Magnesium is an important mineral that’s involved in many aspects of your health.
Studies show it may help improve blood sugar control, prevent migraine attacks, reduce blood pressure levels, and protect against depression.
The recommended dietary allowance — the intake that’s sufficient for nearly all healthy individuals — for magnesium is 310–420 mg daily for adults. While most people can meet their needs through food sources alone, supplements may sometimes be necessary.
This article helps determine the best time to take magnesium to maximize its effectiveness.
In this article
Does timing matter when taking magnesium?
Regardless of whether you’re taking magnesium to improve your mood, decrease anxiety, or enhance sleep quality, the benefits of magnesium supplements are all associated with their long-term use.
For example, one study in 130 people with migraine found that taking a magnesium supplement decreased migraine frequency, with participants reporting fewer migraine days over the 3-month study.
Another study noted that supplementing with magnesium improved symptoms of depression in 112 adults, with noticeable benefits occurring after two weeks.
Moreover, a study in 46 older adults also showed that taking 500 mg of magnesium daily for eight weeks improved several measures of insomnia, including total sleep time and sleep latency, which is the amount of time it takes to fall asleep.
Therefore, magnesium supplements can be taken at any time of the day as long as you can take them consistently.
For some, taking supplements first thing in the morning may be easiest, while others may find that taking them with dinner or just before bed works well for them.
The most important thing is to set a schedule and stick to it to ensure you get your daily dose.
Summary: The benefits of magnesium are associated with long-term use, and supplements can be taken at any time of the day, depending on what works for you.
Magnesium should be taken with food
Although magnesium supplements are generally well tolerated, they may be linked to several adverse effects.
Some of magnesium supplements’ most common side effects include digestive issues like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
If you experience any of these side effects, taking magnesium supplements with food could help prevent them.
However, if symptoms persist, consider consulting a trusted healthcare practitioner to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Summary: Taking magnesium supplements with food can help prevent side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Possible interactions
Magnesium supplements can interfere with the absorption of several other types of medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
Other medications may also increase the excretion of magnesium through urine, increasing your risk of deficiency.
For example, antibiotics should be taken at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after magnesium supplements to help maximize effectiveness.
Meanwhile, those taking bisphosphonates to prevent bone loss should take magnesium supplements at least 2 hours before or after other medications.
Additionally, if you’re taking diuretics or proton pump inhibitors, you should consult a healthcare professional to determine the best schedule for your supplements.
Summary: Magnesium can interact with certain medications, which may require you to adjust the supplement’s timing.
Summary
Taking magnesium supplements with food may help prevent some of their adverse effects.
The timing may also be important if you take certain medications, such as antibiotics or bisphosphonates.
However, because the benefits of magnesium supplements are associated with long-term use, taking your supplement consistently each day is more important than timing.
Suggested read: Zinc supplements: Types, benefits, dosage, and side effects
