Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Magnesium Malate is one of the lesser known magnesium combinations. Malate is a substrate in the cellular energy cycle, improving ATP and ADP production. These are the molecule that fuel energy and life. Increased cellular energy function is helpful for athletes, and studies indicate this may be helpful in reducing muscle pain and tenderness in fibromyalgia as well as improve chronic fatigue symptoms. Improvement in pain was observed within 48 hours of supplementation with 1200 – 2400 mg. But I caution against using this amount. In my experience you are likely to get diarrhea. Like magnesium citrate, this form can cause diarrhea if too much is taken (an indication it is not being fully absorbed). I recommend beginning with 400 mg and increase by 100 mg/day until symptoms improve.1000 mg/day is generally considered safe. Some people experience immediate pain relief and an increase in energy at this level. If loose stools develop consider breaking up the daily amount into 3-4 doses. Taking this with a full meal that includes fat aids digestion and lessens the possibility of gastric upset and diarrhea. With all magnesium you should watch for irregular heartbeat when you first start supplementing. If this develops just cut back and increase gradually. Although magnesium toxicity is rare, caution is urged for those with impaired kidney function, children and the elderly who could be at greater risk of developing magnesium toxicity. This particular brand is an excellent product -- very pure with no toxic fillers or lubricating agents. The only down side to the powder is its bitter taste. But that's a small price to pay to eliminate cellulose or gelatin capsules which are not as harmless as most people think. It mixes fairly well so just take it in a small amount of juice and knock it back quickly. :-) For those with a sensitive digestive system, magnesium taurate and magnesium glycinate are less stimulating and better absorbed by the body and less likely to cause loose stools, gas, etc. Magnesium glycinate is thought to be the best over-all form of magnesium where bioavailability is concerned and is good for relaxation and anxiety; and magnesium taurate is also a relaxant that is good for the heart and for lowering blood pressure. But these forms have not demonstrated the pain reduction in fibro that magnesium malate has. I take magnesium malate and magnesium taurate for the specific benefits of each (fibro and high bp). I can take a larger combined daily dose without causing loose stools because the magnesium taurate isn't problematic, but I still monitor my total magnesium intake each day. I take mag malate during the day because it can be stimulating, and mag taurate before bed because it is more relaxing - sometimes added to a cup of hot Natural Calm – puts me right to sleep! (Natural Calm is magnesium ion citrate which is a lesser absorbed form of magnesium. Note that manufactures will sometimes add the less expensive mag citrate to these more expensive forms of magnesium, especially magnesium glycinate) I also occasionally rotate with magnesium orotate - a form that is excellent for heart health, angina and exercise performance. Orotates aid the formation of RNA and DNA and can penetrate the cell membranes enabling an effective delivery system deep within the cells to the mitochondria and nucleus. I generally take magnesium taurate every day to control high blood pressure, but I alternate the magnesium malate with magnesium orotate. I also use a little DIY magnesium oil as a safe, natural and inexpensive deodorant. I mention these other forms of magnesium because it's a good idea to mix it up a bit to ensure maximum delivery. No one form of magnesium works for everyone. If you find one specific form works better for you then go with it. Be sure to also take vitamins D and K each day to aid bioavailability. Contrary to belief, calcium should NOT be taken with magnesium; take them several hours apart. Studies have shown calcium is antagonistic towards magnesium and they act biochemically to cancel each other out. Here’s a great article regarding magnesium malate and fibromyalgia. (But I do not recommend the brand of magnesium malate in the article due to the addition of the toxic fillers Stearic acid, silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate.) http://www.smartbodyz.com/Magnesium-Malate-Ingredients-Dose.htm Over all, this is a pure product and highly recommended especially for those dealing with fibromyalgia or anyone looking for enhanced cellular energy function. If this is helpful please consider clicking the helpful voting button. If you have any questions please post them in the comments. I do my best to monitor my reviews. Many thanks!