What is the difference between magnesium oxide and magnesium gluconate?

Question

It was recommended that I take a magnesium gluconate supplement for migraine but I accidentally bought magnesium oxide. What's the difference?

Answer 1

Magnesium Oxide is not as easily absorbed as Magnesium gluconate from my own reading, but I found a link too. There are all kinds of different forms of magnesium. From extensive personal research, and a magnesium deficiency I have come to the understanding that different ones work better for different people. Some of the better ones are slow mag, mag citrate, mag gluconate, and carbonate. It all depends on what is wrong and what works better for each individual. You may go through a couple different kinds before you find one that works for you. Also, mag oxide can cause indigestion.

Please be aware that taking too much magnesium can be dangerous and to follow instructions per your doctor. You can also ask the pharmacist for recommended products, but health food stores have a bigger variety.

Answer 2

The anion, one is oxide (basically oxygen), the other is guconate (it sounds like glucose, plus oxygen). The effects on the body could be as diverse as the same as MgO plus an energy supplement, to something completely different. I recommend asking your physician or pharmacist.