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Albion chelated magnesium

Also known as: Albion® Magnesium Lysinate Glycinate Chelate, Albion chelated magnesium, magnesium glycinate chelate, reacted magnesium, Magnesium amino acid chelate

Overview

Albion chelated magnesium is a patented form of magnesium, specifically Magnesium Lysinate Glycinate Chelate, where magnesium is bound to amino acids (lysine and glycine). This chelation is designed to enhance its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract by utilizing active amino acid transport pathways, leading to superior bioavailability compared to inorganic magnesium salts. It is primarily used to improve overall magnesium status in the body, which is crucial for supporting various physiological functions including muscle contraction, nerve transmission, bone density, and metabolic processes. A key advantage of this form is its reduced propensity for causing gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea, commonly associated with other magnesium supplements. While in vitro and some clinical studies support its enhanced absorption, independent, high-quality randomized controlled trials specifically demonstrating superior clinical outcomes for Albion's product are limited.

Benefits

Albion chelated magnesium offers improved magnesium absorption and retention, showing 2.3 to 8.8 times greater absorption in vitro compared to magnesium oxide, sulfate, and carbonate. This enhanced bioavailability contributes to better magnesium status. While direct clinical outcome superiority for Albion's specific chelate is still under investigation, magnesium supplementation generally provides significant benefits. These include reduction in menstrual abdominal discomfort (at 400 mg doses of magnesium chelate), migraine prevention, improved glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes, and alleviation of symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. Magnesium also plays a vital role in maintaining bone health. The strength of evidence for these broader magnesium benefits varies, with systematic reviews and meta-analyses supporting their efficacy, though they often do not differentiate between specific magnesium forms.

How it works

Albion chelated magnesium enhances its absorption by leveraging amino acid transport pathways in the gut. Unlike inorganic magnesium salts that rely on passive diffusion, the chelated form utilizes active transport mechanisms, which are more efficient. This process ensures that more magnesium is absorbed into the bloodstream and less unabsorbed magnesium reaches the colon, thereby significantly reducing the common laxative effects associated with other forms. Once absorbed, magnesium acts as a crucial cofactor for over 300 enzymatic reactions throughout the body. These reactions are fundamental to energy production (ATP synthesis), proper nerve signal transmission, muscle contraction and relaxation, protein synthesis, and maintaining electrolyte balance.

Side effects

Albion chelated magnesium is generally well-tolerated and associated with fewer gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, compared to inorganic magnesium forms like magnesium oxide or sulfate. While magnesium supplementation can sometimes lead to mild digestive upset, the chelated forms are specifically designed to minimize these issues due to their enhanced absorption and reduced unabsorbed magnesium in the gut. No significant drug interactions or specific contraindications unique to Albion chelated magnesium have been widely reported in independent scientific literature. However, as with all magnesium supplements, individuals with pre-existing conditions, particularly those with renal impairment, should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before use, as impaired kidney function can lead to magnesium accumulation and toxicity.

Dosage

Typical effective doses for general magnesium supplementation range from 200 to 400 mg of elemental magnesium daily. Albion chelated magnesium is often found in combination products, with individual servings commonly providing around 85 mg of elemental magnesium. Due to its superior absorption, chelated forms may allow for lower overall doses to achieve desired magnesium levels compared to less bioavailable forms. The optimal dosage can vary significantly based on an individual's current magnesium status, dietary intake, and specific health goals or clinical indications. The timing of supplementation is flexible, as absorption is generally not significantly affected by whether it is taken with or without meals. It is important to adhere to recommended dosages and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially when addressing specific deficiencies or health conditions.

FAQs

Is Albion chelated magnesium more effective than other forms?

In vitro and some clinical data suggest superior absorption compared to oxide and sulfate forms, leading to better bioavailability. However, large independent randomized controlled trials confirming superior clinical outcomes are currently limited.

Is it safe?

Yes, Albion chelated magnesium is generally considered safe and is often better tolerated than inorganic magnesium salts, with a lower incidence of gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea.

How long does it take to see benefits?

The time to observe benefits can vary depending on the individual's magnesium status and the specific condition being addressed. Consistent supplementation may show noticeable improvements within a few weeks to several months.

Research Sources

https://orthomolecularproducts.ca/docs/canadalibraries/pdn/ompc-reactedmagcapsules_pdn_can_eng_-a.pdf?sfvrsn=3db3b18d_12 – This document, likely a product data sheet, references in vitro absorption studies (Graff et al.) indicating that Albion magnesium chelate exhibits significantly higher absorption rates (up to 8.8 times) compared to magnesium oxide and sulfate. It provides foundational evidence for the superior bioavailability of this specific chelated form.
https://www.mainstreetclinics.com/website/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/OMPI-ReactedMagCapsules_PDN-A.pdf – Similar to the first source, this document also points to in vitro research by Graff et al. from Weber State University, highlighting the enhanced absorption characteristics of Albion magnesium chelate. It supports the claim that this form is designed for improved uptake and reduced gastrointestinal discomfort.
https://www.orthopacks.com/docs/orthopackslibraries/pdn/reactedmagpot-op-pdn.pdf?sfvrsn=1d10a95a_2 – This source further corroborates the in vitro findings regarding Albion chelated magnesium's superior absorption. It likely details the mechanism by which the amino acid chelation facilitates active transport, leading to better bioavailability and fewer side effects compared to traditional magnesium salts.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11557730/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis (Fatima et al. 2024) synthesizes data from 18 randomized controlled trials on general magnesium supplementation. It concludes that magnesium supplementation offers benefits for conditions such as migraine, type 2 diabetes, mental health (anxiety/depression), and bone health, with effect sizes varying by duration. However, it does not specifically differentiate between various magnesium forms, including chelated ones.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12189353/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis (Cepeda et al. 2025) investigated the effect of magnesium supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers. The study found no significant effect, indicating that while magnesium is crucial for many bodily functions, its role as a direct antioxidant may be limited or not consistently demonstrated across studies.