What is Optimal Magnesium and who is it for?
Optimal Magnesium is a dual-form magnesium supplement from Seeking Health, combining two Albion® chelated forms: magnesium lysinate-glycinate and dimagnesium malate. It’s designed for people who want reliable magnesium absorption without the digestive discomfort that often comes with cheaper forms like oxide or citrate. Each capsule delivers 150 mg of elemental magnesium.
This makes sense if you’ve tried magnesium before and found it hard on your stomach, or if you want a single capsule that covers both the calming amino acid-bound form and the malate form involved in cellular energy metabolism. It’s also one of the few magnesium formulas suitable from age 4 and through pregnancy and breastfeeding, making it a practical choice for families.
Fairfield Nutrition Thoughts
Magnesium is one of the most commonly under-consumed minerals in the modern diet, involved in hundreds of enzymatic processes, yet many magnesium supplements use forms like oxide that are poorly absorbed and frequently cause loose bowels. Optimal Magnesium addresses this directly by combining two Albion® chelated forms that are gentler on digestion and better retained at the cellular level.
Why This Formulation / How It Works
Most magnesium supplements use magnesium oxide, which is cheap to produce but poorly absorbed and notorious for its laxative effect. Optimal Magnesium uses two Albion® chelated forms instead, both of which bind magnesium to organic molecules that the body recognises and absorbs more readily. The result is more magnesium actually reaching your cells, with significantly less digestive disruption.
Albion® is one of the most respected mineral chelate manufacturers globally. Their chelation process binds magnesium to amino acids in a stable ring structure, which protects the mineral through the digestive tract and facilitates uptake in the small intestine. Both forms used here carry the Albion® certification, which means they meet strict purity and chelation standards.
Magnesium Lysinate-Glycinate: Amino Acid-Bound Form
In this form, magnesium is bound to the amino acids glycine and lysine. Glycine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, involved in calming signalling pathways. Lysine is a component of collagen synthesis, found in connective tissue throughout the body. Binding magnesium to these amino acids also minimises the osmotic effect in the gut that causes the loose bowels associated with oxide and citrate forms.
Dimagnesium Malate: Krebs Cycle Compound
Malate (malic acid) is an intermediate in the Krebs cycle, the series of reactions cells use to produce ATP. Binding magnesium to malate delivers both the mineral and a compound directly involved in cellular energy metabolism. Magnesium itself is a required cofactor for over 300 enzymatic reactions, including several steps in the Krebs cycle, so this pairing has a logical biochemical basis.
When to Consider This
This formula makes sense if you’re:
- An adult, teenager, or child (4+) looking to address a common dietary gap in magnesium intake through a well-absorbed, gentle form.
- Someone who has tried other magnesium supplements and experienced digestive upset or loose bowels, and wants a form less likely to cause those effects.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding and looking for a magnesium form confirmed suitable for those life stages.
- Highly active or an athlete with increased demands on cellular energy systems and muscle tissue.
- Someone prioritising sleep quality or nervous system wellness as part of a broader daily supplement routine.
⚠️ Not suitable for: Anyone with a known hypersensitivity to any ingredient. Do not use if inner tamper seal is damaged.
How to Use
The manufacturer suggests 1 capsule as needed, with or without food, at any time of day or night. Each capsule provides 150 mg of elemental magnesium across the two chelated forms. Many people find taking it in the evening fits well with their routine, though there’s no strict timing requirement.
Use as directed by your healthcare professional. Suitable for ages 4 and up, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Ingredients
Per 1 capsule:
Magnesium (as Di-Magnesium Malate, Albion®) – amount contributes to 150 mg total elemental magnesium
Magnesium (as Magnesium Lysinate-Glycinate Chelate, Albion®) – amount contributes to 150 mg total elemental magnesium
Note: The full elemental breakdown between the two forms is not disclosed by the manufacturer. Total elemental magnesium per capsule is 150 mg.
Other ingredients: Hypromellose (capsule), microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate (vegetable source), silicon dioxide.
Allergen information: Free from common allergens. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Common Questions
How is this different from regular magnesium citrate or oxide?
Oxide and citrate forms are less expensive to produce but oxide in particular has poor absorption rates and commonly causes loose bowels. The lysinate-glycinate and malate forms used here are chelated to organic molecules, which improves cellular uptake and significantly reduces the digestive side effects. The Albion® chelation standard also means the forms are well-characterised and consistent.
Can I take this during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Yes. Seeking Health lists this as suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding. That said, it’s always worth confirming your total magnesium intake across diet and supplements with your healthcare provider, as needs vary individually.
Why does this contain two different forms of magnesium?
The glycinate-bound form is valued for its calming amino acid profile and gentle digestive effect. The malate form contributes a compound involved in the Krebs cycle alongside the magnesium itself. Combining them in one capsule gives you both without needing separate products.
Is one capsule enough, or do I need more?
The suggested use is 1 capsule as needed. Some people take 2-3 capsules daily depending on their needs and healthcare professional’s guidance. At 150 mg per capsule, there’s room to adjust within safe intake ranges. Your healthcare provider can help you determine what’s appropriate for your situation.
Warnings & Storage
Do not use if: Inner tamper seal is damaged.
Cautions: Consult your healthcare professional before use if you are taking medications or have pre-existing conditions. Excessive magnesium intake may cause loose stools.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.
Always consult your healthcare professional before use if you have any pre-existing conditions or are taking medications.















