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Magnesium glycerophosphate: why choose this form?

Laurent R.
Written byCo-founder - ProFeel LifeSpecialist in the production of dietary supplements

Passionate about functional nutrition and preventive medicine and co-founder of ProFeel Life and NutriCraft, specialized in food supplements since 2021.

EXELIS Magnesium Duo: when Swiss transparency redefines the standard for magnesium supplements

Two organic forms, zero compromise on formulation

Most magnesium supplements available in Europe share a discreet but revealing common point: their list of ingredients extends well beyond the mineral itself. Magnesium stearate to facilitate industrial production. Titanium dioxide to whiten the capsule. Maltodextrin as an inexpensive filler. The EXELIS Magnesium Duo from profeel.life makes the opposite choice — and this difference begins in the laboratory.

Formulated and manufactured in the canton of Valais, in Collombey, this complex combines two organic forms of magnesium: glycerophosphate and malate. These two molecules — sourced from certified suppliers that are GMO-free, free from declared allergens and BSE proteins — constitute the entirety of the active fraction. No controversial excipients complete the list. What you read on the label is exactly what the capsule contains.

Independent quality control, rare in the European market

What further distinguishes EXELIS Magnesium Duo is the analytical rigor surrounding each batch. Every production is subjected to testing by an independent third-party laboratory — an approach that few European brands systematically apply. The formula is also certified non-GMO and cruelty-free, and meets the requirements of OIDAL, the Swiss regulatory framework applicable to dietary supplements.

What magnesium contributes to support, according to European regulations

Why does this formulation rigor matter? Because magnesium fulfills specific and documented roles in the body — roles recognized by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and regulated by Regulation EC No. 432/2012. Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system, to normal muscle function, to normal energy metabolism and to the maintenance of normal bones — as part of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. For these functions to be effectively supported, the ingested magnesium must actually be absorbed by the body. This is precisely where the choice of molecular form — and the purity of the formula — makes all the difference. This article explains this to you, step by step.

The essentials about magnesium glycerophosphate

  • Magnesium glycerophosphate is an organic form resulting from the association between glycerophosphoric acid and magnesium, which structurally distinguishes it from inorganic forms such as oxide or carbonate.
  • Unlike inorganic forms, organic forms of magnesium show better digestive tolerance and more favorable absorption by the body.
  • This molecule has a unique bi-mineral structure: it simultaneously provides magnesium and phosphorus in a single form.
  • EXELIS Magnesium Duo is formulated without excipients, colorants or preservatives, and produced in Switzerland according to a quality standard verified by independent third-party laboratories.

What exactly is magnesium glycerophosphate?

A molecule born from a simple chemical union

Magnesium glycerophosphate is what we call an organic salt. Specifically, it results from the association of two components: magnesium on one side, and glycerophosphoric acid on the other. This acid, itself derived from glycerol — the backbone of fats — is naturally present in our body. The bond between the two creates a stable molecule that is well tolerated and recognized by our body as a familiar structure.

Organic salt vs inorganic salt: a distinction that changes everything

Not all magnesium supplements are constructed the same way. Some forms — such as magnesium oxide or chloride — are inorganic salts: their chemical structure is foreign to human biochemistry. Others, like glycerophosphate, belong to the family of organic salts — meaning they are linked to a carbon compound present in living organisms. This molecular detail is not trivial: a molecule that the body "recognizes" more easily crosses the intestinal barrier.

Partial lipid solubility: key to progressive absorption

What further distinguishes glycerophosphate is its partial lipid solubility — in other words, its ability to dissolve partly in fats. This property, rare among forms of magnesium, allows it to cross the intestinal mucosa more progressively than a classic water-soluble form. Result: magnesium is released and assimilated more gradually over time, without rushing in a single wave into the digestive tract.

It is precisely this gentle absorption kinetics that makes glycerophosphate gentle on the digestive system — a concrete formulation attribute, not a vague commercial argument. For the body, it's the difference between receiving a sudden influx and receiving it gently, at the rhythm of its own physiology.

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Magnesium glycerophosphate is a dual-mineral molecule: in a single form, it simultaneously provides magnesium and phosphorus — two essential minerals.

Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, to normal energy metabolism and to the normal functioning of cell membranes — benefits that this form of magnesium naturally provides, without requiring a separate molecule.

woman with easy digestion
This form of magnesium does not disrupt digestion

Magnesium and your nervous system: a silent but essential dialogue

What happens in your brain when magnesium is present

Imagine your nervous system as a vast communication network — billions of neurons constantly sending signals to each other at dizzying speed. For this network to function with precision, it needs a discreet conductor. This conductor is largely magnesium.

Magnesium works at the interface of nerve cells: it helps regulate ion channels — these small "gates" in the cell membrane that control the flow of sodium, potassium and calcium. It is this flow that makes the transmission of nerve impulses possible. In other words, without sufficient magnesium, communication between neurons becomes less fluid.

From neurons to mental function: the link with psychological functions

The biology of magnesium doesn't stop at pure nerve signals. This mineral also plays a recognized role in cognitive and emotional functions — what scientists group under the term "psychological functions." Concentration, mental clarity, daily mood balance: these abilities partly rely on a central nervous system that runs smoothly.

Why the form of magnesium matters as much as the dose

Understanding the role of magnesium in the nervous system is one thing. But the magnesium you ingest must actually reach the cells that need it. This is where the molecular form comes in — and this is precisely what distinguishes magnesium glycerophosphate from less well-absorbed forms. The biology of absorption will be the focus of the next chapter.

Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 establishes the list of permitted health claims made on foods other than those referring to the reduction of disease risk. Regarding magnesium, this regulatory text — based on scientific assessments by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) — authorizes in particular the following claims, provided that the product constitutes at least a significant source of magnesium within the meaning of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006: "Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system", "Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function", and "Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones". These claims are valid as part of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, and can only be used when the conditions of use defined by the regulation are met.

This regulatory basis constitutes the foundation of all serious communication about magnesium in Europe. It guarantees consumers that the highlighted benefits have undergone rigorous scientific evaluation by EFSA before being authorized. For magnesium glycerophosphate — a well-absorbed organic form — these claims fully apply, provided that the elemental magnesium content of the product reaches the required regulatory thresholds. It is precisely this level of requirement that distinguishes a quality formulation from a simple convenience supplement.

Magnesium Duo - Malate - Glycérophosphate

Magnesium Duo - Malate - Glycérophosphate

Magnesium complex in two organic forms — malate and glycerophosphate — formulated by Exelis, without superfluous excipients, available in 1-PACK, 3-PACK or 6-PACK format. Product from the Vitamins and dietary supplements range, distributed via ProFeel Life.

24.9 CHF

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Magnesium glycerophosphate and muscle health: what authorized science says

Magnesium and normal muscle function

Your muscles don't contract by chance. Behind every movement — whether lifting a bag, climbing stairs, or maintaining posture — there is a precise electrochemical choreography. Magnesium is one of the conductors of this mechanism: it intervenes in the ionic exchanges that allow your muscle fibers to contract, then relax.

Why form matters as much as dose

Knowing the benefits of magnesium is one thing. Knowing which form of magnesium actually reaches your muscle cells is better. Poorly absorbed magnesium passes through your digestive tract without benefiting you — and in the case of inorganic forms like magnesium oxide, a significant fraction simply ends up eliminated.

Magnesium glycerophosphate distinguishes itself here by its organic structure: linked to a glycerophosphate molecule, magnesium is recognized and assimilated more efficiently by the intestinal mucosa. Result: higher bioavailability than inorganic forms, and significantly better digestive tolerance — which is not a small detail for anyone who has experienced the laxative effect of certain supplements taken at high doses.

Protein synthesis and bone: two other recognized roles

Muscle is not just about contraction. Its reconstruction and maintenance also depend on protein synthesis — a process in which magnesium plays an active role.

  • Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis

  • Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones

For the athlete as well as the sedentary person, for the young adult as well as the senior: the quality of the chosen form of magnesium directly determines whether these recognized benefits translate into physiological reality or remain theoretical.

How to incorporate magnesium glycerophosphate into your daily routine

  1. Check your magnesium needs

    Before introducing a dietary supplement, assess your personal situation: diet, level of physical activity, possible signs of deficiency (muscle tension, unusual fatigue, irritability).

  2. Choose a well-absorbed form of magnesium

    Not all forms of magnesium are equal in terms of assimilation and digestive tolerance. Magnesium glycerophosphate is a form of magnesium that is gentle on the digestive system and well assimilated by the body. Unlike inorganic forms such as magnesium oxide — which has limited bioavailability and frequent laxative effects — glycerophosphate is an organic form known for its good tolerance. This criterion is particularly important for people with digestive sensitivity.

  3. Identify a certified quality product

    Choose a supplement that is analyzed by an independent third-party laboratory. Check the list of ingredients: absence of colorants, preservatives, or unnecessary excipients. Prefer products whose raw material traceability is documented and whose elemental magnesium content per serving is clearly indicated on the label. This dietary supplement does not replace a balanced and varied diet.

  4. Respect the recommended daily dose

    Strictly follow the dosage indicated on the packaging of the chosen product. Do not exceed the daily dose recommended by the manufacturer. As a reference, the Nutritional Reference Values (NRVs) for magnesium are established at 375 mg per day for an adult.

  5. Choose the right time to take it during the day

    Magnesium glycerophosphate can be taken with a meal to optimize its absorption and limit any residual gastric discomfort. Some users prefer taking it in the evening, others distribute the dose throughout the day according to the product recommendations. Whatever time you choose, consistency in taking it is a key factor in maintaining coherent intake over time.

  6. Combine supplementation with a balanced diet

    A dietary supplement supports a varied diet; it does not replace it. Include natural food sources of magnesium in your meals: legumes, nuts, whole grains, green leafy vegetables. Magnesium glycerophosphate also provides phosphorus, a mineral that contributes to the normal functioning of cells and the maintenance of normal bones.

  7. Evaluate tolerance and adjust if necessary

    People suffering from renal insufficiency must consult a doctor before any magnesium supplementation.

animated image showing a brain and neurons
Magnesium supports the nervous system

Comparison of magnesium forms: glycerophosphate, malate, citrate and oxide

BioavailabilityDigestive toleranceDosage formsData source
Magnesium glycerophosphateHigh — well assimilated by the bodyExcellent — gentle on the digestive system, no laxative effectTablets, capsules, sustained releaseClaim Library profeel.life
Magnesium malateGood — satisfactory intestinal absorptionGood — generally well toleratedTablets, powderGeneral data on organic forms
Magnesium citrateGood — well-absorbed organic formMedium — can cause laxative effects at high dosesCapsules, effervescent powderGeneral data on organic forms
Magnesium oxideLow — bioavailability estimated at ~4% according to studiesPoor — frequent laxative effectTablets, economical powderInsufficient data / general literature

Key takeaways about magnesium glycerophosphate

  • Magnesium glycerophosphate is a doubly mineral organic form that provides both magnesium and phosphorus in a single molecule.
  • Thanks to its organic structure, it is better tolerated by the digestive system than inorganic forms such as magnesium oxide or chloride.
  • As part of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, magnesium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and normal muscle function.
  • EU Regulation 432/2012 strictly governs authorized health claims for magnesium — some commonly used formulations, such as 'reduces fatigue' or 'reduces stress', are not compliant.
  • EXELIS Magnesium Duo is manufactured in Switzerland, in certified organic form, and subjected to independent third-party laboratory analyses to guarantee its quality and traceability.

When we formulated EXELIS Magnesium Duo, our requirement was simple: choose only forms of magnesium that are well assimilated by the body — glycerophosphate and malate — without any excipients, and entrust manufacturing to a Swiss laboratory subject to the strictest standards. At profeel.life, quality is not a marketing argument, it's the starting point of every formula.

~ Lucas Bron, co-founder of profeel.life

Scientific and regulatory references

European regulatory sources

  1. European Commission. Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods, other than those referring to the reduction of disease risk and to children's development and health. Official Journal of the European Union, L 136/1, May 25, 2012.
  2. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to magnesium and electrolyte balance, energy-yielding metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system, normal muscle function, protein synthesis, normal psychological function, maintenance of normal bones, maintenance of normal teeth, cell division, and reduction of tiredness and fatigue. EFSA Journal, 2009;7(9):1216.
  3. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). EU Register of Nutrition and Health Claims Made on Foods. ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labelling_nutrition/claims/register — consulted in 2024.

Scientific studies on magnesium and its forms

  1. Schuchardt J.P., Hahn A. Intestinal Absorption and Factors Influencing Bioavailability of Magnesium — An Update. Current Nutrition & Food Science, 2017;13(4):260–278.
  2. Coudray C. et al. Study of magnesium bioavailability from ten organic and inorganic Mg salts in Mg-depleted rats using a stable isotope approach. Magnesium Research, 2005;18(4):215–223.
  3. Kappeler D. et al. Higher bioavailability of magnesium citrate as compared to magnesium oxide shown by evaluation of urinary excretion and serum levels after single-dose administration in a randomized cross-over study. BMC Nutrition, 2017;3:7.
  4. Rondón L.J. et al. Bioavailability and intestinal absorption of magnesium in rats: importance of the magnesium source. Magnesium Research, 2008;21(4):215–223.

Swiss references and complementary regulations

  1. Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (FSVO). Ordinance on Foodstuffs and Utility Articles (ODAlOUs) — provisions applicable to food supplements and health claims. admin.ch — consulted in 2024.
  2. Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF). Guide to nutrition and health claims on food supplements — framework of claims authorized by EU Regulation 432/2012. economie.gouv.fr — consulted in 2024.
  3. World Health Organization (WHO). Calcium and Magnesium in Drinking Water: Public Health Significance. Geneva: WHO Press, 2009.
Magnesium Duo - Malate - Glycérophosphate

Magnesium Duo - Malate - Glycérophosphate

24.9 CHF

Switch to Magnesium DUO

Scientific and regulatory references

Clinical studies cited in this article

  1. Mah J, Pitre T. Oral magnesium supplementation for insomnia in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):125. PMID : 33865376.

  2. Wang R, et al. The effect of magnesium supplementation on muscle fitness: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Magnes Res. 2017;30(4):120–132. PMID : 29637897.

  3. Chen F, et al. Magnesium intake and cognitive health: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Adv Nutr. 2024;15(6). PMID : 39009081.

  4. Lewis RV, et al. Magnesium glycerophosphate — a well-tolerated form of magnesium supplementation: a randomised controlled trial. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1990;39(2):187–188. PMID : 1692533.

Regulatory sources

  • European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 of 16 May 2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods. Official Journal of the European Union, L 136/1.

  • DGCCRF (Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control). Nutrition and health claims — regulatory framework applicable to food supplements. Available at: economie.gouv.fr.

  • Swiss Confederation. Ordinance on Foodstuffs and Utility Articles (ODAIOUs) — provisions applicable to food supplements. RS 817.02, current update.

What is magnesium glycerophosphate and how does it differ from other forms of magnesium?
Magnesium glycerophosphate is an organic salt formed by the binding of magnesium to glycerophosphoric acid, a compound naturally present in lipid metabolism. This organic structure fundamentally distinguishes it from inorganic forms such as magnesium oxide, where magnesium is bound to a simple oxide without organic molecular anchoring. Thanks to this organic bond, glycerophosphate has a progressive absorption profile and digestive tolerance significantly superior to inorganic forms or simple organic salts like citrate. Another notable characteristic is its bimineral nature: each molecule simultaneously provides magnesium and phosphorus, two minerals involved in normal muscle function and maintaining bone strength as part of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Where does the magnesium used in Swiss supplements come from and how can ingredient traceability be verified?
The traceability of a magnesium supplement begins well before the capsule: it starts with the raw material supplier. A superior quality ingredient comes with verifiable certifications — notably FSSC 22000, GRAS, Kosher, and non-GMO, allergen-free and BSE-free attestations. In Switzerland, some manufacturers rely on certified supply chains and produce their capsules in local facilities subject to Swiss pharmaceutical standards, ensuring an end-to-end control chain. To concretely verify a product's traceability, consumers can request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from an independent third-party laboratory from the manufacturer — this document attests to purity, concentration, and absence of contaminants batch by batch. A transparent manufacturer makes these documents available upon request and does not hesitate to communicate the geographical origin and certifications of its suppliers.
How to choose between magnesium glycerophosphate, magnesium malate, magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate?
The fundamental distinction between these forms is based on their chemical nature: magnesium oxide is an inorganic form whose bioavailability is considerably lower — comparative studies estimate its intestinal absorption rate at less than 10%, compared to 50-80% for chelated organic forms. Magnesium citrate, a soluble organic form, offers significantly higher absorption than oxide and is a common option, but can cause laxative effects at high doses due to its osmotic action. Magnesium malate is also well absorbed and generally well tolerated digestively. Magnesium glycerophosphate distinguishes itself by its dual organic nature and particularly high digestive tolerance, making it one of the forms best suited for people with gastrointestinal sensitivity. When choosing a magnesium supplement, the criteria to prioritize are therefore the chelated or organic form, absence of unnecessary excipients, and confirmation of bioavailability through independent manufacturing certifications (GMP, third-party testing).
Does EXELIS magnesium supplement contain excipients, colorants or preservatives?

EXELIS Magnesium Duo is formulated without excipients: no maltodextrin, no titanium dioxide, no magnesium stearate. Each ingredient in the formula has a documented justification — nothing is added to reduce production costs or facilitate the industrial process. This formulation philosophy is reinforced by independent third-party certifications: the product is certified non-GMO, cruelty-free, and manufactured in compliance with Swiss OIDAL standards. The quality of each batch is verifiable via a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) available upon request.

What is the recommended daily dose of magnesium and how to integrate a supplement into one's daily routine?
Daily reference intakes for magnesium range between 300 and 375 mg of elemental magnesium per day for an adult, according to European and Swiss recommendations. In practice, it is advisable to take your magnesium supplement at mealtimes: associated with foods containing lipids, magnesium glycerophosphate — an organic form — is better assimilated by the body. A typical course generally extends over a period of one to three months, after which it is wise to reassess your needs according to your lifestyle. It is important to respect the dose indicated on the product packaging: exceeding the recommended intakes can cause digestive discomfort, a signal that the body is receiving more than it can effectively absorb.

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