Research

Micronutrients & recovery

Dietary components such as proteins, medium-chain triglycerides, and indigestible carbohydrates (prebiotics) enhance magnesium absorption, while phytates, oxalates, and high fiber impair it.

To maximize magnesium absorption from your diet, include sources of protein, prebiotics (like inulin or resistant starch), and medium-chain fats. Conversely, be aware that high-fiber foods, phytates (in grains/nuts), and oxalates (in spinach) can bind magnesium and reduce its absorption.

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
Dietary factors impairing Mg2+ uptake include high doses of other minerals, partly fermentable fibres (e.g., hemicellulose), non-fermentable fibres (e.g., cellulose, lignin), phytate and oxalate, whereas proteins, medium-chain-triglycerides, and low- or indigestible carbohydrates (e.g., resistant starch, oligosaccharides, inulin, mannitol and lactulose) enhance Mg2+ uptake.
Jan Philipp Schuchardt et al. · Current Nutrition & Food Science · 2017

Why this rating

Supported by various animal and human studies, but the paper notes that some effects (like fat type) are less consistent in humans than in rats.

Source

Intestinal Absorption and Factors Influencing Bioavailability of Magnesium- An Update

Jan Philipp Schuchardt et al. · Current Nutrition & Food Science · 2017

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