ByDr. Brennan Commerford, Chiropractic Physician·Last reviewed: April 2026
MagnesiumModerate Evidence

as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered vs citrate: Which Magnesium Is Better?

Evidence-based comparison of bioavailability, absorption, and clinical use — 2026

Quick Answer

as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered vs citrate: which is better?

as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered is our formulary-preferred form of Magnesium, ranked T1 with S2 bioavailability. It outperforms citrate based on peer-reviewed absorption research.

Our recommendation: as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered

S2bioavailability tier

as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered is the formulary-preferred form based on bioavailability research.

Preferred Form

as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered

Magnesium (as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered)

Formulary Tier
T1 — Preferred
Bioavailability
S2
Dose Range
Therapeutic Class
["mineral","muscle_function","sleep_support","stress_relief","bone_health","cardiovascular"]
vs

citrate

Magnesium (citrate)

Formulary Tier
T4
Bioavailability
S2
Dose Range
Therapeutic Class
["mineral","muscle_function","digestive_support","stress_relief"]

Bioavailability Tier

S2vsS2

Dose Range

not yet documented in our databasevsnot yet documented in our database

Formulary Tier

T1 PreferredvsT4

Therapeutic Class

["mineral","muscle_function","sleep_support","stress_relief","bone_health","cardiovascular"]vs["mineral","muscle_function","digestive_support","stress_relief"]

Form Variance — Magnesium

up to 16x absorption difference between magnesium oxide and bisglycinate forms

Bioavailability by Form

S2 — Good
as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered
S2 — Good
citrate

Absorption & Bioavailability

When it comes to Magnesium supplementation, form selection is one of the most consequential decisions you can make. Different chemical forms of Magnesium vary significantly in how well your body absorbs and uses them — and as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered vs citrate is one of the most commonly compared pairs.

as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered and citrate share the same bioavailability tier (good (S2)).

as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered carries a bioavailability tier of S2 (good (S2)) and is classified as T1 Preferred in the FormulaForge formulary. citrate carries a bioavailability tier of S2 (good (S2)) and is classified as T4 Mapped.

Magnesium bisglycinate chelate (Albion TRAACS) delivers up to 4-7x greater absorption than magnesium oxide, the most common supplement form. The chelated glycine carrier uses amino acid transport channels rather than competing for mineral absorption pathways, resulting in significantly less GI distress — a common reason patients discontinue magnesium supplementation.

Dosing Comparison

Recommended dose ranges reflect both the potency and bioavailability of each form. Dosing data for as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered is being compiled, while dosing data for citrate is also being compiled.

Because forms with lower bioavailability require a larger amount to deliver equivalent absorbed nutrient, dose ranges should not be compared interchangeably between forms without accounting for these differences. Speak with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dose for your goals.

Side Effects & Tolerability

Both as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered and citrate are generally well-tolerated at recommended doses. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly if you have existing health conditions or take medications.

Consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing a supplement regimen. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Who Should Choose as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered vs citrate?

Choose as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered if: bioavailability is a priority, you are focused on supporting ["mineral","muscle_function","sleep_support","stress_relief","bone_health","cardiovascular"] function, or you want the form with the strongest formulary evidence.

Choose citrate if: cost or product availability is a primary consideration — note that dose may need adjustment to account for differences in absorption.

Speak with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. The best Magnesium form for you depends on your individual health goals, existing nutrient status, and the dose your provider recommends.

These statements are based on structure/function research and have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing a supplement regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered better than citrate?
Magnesium (as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered) is classified as T1 Preferred in the FormulaForge formulary, while Magnesium (citrate) is T4 Mapped. This reflects a research-based assessment of relative bioavailability for each form. "Better" depends on your individual goals and healthcare provider's guidance — the higher-tier form generally indicates more efficient absorption.
How much as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered should I take compared to citrate?
Dosing information for Magnesium (as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered) and Magnesium (citrate) is being compiled in our database. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or adjusting any supplement regimen.
What is the difference between as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered and citrate?
Magnesium (as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered) and Magnesium (citrate) are two distinct chemical forms of Magnesium. as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered has a bioavailability rating of good (S2) and is classified as T1 Preferred, while citrate has a rating of good (S2) and is classified as T4 Mapped. These differences mean the two forms are not interchangeable at equal doses and may suit different health goals.
Which form of Magnesium is best absorbed — as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered or citrate?
Based on our formulary bioavailability data, Magnesium (as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered) has a higher absorption rating (good (S2)) compared to Magnesium (citrate) (good (S2)). Higher bioavailability means more of the active compound reaches systemic circulation per dose unit. We do not publish raw dose conversion ratios or proprietary calculation methodology.
Can I switch from citrate to as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered?
Switching between citrate and as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered is possible but requires dose adjustment due to differences in bioavailability. Because the two forms have different absorption rates, an equal milligram dose will not deliver the same absorbed amount. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or adjusting any supplement regimen. Do not self-adjust dosing when switching supplement forms.
What does research say about as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered vs citrate?
Published bioavailability research forms the basis for our formulary tier assignments. Magnesium (as Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate Buffered) is rated good (S2) and classified as T1 Preferred; Magnesium (citrate) is rated good (S2) and classified as T4 Mapped. Our formulary citations are drawn from peer-reviewed absorption studies. These statements are based on structure/function research and have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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More Magnesium Comparisons

FormulaForge formulates and sells supplements containing the ingredients discussed on this page. Our formulary recommendations are based on peer-reviewed bioavailability research. All cited studies are independently verifiable.