Most people don’t realise how much magnesium does. From calming your brain to fuelling your cells, it’s essential to more than 300 processes in the body.
It keeps your muscles moving, your nerves firing, and your energy steady. It also plays a role in sleep quality, mood balance, and hydration.
But not all magnesium is the same. Each type absorbs differently and supports different needs. If you want better sleep, calmer nerves, or more daily energy, the form you choose matters.
This guide explains what magnesium does, the most common forms, and how to pick the right one.
What Magnesium Does in the Body
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions. It helps:
-
Convert food into energy
-
Support muscle and nerve function
-
Balance the nervous system
-
Strengthen bones
-
Regulate fluids in and out of cells
According to the NHS, adult men need around 300 mg a day and women about 270 mg.(NHS).
If you’re low in magnesium, you might feel:
-
Tired or low in energy
-
Muscle cramps or aches
-
Restless or anxious
-
Mentally sluggish
-
Sensitive to light or sound
-
Dehydrated, even when drinking water
Modern diets, stress, and caffeine can all deplete magnesium. That makes topping up smart.
Types of Magnesium and What They’re Best For
Each form of magnesium is bound to a different partner molecule. That affects how well it’s absorbed and what it’s used for.
Magnesium Citrate
-
Highly absorbable
-
Supports digestion, mild constipation, muscles, and nerves
-
Commonly used for hydration and daily wellness
-
POPDAYS creates magnesium citrate by combining magnesium carbonate with citric acid as the drop dissolves
Magnesium Carbonate
-
The raw form in POPDAYS
-
Reacts with citric acid to become magnesium citrate in water
-
Also used in antacids
-
Supports hydration, energy, and stomach comfort
Magnesium Glycinate
-
Bound with glycine, an amino acid
-
Helps with stress, anxiety, and sleep
-
Gentle on the stomach
-
Calming without daytime drowsiness
Magnesium Malate
-
Paired with malic acid (found in apples)
-
Supports energy production and recovery
-
May help reduce fatigue and soreness
Magnesium Oxide
-
Widely used, poorly absorbed
-
Found in laxatives and short-term digestive aids
-
Not ideal for daily wellness
Magnesium L-Threonate
-
Newer and more expensive
-
Being researched for brain health, memory, and clarity
-
Not common in everyday supplements
Which Type of Magnesium Should You Choose?
-
For general health and hydration: Magnesium citrate
-
For calm, sleep, and focus: Magnesium glycinate
-
For energy and recovery: Magnesium malate
-
For digestive support: Magnesium citrate or oxide
-
For brain and memory: Magnesium L-threonate
Always check the label. A high dose doesn’t matter if the form isn’t absorbed well.
UK Medical Insights on Magnesium
Public health bodies in the UK stress its importance:
-
The NHS confirms magnesium is essential for energy, muscles, and nerves.
-
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust notes that low magnesium can cause fatigue, cramps, and poor concentration.
-
King’s College London research highlights magnesium’s role in over 300 enzyme reactions and energy production.
Why POPDAYS Uses Magnesium Carbonate
POPDAYS includes magnesium carbonate, which reacts with natural citric acid in the drop as it dissolves. This process creates magnesium citrate in your water- a form your body absorbs well.
-
No sugar
-
No artificial ingredients
-
Daily hydration and energy support
You get a refreshing drink that works with your body.
Final Thoughts on Magnesium
Magnesium is vital for energy, sleep, mood, and important for hydration- yet it’s often overlooked. The type you choose matters as much as the amount.
For general support, citrate is the most practical choice. For sleep, glycinate works best. For energy, malate may help. For brain health, L-threonate shows promise.
With POPDAYS, you get magnesium in a form your body can use, without sugar or unnecessary extras.