We conducted an interview with Dr Aditi, one of the experts from our team. We asked her many questions, and the answers to many of them are what you may already be looking for, such as solutions for sensitive digestion, muscle cramps, anxiety, and poor sleep
We discussed the growing interest in magnesium supplements — especially magnesium glycinate.
We asked her why people are specifically looking for gentle magnesium for a sensitive stomach, whether taking magnesium for muscle cramps is a good idea for a health goals list of 2026 and many more.
Nutriessential team: Is magnesium deficiency really common — and if so, where and why?
Dr Aditi: Yes. Magnesium deficiency is common. It's in fact a public challenge because it is
under-recognized. Globally, people aren't getting enough magnesium from diet alone. If magnesium deficiency were only happening in low-income regions, we might assume it's due to inadequate food access.
But magnesium deficiency is common in both low and high-income countries. It’s not just about having enough food but it’s about food systems overall and dietary patterns.
Nutriessential team: So, if it’s not just about lacking food, what else is contributing to this problem?
Dr Aditi: Let’s look at structural and systemic factors. Ok. Modern agriculture practices lead to mineral depletion in soil. And magnesium is one of those minerals that is depleted. Today, yield and shelf life are prioritised over nutrient density. People often consume refined grains, processed snacks, and fast foods.
Unfortunately, these are very tasty and calorie-rich but low in magnesium. Certain health issues and medications impair magnesium absorption. So magnesium deficiency becomes not just a nutritional problem but it is something more impacted by healthcare, agriculture, and lifestyle.
Nutriessential team: That means solving magnesium deficiency isn’t as simple as telling people to “eat better”?
Dr Aditi: Yes. Exactly. We give advice to each other to eat more vegetables and it is valuable. But it's not enough. Do you think that if we eat magnesium-rich vegetables they can fill the diet? gaps? We just discussed above that modern agriculture practices are making soil nutrient deficient.
These vegetables are grown in this soil. Can we get enough magnesium from a magnesium deficient soil? We need to teach people why magnesium matters. We should encourage them for better monitoring and using more accurate tests to detect deficiency.
In short, magnesium deficiency should be viewed as a public health issue, not simply a personal diet failure.
Nutriessential team: Could magnesium deficiency be contributing to modern health issues?
Dr Aditi: Absolutely. A big yes. Stress, anxiety, poor sleep, muscle cramps, low energy, and migraine are all linked to magnesium deficiency. There are many people (even you) who experience these symptoms and never even think once that it could be connected to magnesium.
Nutriessential team: So does that mean that muscle cramps and sleep issues people frequently face today are due to magnesium deficiency?
Dr Aditi: I am saying it could be one of the reasons behind these problems. It’s better to start magnesium supplements after connecting with an expert.
Nutriessential team: Magnesium supplements seem to be getting a lot more attention lately. Why is Magnesium Glycinate becoming one of the most recommended supplements?
Dr Aditi: As we just discussed above the common symptoms of magnesium deficiency. Now, as with growing awareness, it's evident that people take immediate steps to solve the issue they are facing. Same applies to these symptoms as well. More and more people are consulting their healthcare providers to manage these symptoms. Magnesium glycinate is one of the keys to solve these problems.
When you share your history, healthcare providers find out what is the root cause. If they find you are at risk of magnesium deficiency, they may recommend you for high-quality magnesium supplements.
Magnesium glycinate supports relaxation and may enhance sleep quality, making it a good option for stress, poor sleep and anxiety.
Magnesium glycinate means a magnesium molecule is bound to glycine. This chelated structure makes it more easily absorbed by the digestive system and gentler on the stomach. Magnesium glycinate is known for high bioavailability and excellent tolerability, making it ideal for people with sensitivities or digestive issues.
Nutriessential team: Why do experts prefer magnesium glycinate over other forms?
Dr Aditi: I already told you above, it is due to superior absorption and fewer digestive side effects.
Nutriessential team: Who might benefit the most from magnesium glycinate?
Dr Aditi: It can be helpful for those who are under chronic stress, people with anxiety, insomnia, or mood issues, older adults, athletes, people with muscle cramps, etc.
Nutriessential team: What would you say to someone considering magnesium glycinate?
Dr Aditi: Connect with an expert first to find out if you really need supplements. Ask them if any blood tests are required. Speaking about magnesium glycinate, it’s one of the safest, most absorbable forms.
Nutriessential team: What are the mistakes people make while choosing supplements?
Dr Aditi: Yes, there are many mistakes they make while choosing. First, they don't understand their unique needs. Second, they don't analyse whether they need it or not. Just by seeing your friend taking supplements, doesn't mean that you also need it. The right way is to make sure of a healthy lifestyle and consult your healthcare provider if you have any symptoms.
Most important is quality. Suppose you are diagnosed with magnesium deficiency. The first thing that should come to your mind while choosing supplements is a brand that provides GMP-certified and evidence-based supplements.
Nutriessential team: Can you name the best magnesium glycinate brand 2025?
Dr Aditi: The list of such brands is long. The best I can tell you right now is to go to Nutriessential website. Check the header section, click brands and there you find GMP-certified brands. You will get many options by different brands in varying dosages.
Nutriessential team: To wrap up — what’s the biggest misconception about magnesium supplements?
Dr Aditi: People believe that magnesium can be covered with diet and even I always say that diet comes first. They assume that they are eating a healthy diet and they are fine. But subclinical magnesium deficiency is common. It quietly causes fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, etc. Monitoring symptoms and optimizing magnesium intake can make a surprisingly big difference in quality of life.
