When to Take Magnesium Glycinate: Morning or Night?

When to take magnesium glycinate depends on your routine, because there is no official best time. Many people take it in the evening, others in the morning, and some split the daily serving. What matters more is taking it consistently, within the label dose, and spacing it from certain medicines such as some antibiotics and osteoporosis tablets.

When to take magnesium glycinate: morning or night?

Magnesium glycinate is magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine. It is about 14% magnesium by weight, so the elemental amount on the label is the figure to follow.

UK guidance does not set a best time of day. Many people take magnesium glycinate in the evening as part of a wind-down routine, while others take it with breakfast alongside other supplements.

Choose a time you will remember. A consistent routine is easier to keep than a perfect one.

How do you fit magnesium glycinate into a routine?

The simplest routine is to link magnesium to something you already do every day, such as breakfast, an evening meal or brushing your teeth.

If you take other supplements, group the ones you take at the same time and keep each in its original pouch so the directions are to hand.

A weekly pill organiser can help if you take several products, but keep the pouch for the batch number and the dose information.

If you travel across time zones, there is no need to adjust precisely. Take your usual daily serving at a convenient time and carry on.

If you miss a day, do not take a double serving to catch up.

Can you split the daily serving?

Glycinate is bulky, so products often use two or three capsules for the daily serving. Some people take them all at once, others split them across the day.

If your label allows it, splitting can suit people who find several capsules at once a lot to swallow. Follow the directions on your product.

Can you take magnesium glycinate on an empty stomach?

Magnesium can be taken with or without food. Taking it with a meal may suit people who find supplements unsettling on an empty stomach.

The NHS notes that taking high doses of magnesium, more than 400 mg, for a short time can cause diarrhoea, and that 400 mg or less a day from supplements is unlikely to cause any harm: NHS.

When to take magnesium glycinate with medicines?

Magnesium can reduce how well some medicines are absorbed. The US National Institutes of Health advises taking tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after a magnesium supplement, and spacing oral bisphosphonates, used for osteoporosis, by at least 2 hours: NIH ODS.

Some thyroid medicines are also affected by minerals taken at the same time. Ask your pharmacist how to time magnesium around any regular medicine.

Can you take magnesium glycinate with other supplements?

If you take a multivitamin or a mineral blend, check whether it already contains magnesium and add up the elemental amounts.

Many people take magnesium alongside other supplements such as ashwagandha. Our article on combining the two covers what to check.

Read: can you take magnesium and ashwagandha together?.

For general tips on fitting supplements into your day, see our routine guide.

Read: how to build a supplement routine.

Who should check with a GP first?

Speak to your GP before taking magnesium if you have kidney problems, as the kidneys clear excess magnesium. Ask a pharmacist about timing if you take antibiotics, osteoporosis medicines, thyroid medicines or diuretics.

What dose does the Hyoomen product state?

Hyoomen Magnesium Glycinate states 225 mg of elemental magnesium per 3 capsules.

See Hyoomen Magnesium Glycinate.

Frequently asked questions

Magnesium glycinate before bed?

Many people take it in the evening. Follow the directions on your label.

When to take magnesium glycinate and ashwagandha?

Some people take both in the evening. See our article on combining them.

Can I take magnesium glycinate in the morning?

Yes. There is no official best time. Choose one you will stick to.

Should I take it before bed?

Many people take it in the evening. Follow your label.

Can I take it every day?

Many people do. Stay within the label dose and the NHS 400 mg supplement guidance.

Can I take it on an empty stomach?

You can, but taking it with food may suit you better.

What form of magnesium is in Hyoomen Magnesium Glycinate?

Magnesium glycinate, which is magnesium bound to two glycine molecules.

How much magnesium is in glycinate?

Magnesium glycinate is about 14% magnesium by weight. Follow the elemental amount on your label.

Can I take it with ashwagandha?

Many people take both. See our article on combining them, and ask a pharmacist if you take medicines.

What if I have kidney problems?

Speak to your GP before taking any magnesium supplement.

How far apart from antibiotics?

The NIH advises some antibiotics at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after. Ask your pharmacist.

Related reading: How Much Elemental Magnesium Is in Magnesium Glycinate?.

Important

This article is general information, not medical advice. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medication or under medical supervision, speak to your GP or pharmacist before taking a supplement. Do not exceed the stated recommended daily dose.