Mechanism of Action
Magnesium acts as a universal gatekeeper of cellular metabolism. It binds to ATP to form the Mg-ATP complex, the only form of energy directly usable by enzymes. Without this bond, the cell has fuel but cannot use it.
This mineral also stabilises the DNA double helix and supports the systems that correct copying errors at each cell division. It regulates calcium flow through cell membranes. This mechanism is central to muscle contraction and nerve signal transmission. When intracellular magnesium drops, excess calcium floods into cells, promoting neuromuscular overexcitation.
In the laboratory, magnesium is also the cofactor of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase, the enzyme that triggers this hormone's signalling cascade. It is one of the many enzyme systems whose activity depends on it.
Key Benefits
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Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
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Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system. It regulates calcium and potassium flow across neuronal membranes, a mechanism central to nerve signal transmission.
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Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function. It modulates muscle contraction and relaxation by balancing intracellular calcium flow.
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Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism by forming the Mg-ATP complex, the active form of cellular energy usable by enzymes.
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Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function.
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Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. It plays a role in vitamin D metabolism and bone mineralisation.
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Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth. Teeth share with bone the same mineralised matrix, in which magnesium accompanies calcium.
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Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis. The enzymes that assemble amino acids into proteins work with the Mg-ATP complex.
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Magnesium has a role in the process of cell division. It stabilises the DNA double helix and works alongside the enzymes that copy it.
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Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance. It ranks among the most abundant cations inside the cell, alongside potassium.
Dosage & Forms
Several magnesium forms exist on the market, with very different absorption and tolerance profiles. Magnesium oxide, the most common form, was measured at approximately 4% fractional absorption in a comparison of commercial preparations, and its laxative effect is marked. Citrate offers good absorption but retains an osmotic effect that limits tolerable doses. L-threonate crosses the blood-brain barrier (the filter protecting the brain) and preferentially targets brain tissue. Taurate pairs magnesium with taurine, a sulfur amino acid.
Magnesium bisglycinate is a well-absorbed organic form, markedly better than oxide. A fraction of the complex appears to be absorbed intact, through a peptide transport pathway. The anhydrous form concentrates more elemental magnesium per gram. Singular selects this form for its digestive tolerance: it does not produce the accelerated transit observed with oxide and citrate. The base dosage is calibrated in mg of elemental magnesium and adjusted according to individual biological profile.
In the Singular Formula
Inclusion rationale
Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue, to normal functioning of the nervous system, to normal muscle function, to normal energy-yielding metabolism, to normal psychological function, to normal protein synthesis, to the maintenance of normal bones and normal teeth, to electrolyte balance, and it has a role in the process of cell division. Cofactor of over 600 enzymatic reactions, magnesium is the most broadly involved mineral in human cellular metabolism. It forms the Mg-ATP complex, the active form of cellular energy, and is involved in DNA replication, protein synthesis, nerve transmission and muscle contraction. DNA repair systems also depend on its presence. Epidemiological studies estimate that approximately 50 to 75% of the Western population does not reach the recommended daily intake. In the formula, magnesium participates in the bone axis alongside vitamin D3, and vitamin K2-MK7. Bisglycinate form, chelated to two glycines, selected for its digestive tolerance: it lacks the osmotic laxative effect that limits the tolerable doses of inorganic salts.
Selected form
Anhydrous magnesium bisglycinate, fully reacted: each magnesium atom is bonded to two glycine molecules, the smallest amino acid naturally present in the body. Unlike partially chelated bisglycinate on the market, this form contains no residual oxide or inorganic magnesium. The anhydrous form concentrates more elemental magnesium per gram. Result: a well-absorbed organic form, and a digestive tolerance that sets it apart from the laxative salts. Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system. No excipient.
Formula dosage
0 to 360 mg.
Dose expressed as active substance, excluding excipients and carriers of the raw material.
Synergies in the formula
Linked Biomarkers
Safety & Precautions
Oral magnesium is one of the best-tolerated minerals at nutritional doses. The upper safety limit set by European authorities is 250 mg/day of elemental magnesium from supplements, in addition to dietary intake. Beyond this threshold, an osmotic laxative effect may occur, particularly with inorganic forms (oxide, hydroxide). The chelated bisglycinate form is better tolerated in this respect.
When the health profile reports impaired kidney function, magnesium is excluded from the formula. This precautionary rule applies regardless of the reported degree. The kidneys are the primary regulator of magnesium excretion. People taking cardiac medication or antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones) should space magnesium intake by at least two hours. The same precaution applies to bisphosphonates to avoid absorption interactions. Pregnant or breastfeeding women may consume magnesium at nutritional doses after consulting a healthcare professional.
Scientific Studies
| Authors | Year | Type | Journal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| de Baaij JHF, Hoenderop JGJ, Bindels RJM | 2015 | Review | Physiological Reviews | View on PubMed |
Magnesium in man: implications for health and disease Reference review identifying over 600 magnesium-dependent enzymatic reactions. Covers energy metabolism, protein synthesis, neuromuscular signalling and DNA repair. | ||||
| Gröber U, Schmidt J, Kisters K | 2015 | Review | Nutrients | View on PubMed |
Magnesium in Prevention and Therapy Comprehensive review of magnesium's role in nutrition and health. Details the Mg-ATP complex and consequences of chronic suboptimal magnesium status. | ||||
| Hartwig A | 2001 | Review | Mutation Research | View on PubMed |
Role of magnesium in genomic stability Foundational study describing magnesium's role as cofactor of the three major DNA repair systems. Still widely cited in genomic stability literature. | ||||
| Dominguez LJ, Veronese N, Barbagallo M | 2024 | Review | Nutrients | View on PubMed |
Magnesium and the Hallmarks of Aging Review analysing the relationship between magnesium and each of the hallmarks of aging described by research. It catalogues the cellular mechanisms in which this mineral is involved. | ||||