Carlson Magnesium Glycinate

Our assessment

The evidence shows that calcium, not magnesium, is the primary ingredient in this product based on the available data. For general bone and nerve health, calcium is well-supported, but you need to be cautious about dosing and interactions [NIH ODS].

How it works

Think of calcium as a structural foundation for your bones and a signal regulator for your nerves. It supports bone mineralization and helps muscles relax after contraction [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High blood levels can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, and abnormal heart rhythms [NIH ODS] [FDA data].

Our recommendation

Check your total calcium intake from food and supplements. Do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level without medical supervision. Take calcium separately from medications like thyroid hormone or antibiotics, as it can reduce their absorption [NIH ODS].

Supplement labels contain several key sections regulated by the FDA:

• Serving Size — The recommended amount per dose. Always check this — some products require multiple capsules per serving.
• Amount Per Serving — Shows the quantity of each nutrient in the product, typically in IU (International Units), mg (milligrams), or mcg (micrograms).
• % Daily Value (%DV) — Indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 5% DV or less is low; 20% DV or more is high.
• Other Ingredients — Lists inactive ingredients like fillers, binders, and capsule materials (e.g., gelatin, cellulose, magnesium stearate).
• Suggested Use — The manufacturer's recommended directions for taking the supplement, including timing and dosage.

Source: FDA Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide