Best Time to Take Magnesium: Morning or Night?

There is no single best time to take magnesium. What matters most is taking it at the same time every day. Many people take it in the evening as part of a wind-down routine, and taking it with or after food can reduce the chance of an upset stomach.

Morning or night?

Research has not found that one time of day makes magnesium work better. Your body's magnesium levels change slowly, over weeks, so a steady daily intake counts for more than the hour you take it.

That said, timing helps the habit stick:

• Evening suits people who want magnesium as part of a wind-down routine. Magnesium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and to normal psychological function.
• Morning suits people who take everything together with breakfast and would forget a second dose.

With or without food?

Magnesium can be taken either way. Some forms, especially citrate and oxide, can loosen stools or upset your stomach, which food can help with. Bisglycinate is known as a gentler form. See magnesium bisglycinate, explained.

Timing around medication and other minerals

• Magnesium can reduce the absorption of some antibiotics and osteoporosis medicines. Ask your pharmacist how far apart to take them.
• Very high doses of zinc can affect magnesium absorption. Normal multivitamin amounts are not a concern.
• If you have kidney problems, check with your GP before taking magnesium.

How much, and for how long?

The NHS advises that taking 400mg or less of magnesium a day from supplements is unlikely to cause harm. Give any routine a few weeks of consistent use before judging it.

Where Absorble fits

The Absorble Evening Shot is designed for the evening: one 7.5ml spoonful of pineapple-flavoured liposomal magnesium bisglycinate, 30 to 60 minutes before bed. It contains 75mg of magnesium, 20% NRV. Pair it with the Daily Shot in the morning, or get both in the Daily Essentials bundle.

Keep reading

• Magnesium bisglycinate, explained
• Magnesium for sleep: what the research says
• How to build a morning routine that actually sticks

Sources

• NHS: Others (includes magnesium)
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Magnesium fact sheet
• GOV.UK: Great Britain nutrition and health claims register

This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, speak to your GP or pharmacist before taking a new supplement.