Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in so many functions throughout your entire body. It's crucial for bone health, muscle function, brain health, sleep and relaxation, and cardiovascular health (just to name a few). Since it's an essential mineral, it should be no surprise that there are a plethora magnesium supplements available in Canada.

You may be surprised to learn that magnesium deficiency is all too common. Up to half of Canadians may be deficient in this mineral. Why? We have farming practices, dietary habits, digestive issues and stress to blame. Plus, we don't absorb very much magnesium from food. Less than half of the magnesium that we consume in foods like leafy greens and legumes is absorbed by our bodies.

Because of its wide-ranging benefits and our tendency towards deficiency, many people are turning to magnesium supplements as an easy way to get more of this vital nutrient into their diet. But there are so many different types on the market that it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That's why we've done the research, so you don't have to. Here are some things we think are worth looking out for when shopping around for magnesium supplements. But first, we're going to talk about why magnesium is so important.

Why Are Magnesium Supplements Important in Canada?

Being one of the top four minerals that your body requires, your body needs magnesium for up to 600 different enzymatic reactions in your body. 

Of these 600 needs, most people turn to magnesium supplements in Canada to support healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels, soothe sore muscles, promote healthy nerve function, decrease inflammation and even supports bone health and digestion. 

Magnesium deficiency has also been strongly associated with depression, migraines, ADD, PMS, fibromyalgia, asthma, allergies and type II diabetes. It can be caused by some medications such as diuretics and antibiotics. Certain diets, including high-fat diets, can interfere with our absorption of magnesium.

Since it plays such a big role in our overall health, it’s important to make sure we get enough of it. Here's everything you need to know about where to buy this essential mineral.

Our Favourite Magnesium Supplements in Canada

At National Nutrition, we live and breathe natural health supplements and our customers do too! Here are some of the brands and products we recommend when our shoppers come in looking for magnesium:

CanPrev Magnesium Bisglycinate

CanPrev Magnesium Bisglycinate is a good quality magnesium supplement that's made in Canada. Magnesium bisglycinate is made by combining the magnesium molecule with glycine, which is an amino acid responsible for relaxation. Magnesium bisglycinate is generally regarded as one of the best forms of magnesium for absorption and bioavailability, which is why it is a top choice for natural health practitioners. CanPrev makes a few different doses of their wildly popular magnesium bisglycinate, making it easier than ever to find the right mag glycinate for you.

Natural Factors Magnesium Citrate

Natural Factors Magnesium Citrate is another popular and high-quality supplement. Magnesium citrate is made by combining the magnesium molecule with citric acid. Magnesium citrate is an excellent option for helping to calm your muscles and encourage a night of good sleep. Natural Factors Magnesium Citrate tablets are a great choice if you're looking for a convenient way to get magnesium citrate in a chewable tablet form. 

Naka Mangesium L-Threonate 

Magnesium threonate is the form of magnesium that helps to provide a healthy brain, memory and overall nervous system support. Naka's Magnesium L-Threonate provides high levels of bioavailable magnesium in a highly absorbable form that is good for the brain! Try this form if you are concerned about memory loss and protecting your brain from aging.

Natural Calm Magnesium Powder

Natural Calm Magnesium Powder is easy to use, and one of our customer's favourite products here at National Nutrition. Simply stir a teaspoon into a glass of warm/hot water, drink before bed, and notice how easily you fall asleep. It’s also a great way to get some magnesium into your body, especially if you’re not a fan of swallowing tablets. 

Prairie Naturals Magnesium Liquid 

If you suffer from sore muscles or fibromyalgia, look no further than Prairie Naturals Magnesium Solution. This product reduces tissue soreness, pain, and inflammation by providing ionic magnesium and malic acid (derived from apples). Plus, its liquid format couldn't be easier, simply take one tablespoon twice daily.

Top 5 things When Buying Magnesium Supplements in Canada

When you're looking for a magnesium supplement, there are a few important things to look out for. Magnesium is one of our top-selling products here at NN, so you could say that we are experts on the ins and outs of magnesium. Consider these factors when shopping for a Canada-made magnesium supplement.

  • The right form of magnesium matters! Different forms of magnesium have different absorption rates and benefits in the body. There are several forms of magnesium, including magnesium bisglycinate, magnesium citrate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium oxide, and magnesium malate. A qualified natural health practitioner can help guide you to the form of magnesium that is best for your needs.
  • Good quality matters! The best way to make sure your supplement is of high quality is to shop at a good health food store. They'll carry reputable brands that make magnesium supplements in a therapeutic dose, and their experts will help guide you through which products are best suited to you. At National Nutrition, all our products are of the highest quality and have been tested for purity and quality.
  • The right dose matters! As for how much magnesium you should take, it depends on a few factors. Currently, practitioners recommend doses between 200 and 800 milligrams per day, with the majority of recommended doses falling between 200 and 400 milligrams. If you’re new to magnesium, it’s best to start with a lower dose that's closer to 200 milligrams. It can take some time for the body to become accustomed to having more magnesium in it; therefore, taking too much at once can cause unwanted side effects like loose stools.
  • Taking magnesium consistently matters! You won't see or feel results if you don't take magnesium every day. Luckily, there are many different formats of magnesium available these days that make it easy to fit magnesium into your daily lifestyle. It is important to know that there is no one ideal magnesium format. Rather, it depends on your preferences and how you would like to take your magnesium. From capsules you swallow to chewable tablets, powders you mix into water, or ready-made magnesium liquids that are ready to drink, the right magnesium for you is out there!
  • A Canadian brand matters! When looking for a reputable brand, consider Canadian products! We've just shared some of our very favourite made-in-Canada supplements, to give you a good idea of what’s available.

At National Nutrition, we carry hundreds of magnesium supplements for you to choose from, many of which are made right here in Canada! Not sure what to buy or what's right for you? Pop by the store either online or in person. Our in-store nutritionists can't wait to guide you to the right magnesium for your needs.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6316205/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8249833/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7815675/