Davina McCall is a prominent figure in promoting health, fitness, and open conversation about women's wellness, particularly surrounding menopause. Her candid approach to discussing supplements and her lifestyle has made her a trusted source for many. As a result, her specific routines and product recommendations, including her choice of magnesium, have garnered significant public interest. Public statements and brand partnerships reveal that her magnesium intake has evolved, currently involving two key supplements for different needs: Ancient + Brave True Magnesium and Magnesium Glycinate.
Davina McCall's Current Magnesium Choices
According to recent interviews and her social media, Davina McCall has mentioned taking two primary magnesium supplements to support her overall well-being.
Ancient + Brave True Magnesium
In a March 2025 interview with The Telegraph, Davina stated that she takes Ancient + Brave's True Magnesium both in the morning and at night. Her relationship with this brand is well-established, with her also promoting their collagen products and partnering with them on wellness initiatives. Ancient + Brave positions its products as combining modern science with ancient traditions, focusing on purity and potency.
Magnesium Glycinate
In a separate December 2024 interview with the Evening Standard, Davina revealed that she takes Magnesium Glycinate at night, a form recommended by her daughter, a dietitian. This shows that even with a brand partnership, her supplement routine can be personalized based on expert advice for specific needs like sleep. Magnesium Glycinate is a chelated form known for its high bioavailability and calming properties, making it an excellent choice for evening consumption to support relaxation and sleep.
Past Magnesium Use
It is also worth noting that in a 2019 Instagram post, Davina mentioned taking a supplement from Bionutri that contained a blend of magnesium malate, citrate, and ascorbate. This highlights that her supplement routine is not static and may change over time based on new information, evolving needs, and product availability.
Why Different Forms of Magnesium Matter
The body's ability to absorb and utilize magnesium varies depending on the form it is in. This is why it is common for individuals, like Davina, to use different types for different purposes. Here is a comparison of some common magnesium forms:
| Magnesium Form | Primary Use | Benefits | Potential Downsides | Absorption Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magnesium Glycinate | Relaxation, Sleep, Muscle Tension | High bioavailability, gentle on the stomach, calming effect | Can be more expensive than other forms | High |
| Magnesium Citrate | Constipation, Relaxation | Well-absorbed, promotes bowel movements | Laxative effect can be a side effect | Good |
| Magnesium Malate | Energy, Muscle Pain | Supports energy production, good for muscle health | May be overstimulating for some at night | High |
| Magnesium Oxide | Constipation, Heartburn | Inexpensive, widely available | Poor absorption, primarily used as a laxative | Low |
| Ancient + Brave True Magnesium | General wellness | Purity and potency (as marketed) | Specific form not always specified, brand-specific | Varies based on form used |
The Role of Magnesium in Davina McCall's Diet
Davina McCall's approach to nutrition and supplements is deeply tied to her focus on midlife health, especially during and after menopause. For women over 50, magnesium plays several critical roles that align with the concerns Davina often discusses:
- Bone Health: Magnesium is crucial for the absorption of calcium and plays a role in bone density maintenance, which becomes increasingly important post-menopause.
- Sleep Quality: As she has noted herself, magnesium glycinate can help promote restful sleep by calming the nervous system, which can be disrupted by hormonal changes.
- Muscle Function: Magnesium helps with muscle contraction and relaxation, easing cramps and tension that can occur with exercise or during menopause.
- Mood and Stress: Magnesium can help regulate neurotransmitters that influence mood and stress, which is vital for managing the emotional fluctuations associated with menopause.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Magnesium Supplement
Davina McCall's advice is to always check with a healthcare professional before starting new supplements, as individual needs vary. When considering your own magnesium supplementation, keep these points in mind:
- Identify Your Needs: Are you looking to improve sleep, ease muscle cramps, or address constipation? Different forms of magnesium are better suited for different outcomes.
- Consider Bioavailability: Some forms, like glycinate and malate, are more easily absorbed by the body than others, such as oxide.
- Check for Digestion Issues: If you have a sensitive stomach, forms like magnesium glycinate are often better tolerated than citrate, which can have a laxative effect.
- Look for Reputable Brands: Research brands for their quality standards, third-party testing, and ethical sourcing, similar to why Davina aligns with Ancient + Brave.
- Consult a Professional: As Davina recommends, speaking with a doctor or a registered dietitian can help you determine the best approach based on your specific health profile.
Conclusion
Davina McCall's supplement routine, which currently includes Ancient + Brave True Magnesium and Magnesium Glycinate, offers a pragmatic approach to addressing specific health goals. Her use of different forms for different purposes—a brand-aligned all-purpose magnesium and a specific form for sleep—demonstrates a nuanced understanding of nutritional supplementation. While her regimen is tailored to her needs, it serves as an excellent case study highlighting the diverse benefits of magnesium and the importance of choosing the right type for your personal health journey. As she wisely advises, consulting a professional is always the best path to ensure any supplement is right for you.
For more general information on the different types of magnesium and their benefits, visit the Mayo Clinic Press website.