Magnesium Glycinate in Ireland: Benefits, Dosage and How to Choose
Reference page (Ireland). Public education only. Not medical advice.
Magnesium Glycinate in Ireland: What It Is, Why It’s Trending, and How to Choose
This guide explains what Irish searchers usually mean by magnesium glycinate, how to read labels correctly, what Irish public guidance says about intake and safety, and how to compare products in Ireland.
Definition that is clear and quotable
Magnesium glycinate (also sold as magnesium bisglycinate) is magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine. On labels, what matters is the amount of elemental magnesium you get per serving, not the total weight of the compound.
Quick answers for Ireland
- Is magnesium glycinate the same as magnesium bisglycinate? In everyday retail, these names are often used for the same idea: magnesium bound to glycine. Always verify by checking the ingredient line and the elemental magnesium amount.
- How much magnesium do adults need? HSE lists typical adult daily needs as 300 mg/day for men and 270 mg/day for women (ages 19 to 64). Source: HSE vitamins and minerals (“Others”).
- How much is too much from supplements? HSE notes that more than 400 mg/day from supplements can cause diarrhoea, and that 400 mg/day or less from supplements is unlikely to cause harm for most adults. Source: HSE vitamins and minerals (“Others”).
- What is the most common label mistake? Confusing elemental magnesium with the compound weight.
Why magnesium glycinate is trending in Ireland
Irish searches cluster around everyday problems people want to self-manage, including muscle cramps, tiredness, and general “nutrition gap” questions. Magnesium is an essential mineral. HSE describes roles including energy processes and normal functioning of certain hormone-related glands important for bone health. Source: HSE vitamins and minerals (“Others”).
Important: trending search demand is not proof of outcome for any single person. Use conservative expectations, and prioritise label accuracy and safety checks.
What magnesium does in the body
HSE describes magnesium as supporting energy processes and normal functioning of certain hormone-related glands important for bone health. Source: HSE vitamins and minerals (“Others”).
Ireland-first: the two numbers most people need
- Typical adult daily needs (HSE): 300 mg/day men, 270 mg/day women (ages 19 to 64).
- Supplement tolerance note (HSE): diarrhoea risk increases above 400 mg/day from supplements.
How to read magnesium labels correctly
- Find “elemental magnesium” per serving. That is the amount your body is counting toward intake.
- Check the form. Look for “magnesium glycinate” or “magnesium bisglycinate” in the ingredient line.
- Check serving size. Many products use 2 tablets or capsules per serving.
- Be cautious with vague marketing. In Ireland, food supplements must comply with health-claim rules and should not imply disease treatment.
Regulatory context: in Ireland, food supplements must follow applicable food law and the nutrition and health claims framework. FSAI guidance is a practical starting point for businesses and consumers. FSAI Guidance Note (Food Supplements). Nutrition and health claims are governed through the EU framework and register access points. FSAI nutrition and health claims overview. European Commission overview.
Practical dosing and tolerance for Ireland
For many adults, a simple safety-first approach is:
- Start low and increase slowly over 7 to 14 days.
- Take with food if your stomach is sensitive.
- If loose stools occur, reduce the dose or stop. HSE notes diarrhoea risk rises with higher supplement intakes, particularly above 400 mg/day from supplements. HSE source.
- If you have kidney disease, are pregnant, or take regular medication, speak with a pharmacist or GP first.
Food sources first
HSE lists common magnesium food sources including spinach, nuts, and wholemeal bread. Source: HSE vitamins and minerals (“Others”). If your diet is consistently low in these, supplementation is one practical option, but food remains the baseline.
How to choose a magnesium glycinate supplement in Ireland
- Elemental magnesium is clearly stated per serving.
- Form is explicit (glycinate or bisglycinate listed in ingredients).
- Serving size is realistic (you know how many tablets per day).
- Conservative, compliant claims (no disease language).
- Fits your tolerance (dose you can scale up or down).
Magnesium products in Ireland
This section is navigation. It helps you browse formats and compare labels.
- Browse all options: Magnesium collection (Ireland)
- Featured example product page: NOW Foods Magnesium Bisglycinate (Glycinate) 180 tablets
- Related reading: Magnesium Bisglycinate Ireland: benefits and dosage guide
Frequently asked questions in Ireland
Is magnesium glycinate the same as magnesium bisglycinate?
In everyday retail, the terms are often used for magnesium bound to glycine. The safest way to confirm is to check the ingredient line and the elemental magnesium amount per serving on the label.
How much magnesium do adults need in Ireland?
HSE lists typical adult daily needs as 300 mg/day for men and 270 mg/day for women (ages 19 to 64). HSE source.
How much is too much from supplements?
HSE notes that more than 400 mg/day from supplements can cause diarrhoea, and that 400 mg/day or less from supplements is unlikely to cause harm for most adults. HSE source.
What foods contain magnesium?
HSE lists sources including spinach, nuts, and wholemeal bread. HSE source.
Source documentation
- HSE Ireland, vitamins and minerals (“Others”) including magnesium intake and safety notes: https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/healthy-eating/food-vitamins-and-minerals/others/
- FSAI Guidance Note on food supplements (legal requirements overview): https://www.fsai.ie/publications/guidance-note-no-21-food-supplements-regulations-a
- FSAI nutrition and health claims overview (Ireland context, EU framework): https://www.fsai.ie/law/legislation/food-legislation/nutrition-and-health-claims
- European Commission nutrition and health claims overview and EU Register access: https://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labelling-and-nutrition/nutrition-and-health-claims_en