When is the best time to take magnesium, morning or night?

The best time of day to take magnesium depends on your health goals and individual needs. While timing can enhance specific benefits, maintaining a consistent routine is more important for stable magnesium levels in the body. Many studies show the full benefits of magnesium occur after long-term use.

What are the benefits of taking magnesium in the morning?

There are several benefits of taking magnesium in the morning:

• Energy boost: Taking magnesium in the morning may help boost energy levels.
• Stress management: Magnesium supports mental clarity and may help manage daily stress.
• Consistency: If mornings align better with your routine, this can help ensure regular intake, which is key for magnesium's long-term benefits.

What are the benefits of taking magnesium in the evening?

• Sleep and relaxation: Magnesium is well-known for its calming effects on the nervous system, making it ideal for improving sleep quality. Taking it 1–2 hours before bedtime can help relax muscles and prepare your body for restful sleep. Magnesium glycinate and citrate are commonly taken for this purpose.
• Digestive health: If you're using magnesium for its mild laxative effects (e.g., magnesium citrate), taking it in the evening may be more convenient so that you have access to a bathroom without the stress of being at work.
• Adherence: Taking magnesium with dinner can help you keep up a daily routine.

Should you take magnesium with food?

You can take magnesium supplements with or without food. To avoid potential digestive discomfort, take magnesium with food, regardless of the time of day. Taking magnesium on an empty stomach can raise your risk of diarrhea, nausea, and stomach upset. Additionally, research has shown that magnesium is better absorbed into the body when taken with food.

Can you take magnesium with other medications?

It depends. Some medications interact with magnesium and should be taken at a separate time to prevent absorption issues:

• Fluoroquinolone and tetracycline antibiotics should be taken at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after magnesium.
• Gabapentin should be separated from magnesium by 2 hours.
• Bisphosphonates should be separated from magnesium by 2 hours.

Share a list of your medications and supplements with your healthcare provider so they can help you screen for interactions with magnesium.

When is the best time to take magnesium glycinate​?

Magnesium glycinate is a magnesium supplement that combines magnesium with the amino acid glycine. The best time to take magnesium glycinate depends on your health goals and lifestyle:

For Sleep Support

• Nighttime (1 hour before bed): Magnesium glycinate is most effective for improving sleep quality when taken in the evening. Its glycine content is thought to enhance relaxation and reduce anxiety, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Studies show it takes magnesium about an hour to get absorbed into the bloodstream.

For Daytime Stress, Anxiety, or Muscle Function

• Morning or afternoon: If managing anxiety, muscle tension, or energy levels is the priority, taking magnesium glycinate earlier in the day can provide calming effects without causing drowsiness. Splitting the dose (morning and night) may balance these benefits.

When is the best time to take magnesium citrate for constipation​?

Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative, and typically produces a bowel movement in 30 minutes to 6 hours. The best time to take magnesium citrate for constipation depends on your schedule and how quickly it affects you.

If taken earlier in the day, ensure you have access to a bathroom for 6+ hours, as effects can begin within 30 minutes. Taking it too close to bedtime could cause nighttime disruptions.

Conclusion

What time of day should you take magnesium​ depends on factors such as your lifestyle and the reason you are taking magnesium. Consistency is most important, regardless of what time of day you take it. Magnesium should be taken with food to avoid stomach upset, and may need to be separated from certain medications. Consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure about the optimal timing for your specific needs.

Read this next: Magnesium 101: Benefits, types, foods & dosage guide