If you’ve ever shopped for magnesium supplements, you’ve probably seen both “magnesium bisglycinate” and “magnesium glycinate” on the labels and wondered: “Wait… aren’t these the same thing?”
The short answer: Yes, they are the same.
The long answer: There’s a tiny bit of naming confusion that trips a lot of people up. Let’s clear it up in plain, easy English.
What is Magnesium Glycinate?
“Magnesium glycinate” is the common, everyday name for a type of magnesium that is bound to glycine (a gentle amino acid).
This form is famous because:
- It absorbs really well in your body
- It rarely upsets your stomach or causes loose stools (unlike magnesium citrate or oxide)
- It can help with sleep, anxiety, and muscle relaxation
What is Magnesium Bisglycinate?
“Bisglycinate” is just a more technical way of saying the same thing.
“Bis” means “two” in Latin. So magnesium bisglycinate means one magnesium atom is attached to two glycine molecules.
In chemistry terms:
- Magnesium glycinate = magnesium + glycine
- Magnesium bisglycinate = magnesium + two glycines (more precisely written as
- magnesium diglycinate or magnesium bisglycinate)
But guess what? In real life, when supplement companies say “magnesium glycinate,” they almost always mean the bisglycinate version anyway. It’s the same compound.
Why the Two Different Names?
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Marketing – Some brands use “bisglycinate” because it sounds fancier and more “pure.”
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Technical accuracy – Chemists love the word “bisglycinate” because it tells you exactly how many glycine molecules are attached.
- Old naming habits – Years ago, people just shortened it to “glycinate,” and the name stuck.
So, Are They the Same?
From a consumer’s point of view, magnesium glycinate and bisglycinate often refer to the same supplement. However, for manufacturers and ingredient purists, there’s a subtle difference:
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Magnesium Glycinate may refer to a simple blend of magnesium and glycine that isn’t always fully chelated.
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Magnesium Bisglycinate typically means a fully chelated compound with two glycine molecules attached to each magnesium ion.
This matters because fully chelated magnesium (like bisglycinate) tends to be:
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Better absorbed by the body
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Gentler on the digestive system
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More stable throughout the digestive process
So while the names are often used interchangeably, choosing a supplement labeled Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate can offer better bioavailability and comfort.
Bottom Line – Which One Should You Buy?
It doesn’t matter!
They are the exact same form of magnesium. Just look for:
- “Magnesium bisglycinate” or “magnesium glycinate”
- “Chelated” is usually fine too
- A trusted brand that tests for purity
Popular trusted versions you’ll see:
- Thorne Magnesium BisGlycinate
- Pure Encapsulations Magnesium (Glycinate)
- Doctor’s Best High Absorption Magnesium (says glycinate, is bisglycinate)
Nested Naturals, NOW Foods, etc.
All of them are the gentle, highly-absorbed form you want.
Final Tip
If you want to relax, sleep better, ease cramps, or calm your nerves without bathroom emergencies, this form (no matter what it’s called) is usually the winner.
So next time you see “bisglycinate” vs “glycinate,” just smile and grab whichever bottle is cheaper or from a brand you trust. Your body won’t know the difference!
Have you tried this type of magnesium yet? Let me know in the comments how it worked for you!
Why Choose SupVIT’s Triple Magnesium Complex
SupVIT’s Triple Magnesium Complex is a pure, highly bioavailable formula crafted to support muscle recovery, reduce fatigue, and promote deep relaxation.
Each serving combines three premium forms of magnesium for maximum absorption and effectiveness helping you stay active, calm, and energized throughout the day.
With regular use, customers often experience improved sleep quality, fewer muscle cramps, and sustained energy levels, making it an ideal choice for everyday wellness.