Magnesium is essential for overall well-being, supporting everything from muscle function to better sleep. But when is the best time to take it—on an empty stomach or with food? While both options are possible, taking magnesium with food is generally recommended. It not only improves absorption but also helps prevent digestive side effects like nausea and stomach cramps. Although some people prefer the faster absorption that comes with taking magnesium on an empty stomach, this method carries a higher risk of discomfort. For most, pairing magnesium with a meal ensures a smoother, more effective experience.
Magnesium is also a helpful weapon against migraines and may support the relief of symptoms from anxiety, depression, and insomnia, but different types should be taken at different times.
Magnesium is an important micronutrient that many parts of your body – including your nervous system, your muscles, your heart, your bones and immune system – need in order to function properly. The adult human body contains about 25 grams, with about half stored in the bones, while the rest can be found in soft tissues, bodily fluids and muscles. Most adults in the US do not meet that daily target through their diet. And selecting a supplement is no easy task, as a bewildering number of products can be found on the market.
While melatonin gets all the credit for better sleep, Magnesium is actually a powerhouse mineral that helps with a number of things -- including sleep. Plus, nearly 70% of Americans are magnesium deficient.
Between menstruation and hormones, women are more likely than men to struggle with proper magnesium levels. And proper magnesium levels are needed for many reasons, including to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.