What form of magnesium does LMNT use?

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

Did you know that up to 30% of the population may be magnesium-deficient? To help fill this nutritional gap, LMNT uses magnesium malate, a highly bioavailable form of this vital mineral, in its electrolyte drink mixes.

Quick Summary

LMNT utilizes magnesium malate in its drink mixes, a highly absorbable form of the mineral. This specific compound supports energy production, nerve and muscle function, and contributes to better overall hydration.

Key Points

Form of Magnesium: LMNT exclusively uses magnesium malate in its electrolyte drink mixes.
High Bioavailability: Magnesium malate is a highly absorbable form, meaning the body can use it more efficiently than other forms like magnesium oxide.
Malic Acid Benefits: The malate compound comes from malic acid, which plays a role in the body's energy production cycle.
Optimal for Active Lifestyles: This formulation is particularly beneficial for athletes and active individuals who lose a lot of electrolytes through sweat.
Comprehensive Formula: In addition to magnesium, LMNT provides a balanced ratio of sodium and potassium to support full-body hydration.
Gentle on Digestion: Magnesium malate is typically well-tolerated and less likely to cause digestive issues than other forms.

Magnesium Malate: The Form LMNT Uses

LMNT formulates its electrolyte drink mixes with magnesium malate, a compound known for its excellent bioavailability. This means the body can absorb and utilize it more effectively than less soluble forms like magnesium oxide. Magnesium malate is a combination of elemental magnesium and malic acid, an organic acid found naturally in many fruits, especially apples. Malic acid plays a crucial role in the body's energy production cycle, making magnesium malate a synergistic compound for those seeking both mineral replenishment and energy support. This considered choice aligns with LMNT's overall philosophy of using high-quality, science-backed ingredients.

Why Magnesium Malate is Preferred Over Other Forms

LMNT's decision to use magnesium malate is a deliberate choice based on absorption and efficacy. Other magnesium forms have different characteristics that may not be ideal for an everyday hydration supplement. The malate form is generally gentle on the digestive system, reducing the risk of a laxative effect sometimes associated with other magnesium compounds. Its involvement with malic acid's role in the body's Krebs cycle makes it particularly useful for those with active lifestyles who need efficient energy production.

Comparing Common Magnesium Forms


Feature	Magnesium Malate	Magnesium Oxide	Magnesium Chloride
LMNT Usage	Yes	No	No
Bioavailability	High	Poor	High
Key Benefit	Absorption, Energy Support	Cost-effective, High elemental content	Topical absorption, highly soluble
Common Use	Supplements, electrolyte mixes	Laxatives, antacids	Supplementation, transdermal oils
Side Effects	Generally low digestive distress	Laxative effect common	Laxative effect possible at high doses

Benefits of Magnesium Malate in an Electrolyte Mix

Magnesium malate provides several key advantages that make it an ideal fit for an electrolyte supplement focused on performance and hydration. Beyond its superior absorption, the inclusion of malic acid offers unique benefits for physically active individuals. As an intermediary in the citric acid cycle, malic acid can help with energy production, making it a more comprehensive supplement than those containing magnesium alone. When paired with sodium and potassium, the body's three primary electrolytes, it helps ensure proper nerve and muscle function, aids in combating fatigue, and supports overall well-being.

LMNT's Comprehensive Electrolyte Approach

While the magnesium form is important, it's just one part of LMNT's overall formula. The brand provides a robust, zero-sugar electrolyte profile designed to support hydration, especially for those on low-carb, keto, or paleo diets. Each stick pack delivers 1000 mg of sodium, 200 mg of potassium, and 60 mg of magnesium, sourced primarily from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and magnesium malate, respectively. This specific ratio is intended to meet the needs of those who lose a significant amount of electrolytes through sweat.

Why Quality Matters

Choosing a highly absorbable form like magnesium malate demonstrates LMNT's commitment to quality and efficacy. An electrolyte supplement is only as good as its ingredients, and if the body cannot properly absorb the minerals, they will not provide the intended benefits. The high bioavailability of magnesium malate ensures that the 60 mg dose in each serving is efficiently utilized by the body for critical functions such as muscle synthesis, nerve impulse conduction, and energy production. This attention to detail is why LMNT is a trusted brand for those prioritizing optimal hydration.

Conclusion

In summary, LMNT uses magnesium malate in its electrolyte drink mixes to ensure high bioavailability and support critical bodily functions. By choosing this specific form, LMNT provides a gentle yet effective source of magnesium that aids energy production and overall hydration, making it a superior choice compared to supplements containing less absorbable magnesium compounds like magnesium oxide. This choice, combined with its robust sodium and potassium content, solidifies LMNT's position as a premium electrolyte solution for active individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Magnesium malate is a compound made from combining elemental magnesium with malic acid, an organic acid found in fruits.

LMNT uses magnesium malate because it is a much more bioavailable form that the body can absorb and utilize more effectively. Magnesium oxide is poorly absorbed and often used as a laxative.

Yes, malic acid is a key component of the Krebs cycle, the body's energy production pathway, which can support improved energy levels during exercise and throughout the day.

Each LMNT stick pack contains 60 mg of magnesium, sourced from magnesium malate.

Besides magnesium, LMNT contains 1000 mg of sodium (from sodium chloride) and 200 mg of potassium (from potassium chloride).

Yes, magnesium malate is generally considered gentle on the digestive system and less likely to cause the laxative effect associated with other forms of magnesium.

High bioavailability is crucial because it ensures that your body can effectively absorb and use the mineral you consume. A supplement with low bioavailability, like magnesium oxide, might contain a high amount of magnesium, but most of it won't be absorbed.