Abstract Summary:

• The objective was to compare the bioavailability of various forms of magnesium in food supplements amidst a growing market and European regulations that do not specify the advantages of one formulation over another.

Methods Used:

• The study employed a PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) research question format.
• A search strategy was established in PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus databases.
• Out of 433 studies found, 14 were ultimately selected for the review.

Results:

• The results indicated that inorganic magnesium formulations were less bioavailable than organic forms. Additionally, the absorption percentage of magnesium was found to be dose-dependent.

Conclusions:

• The study concluded that all magnesium dietary supplements could maintain physiological levels in healthy individuals without a prior deficit. However, it was noted that this may not be the case for older individuals or those with illnesses or previous sub-physiological levels of magnesium.
• This systematic review provides valuable insights into the bioavailability of magnesium in dietary supplements and its variability depending on the form and dosage.

DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2021.111294