20% elemental magnesium: why that matters

Not all magnesium in a supplement is directly usable by the body. With every magnesium form, only a portion of the total weight is actually magnesium. The remainder is the molecule to which the magnesium is bound. This usable portion is called “elemental magnesium” and its percentage determines how much active magnesium you actually take in per dose.

Why more and more people need magnesium supplementation

The recommended daily magnesium intake is 300 mg for women and 350 mg for men. Growing evidence shows that nearly two thirds of the population in the Western world does not reach this amount through diet alone.

Nutritional scientist Paul Bergner collected data on the mineral content of foods going back to 1914. His conclusion: the average mineral content in vegetables declined by a factor of 5 between 1914 and 1997. Where spinach, cabbage and lettuce were once rich sources of magnesium, they now contain a fraction of what they delivered a hundred years ago.

Average mineral content (calcium, magnesium and iron) in vegetables in the US, 1914–1997. Source: Bergner 1997, The Healing Power of Minerals.

The cause is intensive agriculture: synthetic fertilisers contain only nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. All other minerals, including magnesium, are not replenished and disappear further from the soil with every harvest cycle. In addition, everyday factors such as cooking (magnesium dissolves in cooking water), vitamin D deficiency, certain medications (antacids, some antibiotics and blood pressure medications), alcohol consumption and the natural ageing process further reduce magnesium intake or absorption.

The consequence: even with a varied diet, you can unknowingly develop a structural magnesium deficiency. Targeted magnesium supplementation is therefore not a luxury for many people, but a logical addition to their daily diet.

What makes Magnesium Bisglycinate so effective?

There are dozens of magnesium forms on the market: oxide, citrate, malate, taurate and more. Magnesium Bisglycinate distinguishes itself fundamentally by the way it delivers magnesium to the body.

Chelation: a protected journey through the stomach. In Magnesium Bisglycinate, magnesium ions are bound to two molecules of the amino acid glycine. This bond (chelation) is exceptionally strong. While with many other magnesium forms (oxide, citrate) the bond breaks down in the stomach under the influence of stomach acid, bisglycinate chelation remains intact. The magnesium arrives protected in the intestine, where it is efficiently absorbed. The direct result: less magnesium is lost in the gastrointestinal tract and more reaches the bloodstream.

Glycine as transport molecule and building block. Glycine is not merely a carrier. It is an amino acid that, due to its small molecular size, guides the magnesium-glycine complex easily through the cells of the intestinal wall. But glycine does more: in the body it is involved in the production of collagen, glutathione (one of the most important antioxidants) and creatine. With Magnesium Bisglycinate, you receive not only magnesium but also a functional amino acid that the body can utilise directly.

Gentle on the stomach. A common complaint with magnesium supplements is gastrointestinal discomfort. Magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate draw moisture into the intestines, which at higher dosages can lead to loose stools or cramps. With bisglycinate this hardly occurs, because the chelation prevents free magnesium from becoming osmotically active in the intestines. This makes it suitable for daily use, even with a sensitive stomach.

Taste & user experience

Magnesium Bisglycinate Powder has a naturally slightly bitter taste. This is inherent to the pure raw material and a sign that no artificial flavourings have been added.

Practical tip: Mix the powder with orange juice, a smoothie or yoghurt to mask the bitter taste. Most users get used to the taste within a few days when taking it with water.

Customer feedback on the efficacy and tolerability is excellent. Users particularly value the gentle effect on the stomach and the noticeable results. Want to know more? Have a look at the product reviews at the bottom of this page.

Authorised health claims

The following health claims have been officially authorised by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for magnesium:

Who is this product suitable for?

Anyone looking to supplement magnesium in a targeted way. One scoop per day delivers 200 mg elemental magnesium (58% NRV) in a form that is efficiently absorbed and gentle on the stomach. Whether you want to correct a deficiency or supplement preventively: bisglycinate is one of the most effective magnesium forms available.

People with a sensitive stomach. Where other magnesium forms can cause gastrointestinal discomfort at higher dosages, bisglycinate remains gentle. The chelation prevents osmotic activity in the intestines, making it well tolerated even with daily use.

Those who want flexible dosing. The powder form makes it simple to adjust the dosage to your personal needs. Half a scoop for lighter supplementation, a full scoop for the standard dose. You decide.

The product is free from yeast, gluten, lactose, preservatives and synthetic flavourings, colourings and fragrances. 100% plant-based and suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

The complete magnesium range from Kala Health

Kala Health offers several magnesium formulas, each with its own profile. Whether you prefer bisglycinate, marine magnesium, powder or capsules: there is always a product that suits your needs.

Quality & production

Every package of Magnesium Bisglycinate Powder is processed in our own FSSC 22000 certified facility in the Netherlands. From raw material analysis to filling and packaging: everything takes place in-house, under the direct supervision of our quality team.

The Magnesium Bisglycinate raw material is extensively tested before it enters our facility. Every batch is checked for identity, magnesium content (>20%) and the absence of contaminants. In addition, we have every finished product analysed by Eurofins, an independent RvA-accredited laboratory. Testing covers microbiological purity (E. coli, Salmonella, Enterobacteriaceae, yeasts and moulds) and heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury), all of which remain well below European safety limits. The complete Product Specification Sheet with all test results is available for inspection on this page.

The product is certified GMO-free in accordance with EC 1830/2003 and non-irradiated in accordance with EC 1999/2.

Developed by Kala Health since 1997

Kala Health was founded in 1997 by Paul Klein Breteler. Our Magnesium Bisglycinate Powder was personally formulated by Paul. The choice for 20% elemental magnesium instead of the standard 14.4% is a deliberate formulation decision to offer the customer more active magnesium per dose, without compromising on tolerability.

Do you have questions about this product or about magnesium supplementation in general? Our team of nutritional specialists, therapist and pharmacist is here to help. Call or email us. Advice is always free and without obligation.

Product properties

• 20% elemental magnesium: 200 mg per level scoop (1 gram), 58% NRV
• Chelated magnesium: bound to two molecules of glycine
• Stable chelation remains intact under stomach acid: efficient absorption in the intestine
• Gentle on the stomach: well tolerated, even with daily use
• Glycine as a functional amino acid: involved in collagen, glutathione and creatine synthesis
• Powder form for flexible dosing according to personal needs
• 100% plant-based, suitable for vegetarians and vegans
• Free from yeast, gluten, lactose, preservatives and synthetic flavourings, colourings and fragrances
• GMO-free (EC 1830/2003) and non-irradiated (EC 1999/2)
• Eurofins tested for microbiology and heavy metals
• Manufactured in the Netherlands in our own FSSC 22000 certified facility

References

1. Bergner, P. (1997). The Healing Power of Minerals, Special Nutrients, and Trace Elements. Prima Publishing.
2. Schuette, S. A., Lashner, B. A., & Janghorbani, M. (1994). Bioavailability of magnesium diglycinate vs magnesium oxide in patients with ileal resection. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 18(5), 430–435.
3. Coudray, C., Rambeau, M., Feillet-Coudray, C., Gueux, E., Tressol, J. C., Mazur, A., & Rayssiguier, Y. (2005). Study of magnesium bioavailability from ten organic and inorganic Mg salts in Mg-depleted rats using a stable isotope approach. Magnesium Research, 18(4), 215–223.

Expressly stated

A food supplement is not a substitute for a varied diet. A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important. This product is a food supplement (contains magnesium).

Consult a healthcare professional before taking supplements in case of pregnancy, breastfeeding, medication use or illness.

Due to legal restrictions, we are not permitted to disclose all details regarding the potential effects of this food supplement. For questions or personal advice, please contact us by phone: (+31) 070 345 0290. Or by email: info@kalahealth.eu.