Magnesium Glycinate vs Magnesium Malate
Magnesium Glycinate and Magnesium Malate compared on absorption, gut tolerance, and real cost per dose — the cheapest of each pulled live from the Amazon US catalog.
Updated June 2026
Side by side
| Attribute | Glycinate | Malate |
|---|---|---|
| Absorption | High | High |
| GI tolerance | Gentle | Gentle |
| Bound to | Glycine (calming) | Malic acid |
| Typical timing | Evening | Daytime |
| Cheapest / serving | $0.07 | $0.05 |
Both are organic magnesium chelates that dissolve and absorb well — far better than magnesium oxide. There is no strong evidence that one is meaningfully better absorbed than the other.
Magnesium GlycinateWell absorbed
Best for: Evening use, sleep, stress, and sensitive stomachs.
Best Magnesium Glycinate by cost per doseMagnesium Malate
Best for: Daytime use; popular with people targeting energy or muscle comfort (evidence limited).
Best Magnesium Malate by cost per doseCheapest Magnesium Glycinate
NEW
😴 Magnesium Glycinate 3rd-party
Nature Made High Absorption Magnesium Glycinate 300mg per 3…
Cost per serving
$0.07
Avg·−62%Well absorbed
$0.22last seen · confirm on Amazon
Nature Made · Amazon.com 0
See the offer Cheapest Magnesium Malate
NEW
🌙 Magnesium
Magnesium Malate Capsules (420 Count) - 1
Cost per serving
$0.05
$19.96last seen · confirm on Amazon
Amazon.com 0
See the offer Frequently asked
Is magnesium malate better than glycinate?+
Neither is clearly better — both are well-absorbed, gentle magnesium forms. Glycinate is favored for sleep and calm thanks to its glycine; malate is often chosen for daytime use. The practical difference is the partner molecule and when you take it, not how well the magnesium absorbs.
Can you take magnesium malate at night?+
You can — it is gentle on the stomach. Some people prefer glycinate in the evening for its calming glycine and malate earlier in the day. Either way, both count toward the same daily magnesium total.
Is Magnesium Glycinate or Magnesium Malate cheaper per dose?+
The cheapest Magnesium Glycinate we track is $0.07 per serving; the cheapest Magnesium Malate is $0.05 per serving — so Magnesium Malate costs less per dose right now (June 2026).