Living With the Doctor's Best High Absorption Magnesium Glycinate
Magnesium glycinate lysinate chelate at 200mg per serving — this is the form of magnesium that actually earns its place on a nightstand, and Doctor's Best delivers it cleanly and affordably.
Magnesium is one of the most searched supplements in the sleep category, and for good reason — it's involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including those that regulate the nervous system, muscle relaxation, and melatonin synthesis. But not all magnesium supplements are created equal, and the form you choose matters enormously for both efficacy and tolerability.
When people ask me which magnesium is best for sleep, I consistently point them toward magnesium glycinate. Here's why: glycine, the amino acid to which magnesium is chelated in this form, is itself a calming neurotransmitter that has been studied for its role in improving sleep quality and reducing core body temperature at night. You're essentially getting two sleep-supportive compounds in one tablet — the magnesium and the glycine it's bound to.
Magnesium oxide, which you'll find in many budget supplements, contains a high percentage of elemental magnesium on paper but has notoriously poor bioavailability — studies suggest as little as 4% is absorbed. Magnesium citrate is better absorbed but carries a stronger laxative effect at sleep-support doses. Glycinate sidesteps both problems: it's well-absorbed through the intestinal wall via amino acid transport pathways, and it's far gentler on the digestive system. Doctor's Best specifically uses Albion's TRAACS chelated mineral technology, which is one of the more credible suppliers in the mineral supplement space.
For practical supplementation, timing matters. Taking magnesium glycinate 30 to 60 minutes before bed allows the mineral to begin working with your nervous system during the wind-down period. Starting at a lower dose — one tablet rather than two — for the first week is a reasonable approach for those new to magnesium supplementation, giving your body time to adjust. And consistency is non-negotiable: the benefits accrue over weeks, not nights.
At under $21 for a 240-count bottle, Doctor's Best High Absorption Magnesium Glycinate sits in a rare category — genuinely well-formulated and genuinely affordable. If you're looking for a foundational wellness supplement that addresses one of the most common and underappreciated nutrient gaps in modern diets, this is a strong, evidence-informed place to start.