What’s ... featured image

What’s the difference between marine magnesium and regular magnesium?

Magnesium powers over 300 processes in our bodies. It whirs away while we sleep, eat, exercise, relax, repair, produce energy—and well, do pretty much anything.

However, as soil depletion increases and diets become more processed, not all adults are getting enough magnesium from food.

So if you want to enjoy better sleep, boost energy, support muscle recovery, and unlock long-term benefits for your health, it might be worth looking into a magnesium supplement.

If only it were that simple. As more of us discover the powers of magnesium, more magnesium supplements are flooding the market. So how do you know which one to choose?

What are the most common types of magnesium?

When you’re shopping for a magnesium supplement, you can check the ingredients list to see which type of magnesium it’s made from. Each has slightly different properties, benefits and effects.

Magnesium citrate

One of the most popular forms, often used to support digestion and relieve constipation (which can be a good or bad thing, depending on your natural flow!).

Magnesium glycinate

Known for its high bioavailability and gentler effect on the digestive system.

Magnesium oxide

One of the most widely available forms, thanks to its high magnesium content.

Magnesium chloride

Highly absorbable and used topically (in oils or lotions) for muscle relief and skin health—though it can also be taken orally too.

Magnesium malate

A combination of magnesium and malic acid, usually recommended for energy and muscle recovery.

Magnesium threonate and L-threonate

Studies show magnesium threonate can be very beneficial to cognitive health, memory, and mental clarity.

Magnesium taurate

A combination of magnesium and taurine (an amino acid), commonly used to support heart health and maintain healthy blood pressure.

What is marine magnesium?

Magnesium is an elemental mineral that comes from the Earth or seawater. However, some magnesium supplements are synthetic, while others are naturally sourced—such as marine magnesium.

Marine magnesium is a type of magnesium derived from seawater, typically extracted from the mineral-rich brine found in the ocean or saltwater lakes.

What are the benefits of marine magnesium compared to other types?

Marine magnesium can be the best option if you’re looking for:

  • Better absorption: Because seawater is a source of bioactive magnesium, your body can absorb marine magnesium more easily than other forms, like magnesium citrate.
  • Bonus trace minerals: Seawater is also rich in trace minerals, like calcium, potassium, and other electrolytes. This can help support overall mineral balance and hydration in the body—good news if you’re the sporty type.
  • A gentler effect on the digestive system: Marine magnesium is less likely to cause gastrointestinal discomfort (a common issue with other forms).
  • What to expect when you take a marine magnesium supplement?

    Like all supplements, you need to build a daily habit and stick to it to really feel the long-term effects of marine magnesium. But it’s a particularly popular choice for:

    • Muscle relaxation and recovery - thanks to those extra electrolytes, marine magnesium can help your muscles relax and repair after exercise—especially as you age.
    • Bone density and strength - magnesium is known to help build and maintain bone density. Even better with those added trace minerals, like calcium.
    • Heart health - magnesium keeps your heart pumping at a normal rhythm, and regulates blood pressure and cholesterol. 
    • Energy: magnesium supports normal energy metabolism to keep you feeling vibrant and buoyant. 
    • Sleep and stress management: magnesium encourages the release of GABA, the neurotransmitter that regulates feelings of stress and anxiety, and supports deep, restorative sleep.

    All of these functions are powered by those 300 biochemical reactions we spoke about earlier. So as soon as you start taking marine magnesium, it will jump right in and get to work beneath the surface. Within 1-3 months, you can expect to feel a difference.

    How to choose the best marine magnesium supplement

    Of course, it’s hard to feel truly good if our supplements are making the world worse. 

    That’s why we source our magnesium from ethically-harvested marine algae. Packed in a beautiful, refillable glass jar with a minimal eco-bag and recyclable outer-packaging.