Magnesium Glycinate (Bisglycinate) for Kids: What Parents Should Know
The short answer: magnesium glycinate (often written as magnesium bisglycinate) is magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine. It is one of the gentlest, best-tolerated forms of magnesium, which is why it is the form many parents choose for children. What matters most is the dose of actual magnesium on the label, and that it suits your child's age. For most children it is a top-up to food, given once a day at the dose for their age.
What is magnesium glycinate?
Magnesium never comes on its own in a supplement. It is always attached to something else, and that partner decides how well it is absorbed and how kind it is to the stomach. In magnesium glycinate, the partner is glycine, a small amino acid the body uses every day. When two glycine molecules are attached to each magnesium, it is called bisglycinate. You will see both names on labels, and for practical purposes they mean the same thing.
This bound, or "chelated", structure is the reason the form has such a good reputation. It is absorbed well and tends to be easy on little tummies, which cheaper forms are not.
Magnesium bisglycinate for kids: is it different from glycinate?
Not in any way that matters to a parent. Bisglycinate is the more exact chemical name, because each magnesium is bound to two glycines, and it is the name UK labels often use. If you are comparing a product that says "magnesium glycinate" with one that says "magnesium bisglycinate", treat them as the same form and compare the amount of magnesium per dose instead.
Why parents choose glycinate over other forms
- Gentle on the stomach. Magnesium oxide and, at higher doses, magnesium citrate are well known for loose stools. Glycinate is far less likely to cause that.
- Well absorbed. Oxide contains a lot of magnesium on paper but the body absorbs relatively little of it. Glycinate is a more bioavailable form.
- No strong taste. It does not need heavy flavouring or sugar to be palatable, especially in a liquid.
For a side-by-side look at the other forms, see our guide to citrate, glycinate and oxide for kids.
How to read the label: elemental magnesium
This is where many parents get caught out. Labels sometimes list the weight of the whole compound rather than the magnesium inside it. Magnesium makes up only around 14% of magnesium bisglycinate by weight, so 500mg of magnesium bisglycinate contains roughly 70mg of actual magnesium.
Look for the figure for magnesium itself, usually shown per dose with a percentage of the reference intake (%RI). That is the number to compare between products and against your child's needs.
What does "magnesium glycinate 100mg" mean for kids?
It depends which 100mg the label means. If it is 100mg of magnesium glycinate, the compound, the actual magnesium is only around 14mg. If the label says 100mg of magnesium "as" or "from" magnesium glycinate, that is 100mg of magnesium itself, which is more than the whole daily reference intake for a child aged 1 to 3. The nutrition table on a UK label should show the magnesium figure, so check that before you compare products or work out a dose.
How much magnesium does a child need?
| Age | UK reference intake per day |
|---|---|
| 1 to 3 years | 85mg |
| 4 to 6 years | 120mg |
| 7 to 10 years | 200mg |
| 11 to 14 years | around 280mg |
These are totals for the whole day, and food should provide most of it. A supplement is a top-up, not a replacement. Our guide to how much magnesium kids need shows what those numbers look like on a plate.
How much magnesium glycinate for kids?
There is no separate glycinate dose. The amount that matters is the magnesium per dose, and the right amount is the one on the label for your child's age. Our liquid gives 35mg of magnesium in 2.5ml for ages 1 to 5 and 70mg in 5ml for ages 5 to 14, so food still provides most of a child's daily total. Do not go over the daily dose on the label.
Is magnesium glycinate safe for children?
At sensible doses, yes. Magnesium from food is not a concern. For supplements, the European Food Safety Authority set a tolerable upper level of 250mg a day of supplemental magnesium for children aged 4 and over, and no level has been set for younger children. Children's products are dosed well below that. Stick to the dose on the label for your child's age, and speak to your GP first if your child has a medical condition, kidney problems or takes medication. More detail is in is magnesium safe for kids?
Can kids have magnesium glycinate every day?
Yes, at the dose for their age. Children's magnesium supplements are made for daily use alongside a varied diet. We cover this in can kids take magnesium every day?
Magnesium glycinate for older children and teens
Teenagers need more magnesium than at any other point in childhood: about 280mg a day at 11 to 14 and 300mg at 15 to 18. UK diet surveys have found that many teenagers, particularly girls, fall below the lower reference level. That is the age group where a top-up is most likely to make a difference to intake.
Can a 12 or 13 year old take magnesium glycinate?
Yes. A 12 or 13 year old can take a magnesium glycinate supplement at the dose set for their age on the label. Our liquid is made for ages 1 to 14, with 5ml a day for ages 5 to 14. For older teenagers, use a product labelled for their age, and keep the total from supplements within the label dose. Our guide to magnesium for teenagers goes into the figures.
Is magnesium glycinate safe for teens?
At the dose on the label, yes, for a healthy teenager. If your teen takes other supplements, check whether they also contain magnesium so the total stays sensible, and ask your GP or pharmacist if they have a medical condition or take regular medication.
Liquid, gummy or powder?
Glycinate comes in all three. Gummies are popular but usually rely on sugar or sweeteners, and in 2025 the MHRA warned parents to stop using one brand of kids' magnesium glycinate gummies after testing found undeclared melatonin in them. We explain what happened in are kids' magnesium gummies safe? Whatever format you choose, look for a UK brand that tests every batch independently.
A liquid is the easiest to measure for younger children and can be mixed into a drink. We compare the formats in magnesium gummies vs liquid for kids, and explain liposomal liquids in what is liposomal magnesium?
Best magnesium glycinate for kids in the UK: what to look for
We make a magnesium bisglycinate for children, so we are not a neutral judge of brands. What we can do is give you the checklist we would use ourselves, which works for any product.
What to look for, in short
- Magnesium bisglycinate (or glycinate) named clearly on the label
- The amount of magnesium itself per dose, with %RI
- A dose set by age band, not one size for everyone
- No sugar, sweeteners, flavourings or colours
- Made and third-party tested in the UK
There is more on what independent testing involves in what third-party lab testing means, and a wider comparison in the best magnesium for kids.
That is the checklist we built our own magnesium for kids around: magnesium bisglycinate in liposomal form, 35mg per 2.5ml for ages 1 to 5 and 70mg per 5ml for ages 5 to 14, with nothing else added for taste.
When to give it
Magnesium glycinate can be given morning or evening. Many families add it to the bedtime drink because it fits the routine, and others give it at breakfast. Pick one time and keep to it. Our guide to the best time to give a child magnesium covers food, medicines and missed doses.
Quick answers
Is magnesium bisglycinate good for children?
It is one of the gentlest forms and is well absorbed, which is why it is widely used in children's supplements. Like any form, it is a top-up to a varied diet.
Can children take magnesium glycinate?
Yes, from age 1, using a product made for children and the dose on the label for their age. Under-ones should not have magnesium supplements unless a doctor advises it.
Magnesium glycinate or citrate for kids?
Glycinate is less likely to cause loose stools, which is why it is often chosen for daily use. Citrate is sometimes used when a looser stool is the aim. See magnesium and constipation in children.
Our magnesium
Liposomal Magnesium for Kids (Age 1+) is truly unflavoured, gentle on little tummies, and built for absorption. Magnesium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system.*
*Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Consult your healthcare provider before use if your child has a medical condition or takes medication.