What are the side effects of magnesium bisglycinate chelate?

January 3, 2026 •

2 min read

According to research, magnesium bisglycinate is known for its high bioavailability and gentle effect on the digestive system compared to other forms of magnesium. However, even this well-tolerated chelated mineral can cause side effects, especially when taken in high doses or by individuals with certain health conditions.

Quick Summary

Common side effects of magnesium bisglycinate chelate are typically mild and dose-dependent, primarily affecting the gastrointestinal system. More severe side effects are rare and often linked to excessive intake or underlying health issues like kidney problems.

Key Points

Mild GI Issues: Common side effects are generally mild and affect the digestive system, including potential nausea and mild discomfort.
Less Laxative Effect: Unlike forms like magnesium oxide, magnesium bisglycinate has a much lower risk of causing diarrhea or loose stools.
High-Dose Risk: Overconsumption can lead to more serious side effects, such as hypotension, severe fatigue, and irregular heartbeat.
Kidney Disease Concern: Individuals with kidney problems face a higher risk of magnesium toxicity (hypermagnesemia) because their bodies struggle to excrete excess mineral.
Drug Interactions: Magnesium bisglycinate can interact with antibiotics, bisphosphonates, and certain heart medications, impacting their effectiveness.
Bioavailability Advantage: The chelated nature of magnesium bisglycinate means it is more easily absorbed by the body, minimizing the unabsorbed excess that causes digestive upset.

Understanding Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate

Magnesium bisglycinate is a form of magnesium supplement created by binding elemental magnesium to two molecules of the amino acid glycine. This chelated structure makes the magnesium highly absorbable and less likely to cause digestive upset compared to other, less bioavailable forms like magnesium oxide. While generally considered safe, it is not without potential side effects.

Common and Mild Side Effects

Though less frequent than with other magnesium types, magnesium bisglycinate can still cause mild side effects, especially at higher doses. These include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, abdominal cramping, and less frequently, diarrhea or loose stools.

Serious Side Effects of Overdose and Hypermagnesemia

Excessive magnesium intake, particularly with high doses or impaired kidney function, can lead to hypermagnesemia. Symptoms can include hypotension, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, and dizziness. Adhering to recommended dosages is important, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.

Interactions with Medications

Magnesium can interact with various medications, including certain antibiotics, bisphosphonates, and calcium channel blockers, potentially affecting their absorption or intensifying effects. Taking magnesium and these medications several hours apart is often recommended. Individuals taking diuretics should be aware of potential interactions.

Side Effect Comparison: Bisglycinate vs. Other Magnesium Forms


Feature	Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate	Magnesium Oxide	Magnesium Citrate
Digestive Tolerance	Very high; gentle on the stomach.	Very low; often causes digestive upset.	Moderate; may have a laxative effect.
Laxative Effect	Minimal, unless taken in very high doses.	Very strong, often used as a laxative.	Noticeable; a common side effect is loose stools.
Bioavailability	High; easily absorbed by the body.	Poor; only a small amount is absorbed.	Moderate; better absorbed than oxide but less than bisglycinate.
Primary Use	Addressing magnesium deficiency, promoting relaxation and sleep.	Relieving occasional constipation and heartburn.	Bowel preparation or general supplementation where a mild laxative effect is not a concern.

Important Considerations and Safety Precautions

Individuals with kidney disease are at a higher risk of hypermagnesemia. Those with myasthenia gravis should avoid magnesium supplementation. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider. Additional information is available from the {Link: National Institutes of Health (NIH) https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/}.

Conclusion

Magnesium bisglycinate chelate is generally well-tolerated with fewer digestive side effects compared to other forms. While mild side effects are dose-dependent, serious complications like hypermagnesemia are possible, particularly with high doses or in individuals with kidney issues. Consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation, especially with pre-existing conditions or other medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Magnesium bisglycinate is known for being very gentle on the stomach and is much less likely to cause diarrhea compared to other forms like magnesium oxide or citrate. However, taking excessively high doses can still potentially lead to loose stools.

Yes, it is possible to overdose on any form of magnesium. Taking very high doses of magnesium bisglycinate can lead to hypermagnesemia, especially if you have kidney issues. Symptoms of an overdose can include severe nausea, low blood pressure, and muscle weakness.

Individuals with kidney disease, very low blood pressure, or the neuromuscular condition myasthenia gravis should avoid taking magnesium bisglycinate unless specifically advised by a doctor. It is also important to consult a healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking interacting medications.

Yes, magnesium can interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of several medications. This includes some antibiotics, osteoporosis drugs (bisphosphonates), and certain heart medications. It is best to separate the timing of your supplement and medication intake by several hours.

The initial signs of excessive intake are typically mild and digestive in nature, such as stomach upset, nausea, or mild diarrhea. If you notice these symptoms, it is often a good idea to reduce your dosage.

For most healthy adults, magnesium bisglycinate is safe for daily use when taken within the recommended dosages. Always follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer or your healthcare provider to minimize risk.

Chelated magnesium bisglycinate is bound to amino acid molecules, which makes it more bioavailable and efficiently absorbed by the body. Because less unabsorbed magnesium is left in the digestive tract, there is a lower chance of it causing a laxative effect compared to other forms.