Why we chose magnesium taurate
Magnesium comes in a dozen forms, each with a different partner molecule. Here's how they differ, and the thinking behind ours.
Why magnesium at all?
Magnesium is an essential mineral — your body can't make it, so it has to come from food. It's involved in energy metabolism, muscle function and the nervous system, which is why it's one of the few minerals with several officially recognised health claims in the UK. Magnesium contributes to:
- the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
- normal muscle function
- normal psychological function
- normal functioning of the nervous system
- normal energy-yielding metabolism and electrolyte balance
The UK reference intake is 375mg a day for adults. Wholegrains, leafy greens, nuts, seeds and legumes are good sources, but modern diets don't always hit that figure.
Not all magnesium is the same
Magnesium in supplements is never on its own — it's always bonded to a partner molecule. That partner changes how much magnesium is in each gram, how it dissolves, and how it sits with your stomach. Common forms include:
| Oxide | Inorganic and magnesium-dense, so it's cheap and common, but it's poorly soluble in water. |
|---|---|
| Citrate | Bound to citric acid. Dissolves well; at higher doses it is known for a laxative effect. |
| Glycinate / bisglycinate | Chelated to the amino acid glycine. Popular for being gentle on the stomach. |
| Taurate | Chelated to the amino acid taurine. Less common, and the form we chose. |
The question isn't just "how much magnesium?" — it's "magnesium bound to what?"
What is magnesium taurate?
Magnesium taurate is magnesium chelated — chemically held — by taurine, an amino acid found naturally in the body and in foods such as meat and fish. "Chelated" forms like taurate and glycinate are generally better tolerated than inorganic forms like oxide, which is why many people prefer them.
We chose taurate because it's a well-tolerated chelated form, and because it lets us offer a single daily capsule rather than a handful of tablets. It also pairs magnesium with an amino acid that's largely found in animal foods, in a fully vegan capsule.
Reading the 700mg
Each capsule contains 700mg of magnesium taurate. That is the weight of the whole compound — magnesium plus taurine. The amount of pure ("elemental") magnesium is a fraction of that, and it's what the nutrition panel on your bottle lists alongside the % of the Nutrient Reference Value (NRV). When comparing brands, always compare elemental magnesium, not the compound weight. Our label-reading guide walks through this.
Food first
A supplement is a top-up, not a replacement. Pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach, black beans, oats and dark chocolate all bring magnesium to the table, and a varied diet should always come first.
This article is for general information and isn't medical advice. If you have a health condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take medication, speak to your GP or pharmacist before starting a supplement.
