Timing Protocol

When to Take Magnesium

What researchers say about when, how and with what to take magnesium, and how strong the evidence is.

The verdict on Magnesium overall

Strong consensus for

Magnesium supplements are worth taking.

8 sources: 6 positive, 2 partly

8 sources: 6 positive, 2 partly

Based on what researchers say in publicly available videos, not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement.

Short answer

Smaller doses spread across the day absorb better. Carbonate in the morning (Peter Attia). An evening dose for sleep.

Full Protocol

Timing
Smaller doses spread across the day absorb better. Carbonate in the morning (Peter Attia). An evening dose for sleep.
Dosage
300-500mg of elemental magnesium daily (Peter Attia: 300-500mg; Rhonda Patrick: ~400mg; Mark Hyman: 400mg+).
Form
Glycinate or malate for everyday absorption (Rhonda Patrick). Carbonate for full absorption without gut effects (Peter Attia). Threonate for the brain only; don't count it toward daily needs. Citrate or oxide if you want a looser bowel.
Notes
Standard blood tests for magnesium are unreliable: the body holds plasma levels steady by drawing from bone, which hides a deficiency (Peter Attia; Rhonda Patrick). Too much supplemental zinc can block magnesium absorption. Physically active adults need 10-20% more than the sedentary RDA.

What the evidence says about timing

One verdict, worked out from every counted mention. One dot is one source: a researcher or a study. Tap a dot to see its receipt.

positive partly neutral negative Each researcher and each study counts once per claim, however often they come up.

Not enough evidence

Magnesium taken 30 to 60 minutes before bed improves sleep.

1 source: 1 partly. Fewer than 3 sources so far.

Researchers say

1 partly

Studies show

No study counted yet.

17 more not counted · see why
Show the receipts from 1 source
  1. Andrew Huberman, on Huberman Lab, at 1:51:53 Video · partly · Opinion

    “So for many people, taking 300 to 400 milligrams of magnesium bisglycinate or magnesium threonate, and there I'm referring to the elemental magnesium for you aficionados,”

Where the sources disagree

Built from every credited researcher and cited study on each claim.

Strong consensus for

Magnesium supplements are worth taking.

Supports it 6 sources
Partly 2 sources

Precis is not affiliated with or endorsed by YouTube or by any researcher, show or publisher we quote. We take no sponsorship, ad or affiliate money, and every verdict is our own review of what was said. How we stay independent

Timing is half the equation

You know when to take Magnesium. A free account opens the interaction warnings for your whole stack. Pro adds chat about your own situation, drawn from 3,700+ hours of recorded interviews with 380 researchers and doctors, plus 48,500+ research studies.

Cancel anytime

Related Timing Guides