark. Licorice root has been traditionally used to support gastrointestinal comfort for over 4,000 years. Kelp is a rich natural source of minerals and dietary iodine. Peppermint leaves have been traditionally used since ancient times as a digestive soother. White willow bark has been traditionally used across multiple cultures for over 3,500 years for comfort and general well-being.
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