Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate
Best premium magnesium supplement — NSF certified quality with the most bioavailable form for adults over 50.
- NSF Certified for Sport — independently verified purity and potency
- Chelated bisglycinate for superior absorption
- Supports sleep, muscle relaxation, and heart health
- No unnecessary fillers or common allergens
- Premium price vs generic magnesium
- 200mg per capsule — may need 2 for full dose
- No flavored option
Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate is our top premium magnesium pick for adults over 50. It delivers the most bioavailable form of magnesium in an NSF Certified for Sport formula with no unnecessary fillers — making it a strong choice for heart support, better sleep, and muscle relaxation. If you want a magnesium supplement you can genuinely trust, this is the one.
What Is Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate?
Thorne is one of the most respected supplement manufacturers in the United States, used by professional athletes, recommended by practitioners, and trusted by the Mayo Clinic’s integrative medicine department. Their Magnesium Bisglycinate uses a chelated form of magnesium — meaning the mineral is bonded to the amino acid glycine — which dramatically improves how well your body absorbs it compared to cheaper forms like magnesium oxide.
The product carries NSF Certified for Sport certification, which means every batch is independently tested for purity, label accuracy, and the absence of over 270 banned substances. For adults over 50 who are often taking multiple medications, this level of quality assurance matters.
What’s Inside
Each capsule delivers 200mg of magnesium bisglycinate chelate. That’s the elemental magnesium — the amount your body actually uses — not the weight of the entire chelate compound. This is an important distinction because some brands list the total chelate weight, making their dose look larger than it actually is. Thorne is transparent about this.
The inactive ingredients are minimal: hypromellose (the capsule shell), leucine, and silicon dioxide. No magnesium stearate, no artificial colors, no soy, gluten, dairy, or shellfish. This is about as clean as a supplement formula gets.
What the Research Says
Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in your body, and up to 68% of Americans don’t get enough of it from diet alone. That number is even higher in adults over 60, where absorption efficiency declines and medications like proton pump inhibitors and diuretics can further deplete magnesium levels.
For heart health specifically, a 2016 meta-analysis of 34 randomized controlled trials found that magnesium supplementation reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 2 mmHg and diastolic by 1.78 mmHg. A separate prospective study following over 7,000 adults found that those with the lowest magnesium intake had a 51% higher risk of death from heart disease.
The glycine component has its own benefits. Glycine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and supports sleep quality. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences found that magnesium supplementation significantly improved sleep quality, sleep time, and morning alertness in elderly participants with insomnia.
Who Is This Best For?
Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate is a particularly good fit if you:
- Take heart or blood pressure medication and want a high-quality magnesium that your doctor can confidently review (NSF certification makes this easier)
- Have a sensitive stomach — bisglycinate is the gentlest form of magnesium, far less likely to cause the loose stools that magnesium citrate or oxide can trigger
- Struggle with sleep — the combination of magnesium and glycine supports relaxation through two complementary pathways
- Experience muscle cramps or restless legs — magnesium deficiency is one of the most common causes of nighttime cramps in adults over 50
- Want clean ingredients — no common allergens, no fillers, no artificial anything
If budget is your primary concern and you don’t need NSF certification, Doctor’s Best Magnesium Glycinate offers a solid alternative at a lower price point.
How to Take It
Take one or two capsules daily with food. If your doctor recommends 400mg, split the dose: one capsule with breakfast and one with dinner. Taking magnesium with food improves absorption and reduces any chance of stomach discomfort.
Timing tip: If you’re taking magnesium primarily for sleep, take your dose 30-60 minutes before bed.
Interactions to watch: Separate magnesium from antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones) and bisphosphonates by at least 2 hours — magnesium can reduce their absorption. If you take blood pressure medication, magnesium may enhance its effects. Discuss dosing with your doctor.
Always consult your doctor before starting magnesium supplementation, especially if you take prescription medications or have kidney disease.
The Bottom Line
Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate is the gold standard for chelated magnesium. You’re paying a premium over generic options, but you’re getting NSF-certified purity, superior absorption, and a clean formula that works for heart health, sleep, and muscle relaxation alike. For adults over 50 who want the best and don’t mind spending a few extra dollars a month for verified quality, this is our top recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate worth the higher price?
For many adults over 50, yes. Bisglycinate is significantly better absorbed than cheap magnesium oxide (which has only 4% bioavailability). You're also paying for NSF certification, meaning every batch is independently tested for purity and label accuracy. If budget is tight, a quality glycinate from another brand works fine — but Thorne's testing standards are among the best in the industry.
How much Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate should I take per day?
Each capsule contains 200mg of magnesium bisglycinate. Most adults over 50 benefit from 200-400mg daily. If your doctor recommends the higher end, you'll need two capsules. Take them with food for best absorption, and consider splitting the dose — one in the morning and one in the evening — if you're taking two.
Can I take Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate with my heart medication?
Magnesium can interact with certain medications, including blood pressure drugs, calcium channel blockers, and some antibiotics. It may enhance the blood-pressure-lowering effect of these medications. Space magnesium at least 2 hours from other medications, and always discuss supplementation with your prescribing doctor before starting.
Does Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate help with sleep?
Many users report improved sleep quality. Magnesium glycinate activates the parasympathetic nervous system and helps regulate GABA receptors — both of which promote relaxation. A 2012 study in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences found that magnesium supplementation significantly improved sleep quality in elderly participants with insomnia.
What is the difference between magnesium bisglycinate and magnesium glycinate?
They're the same thing. 'Bisglycinate' means the magnesium is bonded to two glycine molecules, which is what makes it a chelated form. Some brands say 'glycinate' and others say 'bisglycinate,' but the chemistry is identical. Thorne uses the more precise term.