Magnesium Tabs

Magnesium Tablets

Are you experiencing muscle twitches and spasms, difficulties sleeping, poor digestion, or symptoms of anxiety and low mood? You could be deficient in magnesium and you wouldn’t be alone; magnesium is one of the four most common nutritional deficiencies, unfortunately. So, how do you choose the right magnesium supplement for you? Let's take a look at magnesium tablets to start.

Magnesium supplements come in a very wide range of forms including; capsules, liquids, powders, as well as in myriad blends. Magnesium is also widely available in tablet form, which is arguably the most popular delivery method. Tablets are made by compressing powdered ingredient(s) to form a hard, solid, smooth pill that will dissolve in the digestive tract. The simplicity involved in tableting is what makes them so inexpensive and an attractive option for consumers. Another advantage of tablets is they can accommodate a higher dose of active ingredient(s) than a capsule. A tablet can provide up to twice as much active ingredient(s) as a capsule.

Magnesium Tablet Benefits

Tablets offer some key benefits including; low cost, longer shelf life, higher doses, and they can be split to divide the dose. Certain tablets are also offered in chewable form for children, or those who have trouble swallowing. While others feature alternative delivery options including; timed release, delayed-release and quick release, etc.

Magnesium Tablet Absorption

Magnesium tablets require stomach acid to ionize the mineral. This means that tablets are only a viable option for those with good digestion. Anyone who has chronic digestive issues should ideally select an alternative form of magnesium supplement. Once in the body, tablets are also absorbed more slowly than capsules, so may take longer to work.

Magnesium Tablet Dosing

Magnesium in tablet form offers precise dosing. Some tablets also have a line scored down the middle, which makes them easier to halve as needed.

Magnesium Tablet Storage

One of the biggest advantages of tablets is their stability. They also have a considerably longer shelf life than capsules, so offer good value.

Magnesium Tablet Excipients

Tableting agents are one of the biggest drawbacks of tablets. They are intended to hold the pill together and enhance taste, texture, and/or appearance. Common tableting agents include preservatives, disintegrants, glidants, lubricants, coatings, colors, and flavours. While some may come from natural sources, others are far less desirable, which is why it’s important to read labels carefully to know exactly what you’re putting inside your body.

In addition, certain tablets have an enteric coating that prevents breakdown in the mouth and esophagus, so ensures the tablet dissolves in the small intestine. While this is helpful to enhance absorption, the ingredients used in these coatings add to the body’s toxic burden. Some more desirable enteric coating ingredients include fatty acids, and plant fibers; whereas other substances commonly used like, waxes, shellac, and phthalates should be avoided.

Magnesium Tablet Potency & Formats

Potency

Magnesium tablets are offered in a variety of doses, the most common being in the 200 – 420 mg range; however, dosing may be higher for certain health conditions.

Formats

Magnesium supplements in tablet form are available in a wide range of options, from magnesium aspartate, bicarbonate, carbonate, chloride, citrate, gluconate, hydroxide, lactate, malate, orotate, oxide, and threonate. Each form offers distinct benefits to health, so it’s important to read up on the different kinds to know which is best for you. Refer to this article on how to choose your magnesium supplement for more information.

Getting The Most Out of Your Supplement

Due to the laxative nature of magnesium, tablets should be taken with meals. If taken on an empty stomach or between meals, magnesium may cause diarrhea. If you choose to take tablets, avoid the carbonate form which is harder to absorb.