Tag: Take magnesium with food

Research indicates that taking magnesium with a meal can increase absorption rates by over 10%. It is generally recommended to take your supplement with food to not only maximize absorption but also to minimize potential digestive upset, particularly for certain forms and higher doses.

In one study, magnesium from mineral water was absorbed more effectively when consumed with a meal, showing a 14.4% relative increase in absorption compared to intake without food. This evidence highlights the complex role of food in the uptake of this vital nutrient, confirming that you do need food to absorb magnesium optimally in many cases.

An estimated 50% of adults in the U.S. don’t consume enough magnesium through their diet, and supplementation has become common. However, determining what is the best time to take a mg supplement can be confusing, as the ideal time depends largely on your personal health goals, the form of magnesium you choose, and your body's specific response.