Guide
Magnesium Taurate vs Glycinate vs Bisglycinate: What's the Difference?
Short answer: all three are magnesium bound to an amino acid. Magnesium taurate is bound to taurine. Magnesium glycinate and magnesium bisglycinate are the same compound, bound to glycine; the two names are used interchangeably on labels. The practical differences are how much actual (elemental) magnesium each gram contains, the serve size, and the price.
What "elemental magnesium" means
Every magnesium supplement is magnesium paired with a partner compound. The partner adds weight, so a 1,500mg serve of a magnesium powder doesn't contain 1,500mg of magnesium. The label's elemental magnesium figure tells you how much of that weight is actual magnesium.
A higher percentage means you need less powder for the same amount of magnesium. It doesn't make one form better than another.
The forms side by side
These figures come from the labels of the products we stock.
| Form | Bound to | Elemental magnesium | Label serve | Magnesium per serve | LYTES option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magnesium taurate | Taurine (an amino acid) | about 8.9% | 1,500mg | about 133mg | SUPER LYTE Magnesium Taurate 100g |
| Magnesium glycinate / bisglycinate (powder) | Glycine (an amino acid) | about 13% | 1,600mg | about 208mg | SUPER LYTE Magnesium Glycinate 100g or 400g |
| Magnesium bisglycinate (capsules) | Glycine | 109mg per capsule (from 606mg of bisglycinate chelate) | 1 capsule | 109mg | BioTrace Magnesium Bisglycinate, 60 capsules |
| Magnesium malate | Malic acid | about 15% | 2,500mg | about 375mg | SUPER LYTE Magnesium Malate 100g |
| Magnesium gluconate | Gluconic acid | about 5.4% | 1,300mg | about 70mg | SUPER LYTE Magnesium Gluconate 100g |
Is magnesium glycinate the same as magnesium bisglycinate?
Yes. "Bisglycinate" (and "diglycinate") describes magnesium bound to two glycine molecules, which is the compound most labels simply call magnesium glycinate. When two products differ, it's usually in how much elemental magnesium they list, not in the name. Some glycinate products are blended with other forms, so check the ingredients list and the elemental magnesium figure on the label.
Why does taurate have less magnesium per gram?
Taurine is a heavier partner than glycine, so the same weight of magnesium taurate carries less magnesium. That's why the taurate serve on our label gives about 133mg of magnesium, while a slightly larger glycinate serve gives about 208mg.
Price per gram of magnesium
Comparing tubs on price alone can be misleading, because each form carries a different amount of magnesium. Here's the price per gram of elemental magnesium, using LYTES prices on 12 Oct 2026:
| Product | Price | Elemental magnesium in the pack | Price per gram of magnesium |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUPER LYTE Magnesium Glycinate 400g | $54.95 | about 52g | about $1.06 |
| SUPER LYTE Magnesium Malate 400g | $89.95 | about 60g | about $1.50 |
| SUPER LYTE Magnesium Malate 100g | $27.95 | about 15g | about $1.86 |
| SUPER LYTE Magnesium Glycinate 100g | $24.95 | about 13g | about $1.92 |
| SUPER LYTE Magnesium Taurate 100g | $33.95 | about 8.9g | about $3.81 |
| SUPER LYTE Magnesium Gluconate 100g | $20.95 | about 5.4g | about $3.88 |
| BioTrace Magnesium Bisglycinate, 60 capsules | $44.95 | about 6.5g | about $6.87 |
Capsules cost more per gram but are pre-measured. Powders are cheaper per gram but need weighing.
How to measure a powder serve
The serves on these labels are between 1.3g and 2.5g. Measuring scoops aren't accurate at that size, so the labels recommend a digital milligram scale. If you'd rather not weigh powder, capsules give a fixed amount per capsule.
How to choose between them
Each form is a different way of getting magnesium. The practical questions are:
- Format: powder you weigh out, or a pre-measured capsule?
- Magnesium per serve: check the elemental figure on the label, not the total serve weight.
- Price per gram of magnesium: see the table above.
- Ingredients: all four SUPER LYTE powders are single-ingredient, with no fillers, flavours or additives.
If you're unsure which form or amount suits you, or you take medication, ask your pharmacist or health professional before choosing.
Frequently asked questions
Which form has the most magnesium per gram? Of the powders we stock, magnesium malate has the most (about 15%), then glycinate (about 13%), taurate (about 8.9%) and gluconate (about 5.4%).
Is magnesium taurate the same as magnesium glycinate? No. Both pair magnesium with an amino acid, but taurate uses taurine and glycinate uses glycine. Glycinate has more elemental magnesium per gram (about 13% vs about 8.9%).
What's the difference between magnesium glycinate and bisglycinate? They're the same magnesium–glycine compound. Labels use the names interchangeably. Compare products on the elemental magnesium figure.
Do I need a scale for magnesium powder? Yes. Serves are 1.3–2.5g, and scoops aren't accurate at that size. The labels recommend a digital milligram scale.
Where can I see all the forms LYTES stocks? Our magnesium collection includes powders, capsules, tablets, liquid and drink mixes.
Always read the label and use only as directed. Supplements shouldn't replace a balanced diet. If you take medication, or have been advised to limit your magnesium intake, talk to your health professional before use.
