What are the differences between magnesium glycinate and magnesium gluconate?

Magnesium glycinate and magnesium gluconate are two important magnesium salts. There are a few significant differences between them. 

Magnesium glycinate 

Magnesium glycinate is the chelate of amino acid, glycine. 

Its parent compound is glycine and the chemical formula is C4H8MgN2O4. 

Its molecular weight is 172.42 g/mol.

Magnesium glycinate is sold as a dietary supplement. It is used for a wide range of conditions including insomnia, anxiety, and chronic stress. It can also be used for anti-inflammatory conditions. 

Magnesium gluconate

Magnesium gluconate is a chelate of gluconic acid. 

Its parent compound is gluconic acid and its chemical formula is C12H26MgO16

Its molecular weight is 450.63 g/mol.

Some studies indicate that magnesium gluconate has the highest level of bioavailability of any magnesium salt. It is used in treating low levels of blood magnesium, which may be caused due to prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, various gastrointestinal disorders, kidney disease, or as a result of certain drugs.