Ingredient Repository · Ingredient

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Ingredient

Magnesium

Critical mineral cofactor required for over 300 enzymatic reactions, muscle relaxation, nerve conduction, and energy production.

What it is

Magnesium is a major intracellular mineral essential for human physiology. In Velobiotics formulations—such as Velo16 Probiotics Magnesium Glycinate (using highly bioavailable magnesium glycinate chelate), Velo16 Calcium & Magnesium, Her-Biotics Ageless (magnesium glycinate), and Her-Biotics Sport (magnesium oxide & citrate)—it is paired with microencapsulated probiotics for optimal neuromuscular support and muscle recovery.

Also known as: Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Glycinate, Magnesium Citrate

What it does

  • Functions as an obligatory cofactor for ATP-dependent enzymatic reactions and energy production.
  • Regulates muscular contraction and relaxation, preventing muscle cramps and spasms.
  • Modulates NMDA receptor signaling and GABAergic neurotransmission for nervous system balance.
  • Serves as a key structural component of bone mineral density alongside calcium.

Amplified by probiotics

Intestinal absorption of magnesium occurs via active TRPM6/7 transporters in the distal intestine and passive paracellular flux. Probiotic fermentation of prebiotic fibers produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs like butyrate and propionate), lowering colonic luminal pH. Protonation converts bound magnesium salts into free Mg2+ ions, enhancing solubility and enterocyte uptake. Furthermore, butyrate upregulates enterocyte energy metabolism and tight junction integrity, expanding active transcellular transport. Probiotic phytase enzymes also liberate magnesium bound to dietary phytic acid.

Typical dose

200–400 mg/day (elemental magnesium)

The evidence

Evidence: strong

Extensive human trials prove magnesium supplementation improves muscle function, sleep quality, stress resilience, and bone health, with organic chelated forms (glycinate, citrate) exhibiting superior bioavailability. (Fiorentini et al. 2021, Nutrients; Gröber et al. 2015, Nutrients; Costello et al. 2016, Adv Nutr).

  1. Fiorentini D, et al. Magnesium: Biochemistry, Nutrition, Detection, and Social Impact of Diseases Linked to Its Deficiency. Nutrients. 2021;13(4):1136 PubMed ↗
  2. Gröber U, et al. Magnesium in Prevention and Therapy. Nutrients. 2015;7(9):8199-8226 PubMed ↗
  3. Costello RB, et al. Perspective: The Case for an Evidence-Based Reference Intake for Dietary Magnesium. Adv Nutr. 2016;7(6):1016-1026 PubMed ↗

Safety & who should check first

Tolerable Upper Intake Level for supplemental magnesium is 350 mg/day of elemental magnesium (to avoid loose stools). High doses should be used cautiously in renal impairment.