Magnesium is a mineral with a fundamentally important physiological function that plays an essential role in a
wide range of cellular reactions. Magnesium is involved in protein synthesis and energy metabolism to maintain muscle contraction and relaxation. The magnesium-adenosine triphosphate (Mg-ATP) molecule provides the energy used in physical activities. The utilization and distribution of magnesium is regulated by exercise, which in the presence of abundant magnesium may decrease oxygen requirements by muscle cells to enhance physical movements. During exercise, lactate accumulation may result in muscle fatigue, affecting physical performance. In a clinical study, healthy individuals who supplemented with magnesium showed an improvement in exercise performance by decreasing lactate accumulation. Furthermore, researchers have reported that magnesium supplementation enhanced muscle strength due to its involvement in protein
synthesis. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine that is released by contracting muscles during strenuous exercise, with levels peaking post-exercise. Elevated circulating concentrations of IL-6 is associated with increased muscle soreness and reduced muscle function. In a clinical study, magnesium supplementation moderated IL-6 concentrations and muscle soreness 24-72 hours after exercise. Therefore, magnesium may improve muscle recovery time to enhance athletic readiness and performance.
Magnesium glycinate is a chelate mineral complex that increases the bioavailability of magnesium in the glycinate form. The chelated complex is easily soluble in water and directly absorbed by the intestinal cells, without needing further protein or chelation like other magnesium formats. As a neutral complex, magnesium glycinate can move freely through cells without disrupting mineral and ion balance within cells.