Dr. Eric Berg DC · 2026-05-05 · Eric Berg (host)

The #1 Magnesium Mistake Everyone Makes

15 research-tied claims examined: 2 contradicted 1 overstated 1 context 7 supported 4 unverified

1

Overstated

0:04:48Eric Berg (host)overstatedmoderate

Magnesium glycinate has an 80 percent absorption rate.

"A much better form of magnesium would be to take magnesium glycinate. First of all, you won't have the GI problems, you won't have diarrhea. Secondly, you absorb 80%" (said at 0:04:48)

While magnesium glycinate (magnesium diglycinate) is generally well-tolerated with less laxative effect than inorganic salts like magnesium oxide, clinical and physiological data do not support an 80% absorption rate. In human stable isotope studies assessing fractional absorption, oral magnesium absorption generally ranges between 20% and 50% depending on dosage, individual magnesium status, and formulation. For example, a randomized crossover trial measuring 26Mg-labeled magnesium diglycinate absorption observed a fractional absorption rate of approximately 23.5%. Claiming an 80% absorption rate substantially overstates human magnesium bioavailability.

Unverified means no publication matching the claim was located; it does not prove the claim false. Spotted an error? See the corrections policy - disputes from the people quoted are prioritized.