Magnesium Sport 100 mg, 120 tablets

Magnesium Sport is the magnesium food supplement for (elite) athletes

Anyone who trains seriously should be aware of what they consume. Which ingredients are in the product, what are the nutritional values and what is the composition and quality of the supplements used? It is at least as important to be aware of what you do not consume. You do not want to ingest unwanted substances or anything associated with doping. For this reason, Vitals products are checked for contamination, and every batch of Magnesium Sport 100 mg is tested for doping-relevant substances. This is carried out in accordance with the NZVT system.

The composition of Magnesium Sport is identical to that of Magnesium (bisglycinate) 100 mg, Vitals’ best-selling magnesium product. Only the name and the doping test of each batch of Magnesium Sport according to the NZVT system with subsequent certification differ.

Each tablet of Magnesium Sport contains up to 100 mg of the easily absorbed magnesium bisglycinate (a magnesium-containing form bound to amino acids), complemented by 200 mg of taurine. When choosing a magnesium supplement, the selection of the correct compound form is crucial. This describes in which form the magnesium is present in the tablet or capsule (e.g. bisglycinate or citrate). Read below about the differences in the quality of magnesium products to learn how to make a good decision.

Suitable for competitive athletes, tested for doping

Every batch of Magnesium Sport is checked for doping in accordance with the Dutch safety system for food supplements in elite sport ("Nederlands Zekerheidssysteem Voedingssupplementen Topsport", or NZVT). The NZVT system, similar to well-known initiatives in Germany such as the Kölner Liste®, is specifically aimed at (elite) athletes who may be tested for doping and offers at least the same level of assurance. The system is based on a cooperation between the Dutch Anti-Doping Authority, the Dutch Olympic Committee and Sports Federation, and the Dutch Association for Food Supplements. More details can be found at www.dopingautoriteit.nl/nzvt. Are you interested in a Vitals product that is not tested in every batch? Do not hesitate to contact us. Our contact details can be found on the contact page.

Why is magnesium beneficial for athletes?

The body contains approximately 21 to 28 grams of magnesium. Less than 1% circulates in the blood, about 20% is in the muscles, 20% in other soft tissues and the liver, and around 60% is stored in the bones and teeth. Magnesium is therefore advantageous for muscle function and essential for maintaining strong teeth and bones. It is also involved in over 300 enzymatic processes. Magnesium plays an important role as a cofactor for enzymes involved in protein synthesis (the process by which proteins are produced based on DNA). In addition, it is a cofactor for numerous enzymes involved in maintaining an electrical potential across the cell membrane, which helps preserve a good electrolyte balance. (Cells, especially nerve and muscle cells, use the electrical charge of electrolytes to transmit and receive electrical impulses to and from other cells, such as nerve impulses or muscle contractions.) Magnesium plays a role in nerve conduction and muscle contraction, making it important for muscle function — including the heart muscle. Insufficient magnesium intake can also lead to fatigue. In such cases magnesium can help you get back in shape. It contributes to the release of energy from fats, carbohydrates and proteins and thus supports energy levels. It is also important for brain and nerve functions, affecting aspects such as concentration, memory and mood. It further supports normal cell division and the formation of cells and tissues.

Taurine

In addition, this product contains 200 mg of taurine. It is a substance similar to amino acids and is mainly found in meat, fish and seafood. It has a direct synergistic effect with magnesium by stimulating the cellular uptake of this mineral (magnesium mainly acts intracellularly).

Absorption of common mineral compounds

Various magnesium compounds are used in supplements. Some of these, such as the inorganic mineral compounds (see Figure 1), have low bioavailability. Magnesium oxide and magnesium carbonate have low bioavailability and are poorly absorbed. Minerals (except in chelated amino acid form) enter the acidic environment of the stomach, where the digestive process begins with the separation of the mineral component from its chemical structure. Naturally, the mineral element becomes electrically charged as it passes through digestion. This charge attracts other charged particles, as found in vegetables, fibres and fats. These food particles cause the mineral ions to become bound and therefore less effectively absorbed and utilised by the body (see Figure 2). The now available free mineral ions are present in limited numbers and continue through the digestive tract, where they compete with other minerals (such as calcium) for uptake through the intestinal wall and into the cells.

Molecular structure of mineral amino-acid chelated substances.

Whereas the chelate structure in an amino acid chelate such as magnesium bisglycinate withstands the influence of gastric juice or digestive enzymes (in contrast to other mineral compounds), it is still weak enough to release the mineral element after its cellular uptake in the intestine. The amino acids wrap around the mineral element, protecting it during digestion and holding it firmly. The chelate also carries a neutral electrical charge, meaning it does not bind to food particles in the stomach and intestines. Thus the amino acid chelate reaches the small intestine intact, where it is taken up as a dipeptide (a compound of two amino acids). This offers huge advantages, as the body can absorb amino acids (particularly dipeptides) very easily — especially when they consist of the smallest amino acid, glycine. Amino-acid chelated minerals are significantly better absorbed than other mineral forms. The amino-acid chelated mineral is actively transported into the mucosal cells of the jejunum (middle part of the small intestine) without competing with other minerals. Only within the mucosal cells do metabolic processes split the glycine and the mineral so that they become available to the various organs and body systems.

Albion amino acid chelates

Minerals Vitals uses only authentic amino acid chelates from Albion Minerals, the specialist in amino acid chelates, marked with the TRAACS® brand, which stands for “The Real Amino Acid Chelate System”. This brand was created to distinguish itself from other potentially inferior and unstable amino acid chelates. Albion secures the process, the science and the structure behind its amino-acid chelated minerals with over 100 patents worldwide. Their minerals are also analysed and a quality test is performed on every produced batch. It is essential to verify that chelation has actually occurred and that the bonds are sufficiently strong.

Studies on magnesium bisglycinate**

Several studies have been conducted to confirm the efficacy of magnesium bisglycinate. Some of these studies compared the absorption of magnesium bisglycinate with various magnesium compounds such as magnesium carbonate, magnesium sulphate and magnesium oxide. Magnesium bisglycinate was absorbed significantly faster and better than the other magnesium forms. Magnesium oxide performed by far the worst.

Nutritional properties

• Magnesium contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
• Magnesium supports normal bones, teeth and muscles and supports normal protein synthesis.
• Magnesium supports normal psychological function and the normal function of the nervous system.
• Magnesium supports cell division, normal energy metabolism and a normal electrolyte balance.

Nutritional declaration

*Reference intake according to Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011

Active ingredients

* No reference quantity specified according to the FIC

Ingredients

Magnesium bisglycinate, filler (microcrystalline cellulose [cellulose gel]), taurine, rapeseed oil (Brassica napus), thickening agent (hydroxypropylcellulose), anti-caking agents (silicon dioxide, magnesium salts of fatty acids), coating agents (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, glycerol, hydroxypropylcellulose).

Recommended intake

Take 1 tablet once or twice a day with water on an empty stomach (at least half an hour before or two hours after eating).

Storage instructions

Store in a cool, dry place protected from light (do not refrigerate).

Legal notice

The recommended daily intake should not be exceeded. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of reach of small children.

**Timeline (Bioavailability) of Magnesium Compounds in Hours: Which Magnesium Compound Works Best? – PubMed (nih.gov)