Magnesium Glycinate

Sleep SupportMODERATE EvidenceHealth Canada source availableNIH DSLD listedISR Cached

Magnesium glycinate is a chelated form of magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine, designed for enhanced absorption and tolerability. It is commonly used to support sleep quality, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation without the laxative effects associated with other magnesium forms.

Health Benefits

✓
Supports sleep quality and sleep onset latency
✓
May reduce anxiety and promote relaxation
✓
Supports muscle relaxation and reduces muscle tension
✓
May improve magnesium status without gastrointestinal disturbance
✓
Supports nervous system function and stress response
✓
May enhance cognitive function and mood regulation

Sources linked to this section: Health Canada LNHPD View full source list →

Dosage Guidelines:

•
200-400mg daily, typically taken in divided doses; sleep-specific dosing often 200-300mg in the evening

Sources linked to this section: Health Canada LNHPD View full source list →

Safety & Side Effects:

•
Generally well-tolerated; mild side effects may include gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or diarrhea at higher doses. Glycine may cause mild sedation in some individuals.

Sources linked to this section: Health Canada LNHPD View full source list →

Regulatory sources

This ingredient appears in licensed Canadian natural health products in Health Canada's LNHPD.

Health Canada source available
Matched ingredient
Magnesium
Match confidence
Medium
Licensed product records
8565
Common forms
Capsule (2945), Powder (1843), Tablet (1786)

Approved purpose examples

  • -A factor in normal growth and development. A factor in the maintenance of good health. As part of a healthy diet (when taken with Vitamin D) may help prevent bone loss/osteoporosis. Contributes to maintaining general health. For maintaining general health. Helps in bone development. Helps in energy metabolism/(and) tissue formation. Helps in the absorption (and use) of calcium and phosphorus. Helps in the development and maintenance of bones/(and) teeth. Helps maintain/support bone health. Helps to build strong bones/(and) teeth. Helps to maintain/support heart muscle function. Helps to maintain/support immune function/the immune system. Helps to maintain/support normal electrolyte balance. Helps to maintain/support normal muscle function, including the heart muscle. Helps to maintain/support normal muscle function. Helps to maintain/support normal muscle function. Helps to maintain/support the body¿s ability to metabolize nutrients. Helps with immune function/the immune system. Maintains/supports good health. Source of vitamin(s)/mineral(s)/vitamin(s) and mineral(s) to support biological functions which play a key role in the maintenance of good health.
  • -Source of vitamin(s)/mineral(s)/vitamin(s) and mineral(s), a factor/factors in normal growth and development. Source of vitamin(s)/mineral(s)/vitamin(s) and mineral(s), a factor/factors in the maintenance of good health. Source of/Provides (an) electrolyte(s) (for the maintenance of good health). Vitamin D intake, when combined with sufficient calcium, a healthy diet, and regular exercise, may reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. Vitamin and mineral supplement.
  • -A factor in normal growth and development. A factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps in energy metabolism/(and) tissue formation. Helps in energy production. Helps to maintain/support healthy mucous membranes. Helps to maintain/support immune function/the immune system. Helps to maintain/support normal metabolism of iron. Helps to maintain/support normal red blood cells. Source of vitamin(s)/mineral(s)/vitamin(s) and mineral(s) to support biological functions which play a key role in the maintenance of good health. Source of (an) (essential) amino acid(s) involved in muscle protein synthesis. Source of (an) (non-essential) amino acid(s) involved in muscle protein synthesis. Source of (an) essential amino acid(s) for the maintenance of good health. Source of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are involved in protein synthesis. Source of (an) antioxidant(s)/Provides (an) antioxidant(s) that help(s) fight/protect (cell) against/reduce (the oxidative effect of/the oxidative damage caused by/cell damage caused by) free radicals.

Health Canada safety notes

  • -Contraindication: Do not use this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use this product if you are taking antibiotics or nitroglycerin.
  • -Contraindication: Do not use this product if you have bipolar disorder or bipolar spectrum disorder.
  • -Contraindication: Do not use this product with other potassium-containing supplements or with potassium-containing salt-substitutes.

Health Canada licensing applies to specific products and is not a general endorsement of this supplement for every person or use.

US market label data

This ingredient appears in supplement product labels in the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

NIH DSLD listed
Matched ingredient group
Magnesium
Products on US market
7,813
All marketed products
16,602
Common forms
Powder, Capsule, Tablet or Pill, Softgel Capsule

Common label amounts

  • -2000 mg

Recognised synonyms

  • -100% pure (food grade) magnesium chloride
  • -12.6 mg of mg citrate
  • -350 mg from magnesium oxide
  • -40 mg from magnesium citrate
  • -50 mg magnesium

NIH DSLD reflects supplement product labels marketed in the US; a match indicates market presence, not a safety or efficacy endorsement.

Related guides

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Magnesium Glycinate Vs Citrate: Which Form Fits The Goal?

The real question is not which magnesium form is "best." It is whether you need calm, bowel regularity, or the easiest product to tolerate consistently.

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Sources10 sources

Health Canada LNHPD

Matched ingredient: Magnesium. 8565 licensed product records.

NIH DSLD

Matched group: Magnesium. 7,813 products on the US market.

Evidence Level: MODERATE•Category: Sleep Support
Last updated: 12/02/2026

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.