Magnesium - Do you know which one to use?

It is a question I get asked all the time, should I be taking magnesium, particularly by women of a similar age to myself. Possibly dependant on the reasons for wanting or needing to take it, it as a whole has some amazing benefits but did you know that there are 9 different types of magnesium. Of which, they provide a range of different benefits, I've put together a short hopefully helpful list:

Magnesium Sulfate

Helps to relax and sooth aching or sore muscles - sometimes comes in a balm or spray or in form of salts for baths, as well as a tablet.

Magnesium Citrate

Helps to promote a healthy and regular digestion habits and helps relieve constipation. This form of magnesium also helps towards healthy bone strength and density.

Magnesium Taurate

Helps to regulate elements of your blood and cardiovascular system, including blood sugar and blood pressure and assists in inflammation management. It has also been linked to assisting in lowering anxiety, cataracts prevention or treatment as well as used in treatment of diabetes due to its affect on our blood glucose system.

Magnesium Lactate

This form of magnesium is rarely used in supplements but used more so within the food industry,as a food additive. As it binds to lactic acid within the body, so when added to drinks in particular it increases the acidity. However, it is gentler on the bodies digestive system and absorbs well into the body. It has also been linked to assist with the bodies stress response.

Magnesium Chloride

Helps to promote and aid in the bodies bowel and digestive system, as well as a muscle relaxant. It is normally found in balms, creams and muscle rubs, as it is easily absorbed by the body.

Magnesium Oxide

This form of magnesium has a wide range of benefits from digestion support, migraine relief, healthy bone support and can also aid in heartburn and indigestion relief. However, this type, is not so easily absorbed by the body as others so may not increase your bodies stores of magnesium as quickly.

Magnesium Glycinate

Helps to promote quality sleep, aiding in deep and restorative sleep patterns, this is because it is combined with an amino acid Glycine.

Magnesium L-threonate

Helps with brain function and health including memory and focus and supports our bodies nervous system which helps with our stress response and management, heart health is also something this form of magnesium supports as well.

Magnesium Malate

This form of magnesium helps with restoring our bodies stores of it as well as aiding in brain health and muscles relaxant, can be used in the treatment of some chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia etc.

Hope this has given you a little bit more information, so when you are making that decision as to whether it is a supplement or topical cream or bath salts then you will have a better idea of which magnesium type it contains and its uses. However, before starting to take any vitamin or mineral supplement it is always worth checking with a pharmacist or clinician so that it doesn't have a negative response or counteract any medication or health condition you may have.