Magnesium bisglycinate is used to close a dietary gap without the laxative effect of oxide or citrate. One study showed a small insomnia benefit, larger with low magnesium. Blood-pressure and glucose findings come from other magnesium trials. Risks are loose stools at higher doses and high blood magnesium in advanced kidney disease. Interactions include thyroid hormone, antibiotics, and osteoporosis drugs. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Serum magnesium | 2.0–2.3 mg/dL (0.82–0.95 mmol/L) | Confirms frank deficit or excess |
| Red-cell magnesium | 5.0–6.5 mg/dL | Tracks intracellular stores better than serum |
| eGFR (creatinine or cystatin C) | ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m² for unsupervised oral repletion | Safety gate for accumulation |
| 25-hydroxyvitamin D | 40–60 ng/mL | Magnesium-dependent vitamin D handling |
| Blood pressure | <120/80 mm Hg if that is the target | Captures the mixed-salt pressure effect |
| Potassium | 4.0–4.5 mmol/L | Shared wasting with diuretics |
Cadence: 4 weeks after starting, then every 6–12 months if dose and kidney function are stable; earlier if diarrhea, light-headedness, or a drug change; tighter loop if eGFR under 60 mL/min/1.73 m² or other magnesium products added