Magnesium is never sold on its own: it is always bound to another molecule, and that partner determines both how well it is absorbed and how well your digestion tolerates it. Each form has its strengths and its limits.

In bisglycinate, magnesium is chelated to two glycine molecules, which gives the best digestive tolerance; here it is the patented ALBION® version. Glycerophosphate stands out for its bioavailability. Citrate, the most common form, provides a good yield of elemental magnesium at a reasonable cost.

Combining them takes the best of each without depending on the weaknesses of one. It also avoids the laxative effect many people associate with magnesium, which in fact comes from cheap forms such as oxide or chloride, neither of which is used here.

The figure to look for on a magnesium label is always the elemental magnesium, the amount of magnesium actually supplied, not the total weight of the salt. A product showing “1,000 mg of magnesium citrate” provides about 160 mg of elemental magnesium.

Here, one 1.7 g serving provides 240 mg of elemental magnesium, 64% of the European reference intake of 375 mg. The rest is meant to come from your diet: green vegetables, nuts and seeds, dark chocolate and magnesium-rich mineral waters. Per serving: 874 mg of glycerophosphate, 724 mg of citrate and 109 mg of ALBION® bisglycinate.

Magnesium has several authorised European health claims, which is rare. It contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, to normal muscle function, to normal protein synthesis, to the normal functioning of the nervous system, to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the maintenance of normal bones.

Some situations increase needs or losses: prolonged stress, intense sport, regular coffee or alcohol, and some diuretic medicines. If you are looking at energy more broadly, our energy and vitality section is a good place to start.

One and a half scoops, i.e. 1.7 g of powder, in a large glass of water, preferably with a meal, which helps tolerance and absorption. The time of day is up to you; many people prefer the evening. What matters most is regularity over several weeks. The 51 g tub holds 30 servings, one month, and the scoop is included.

The powder dissolves instantly, tastes neutral and contains nothing but the three magnesium salts: no capsule shell, no flow agent. Capsules are easier to carry but come with a fixed dose. We have both formats on our shelves in Paris 12th, and our magnesium section lists them all.

Vegan, gluten-free and GMO-free. For adults only.

Nutripure was founded in 2017 by Christophe Carrio, five-time world champion in artistic karate and holder of a dietetics diploma, with his brother Florent, an engineer. The company is based in Haute-Garonne, near Toulouse, and manufactures in France. On this magnesium every form is named, whereas many labels simply say “magnesium” without the salt used.

Herba Barona has been a food supplement shop at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, Paris 12th, since 2006, where Nutripure sits alongside Dynveo, Novoma and Nutrimuscle. We are open Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30 am to 6.30 pm, near Ledru-Rollin and Bastille metro stations. Come and see the scoop: the neutral taste often settles the powder-or-capsules question in thirty seconds.