Understanding What Type of Magnesium Does Ancient Nutrition Use?

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

Magnesium is a critical mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, yet deficiency is surprisingly common. For those seeking supplementation, understanding what type of magnesium does Ancient Nutrition use is key, as the company uses different forms tailored to specific product goals and enhanced for better absorption.

Quick Summary

Ancient Nutrition utilizes enzyme-activated magnesium in its core supplement and magnesium hydroxide in its sleep-support products. The company also employs fermentation to enhance bioavailability. Their approach combines different forms to target specific health benefits, from relaxation to bone health, and optimizes absorption through proprietary processes.

Key Points

Enzyme-Activated Magnesium: Ancient Nutrition's core magnesium product features a proprietary enzyme-activated magnesium for enhanced absorption and digestion.
Magnesium Hydroxide: The Multi Collagen Protein Beauty + Sleep Support formula contains magnesium hydroxide, suitable for sleep support and relaxation due to its properties.
Enhanced Bioavailability: The brand uses advanced techniques like enzyme activation and fermentation to improve the body's ability to absorb and utilize the minerals.
Targeted Formulas: Ancient Nutrition offers different magnesium-containing products, each with a specific combination of ingredients to target particular health goals, such as calmness, bone health, or sleep.
Synergistic Blends: Their formulas often combine magnesium with other beneficial ingredients like vitamin D3, adaptogenic herbs, and probiotics to provide a more holistic health benefit.
Formulation is Key: The choice of magnesium form is crucial for effectiveness, with some, like glycinate, being more bioavailable than others, like oxide.

Ancient Nutrition's Approach to Magnesium

Ancient Nutrition, founded by Dr. Josh Axe, bases its product philosophy on incorporating ancient wisdom and nutrient-dense ingredients. This principle extends to their magnesium supplements, which feature unique formulations intended to maximize effectiveness. Unlike many conventional brands that rely on single, standard forms of magnesium, Ancient Nutrition's products are designed with synergistic blends and enhanced delivery methods.

Enzyme-Activated Magnesium in Ancient Nutrients

For its flagship "Ancient Nutrients Magnesium" supplement, Ancient Nutrition uses an "enzyme-activated magnesium". This proprietary method is designed to break down the nutrients and beneficial compounds, making them easier for the body to absorb and digest. The specific source compound is not publicly disclosed, but the enzyme activation process is the key feature that distinguishes it from other supplements.

This core magnesium formula is often paired with other ingredients, including probiotic-fermented vitamin D3, herbal extracts like rhodiola and turmeric, and bone broth. The combination is intended to support calmness, bone health, and a healthy immune system, reflecting a holistic approach to supplementation.

Magnesium Hydroxide in Beauty + Sleep Formula

Ancient Nutrition also offers products with magnesium as part of a larger blend. For example, their "Multi Collagen Protein Beauty + Sleep Support" formula contains Magnesium Hydroxide. Magnesium hydroxide is a common form of magnesium often used for its calming and relaxing properties, as well as its mild laxative effect. This makes it a suitable addition to a supplement intended to support sleep and overall relaxation. In this specific product, the magnesium is blended with various types of collagen, probiotics, and other superfoods to support beauty, gut health, and sleep.

The Importance of Bioavailability and Formulation

When considering magnesium supplements, the specific form is crucial because it dictates how well the body can absorb and utilize the mineral. Bioavailability varies significantly among different types of magnesium. For example, some common forms like magnesium oxide have relatively poor absorption rates, despite having a high elemental magnesium content. Conversely, forms like magnesium glycinate and magnesium citrate are known for higher bioavailability.

Ancient Nutrition addresses the challenge of absorption through unique processing methods:

Enzyme Activation: As seen in their Ancient Nutrients Magnesium, this method pre-treats the magnesium to enhance its breakdown and uptake by the body.
Fermentation: The company also utilizes fermented ingredients, including probiotic-fermented Vitamin D3, in some magnesium-containing products. Fermentation can boost the bioavailability of nutrients and help support gut health, which further aids in overall mineral absorption.

Comparison of Common Magnesium Forms vs. Ancient Nutrition's Offering


Feature	Ancient Nutrition Enzyme-Activated	Magnesium Glycinate	Magnesium Citrate	Magnesium Hydroxide	Magnesium Oxide
Absorption Rate	Enhanced (proprietary process)	High (chelated)	High (soluble)	Poor	Poor
Primary Use	Calmness, sleep, bone health	Relaxation, sleep, anxiety	Constipation, metabolic syndrome	Constipation, antacid, relaxation	Heartburn, constipation
Side Effects	Generally well-tolerated	Minimal GI issues	May cause laxative effect	Strong laxative effect	Laxative effect, GI upset
Targeted Area	Holistic support with adaptogens	Neurological, muscle relaxation	Systemic, bowel regulation	Digestive, sleep support	Digestive system

How to Choose the Right Magnesium Supplement

Given the variety of magnesium forms, selecting the right one depends on individual health goals. For general wellness and enhanced relaxation without significant laxative effects, forms like magnesium glycinate or Ancient Nutrition's enzyme-activated blend might be suitable. If occasional constipation relief is needed, magnesium citrate or magnesium hydroxide is often recommended. For specific heart or cognitive benefits, other specialized forms like magnesium taurate or L-threonate might be considered.

It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications. A doctor or dietitian can help determine the best form and dosage to address your specific needs.

Conclusion

Ancient Nutrition uses specific types of magnesium depending on the product, focusing on enhanced absorption and synergistic effects. For their flagship Ancient Nutrients Magnesium supplement, they use a proprietary enzyme-activated form, while the Multi Collagen Protein Beauty + Sleep Support formula contains magnesium hydroxide. By combining these targeted magnesium forms with other complementary ingredients and using absorption-enhancing techniques like fermentation, the company aims to provide a more holistic and effective approach to supplementation. This differs from many single-source supplements and reflects their broader emphasis on traditional food sources and modern science.

For more information on the different types of magnesium and their functions, University Hospitals provides a comprehensive guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ancient Nutrition uses different magnesium forms to achieve specific health outcomes for different products. For example, the Beauty + Sleep formula uses magnesium hydroxide for its relaxing effects, while the Ancient Nutrients formula uses an enzyme-activated form focused on optimal absorption for broader health support.

Enzyme activation is a proprietary process designed to enhance absorption, potentially making the magnesium more effective than standard, poorly-absorbed forms like magnesium oxide. Its effectiveness compared to other highly bioavailable forms like glycinate or citrate may vary by individual.

Yes, some of Ancient Nutrition's collagen products contain magnesium. Specifically, the Multi Collagen Protein Beauty + Sleep Support formula lists magnesium hydroxide as an ingredient.

Magnesium absorption, or bioavailability, is crucial because it determines how much of the mineral the body can actually use. Forms with high bioavailability, or those with enhanced processes like Ancient Nutrition's, are more effective at raising magnesium levels in the body.

Most collagen supplements with magnesium, including Ancient Nutrition's, are generally well-tolerated. Some users may experience mild digestive issues, such as bloating or fullness, especially with forms like magnesium hydroxide. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended before use.

Enzyme-activated refers to a process used by Ancient Nutrition to aid digestion and absorption. Chelated magnesium (like glycinate or taurate) refers to a molecular structure where magnesium is bonded to an amino acid, which naturally improves bioavailability. Both methods are aimed at increasing absorption, but they achieve it in different ways.

Ancient Nutrition uses fermented ingredients, such as probiotic-fermented vitamin D3, in its formulations. Fermentation can enhance the bioavailability of nutrients and supports a healthy gut environment, which is essential for efficient mineral absorption.