Best Magnesium Supplement to Lower Cortisol

Achiel Schoemans
2026-02-27T16:59:23+01:00

Not every magnesium supplement works equally well for stress. Discover which forms are most effective, why the form you choose makes a difference, and when supplementation is beneficial.

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Stress has a direct impact on your body, and magnesium plays a major role in that. Supplements can help with this, but not every magnesium supplement works equally well. The form in which you take it largely determines how well your body absorbs it, and thus whether you notice any effect.

In this article, you will read why magnesium is so important for stress, which forms are most effective, and how to make the right choice.

Why does stress deplete your magnesium reserves?

Magnesium and stress are closely linked in a vicious cycle. When your body experiences stress, it produces cortisol, the hormone that puts you into action. In response, magnesium leaves the cells and is excreted in the urine. Your reserves drop, and lower magnesium levels make your nervous system more sensitive to new stress stimuli, leading to more cortisol production.

Magnesium is a cofactor in dozens of enzymatic processes and plays a direct role in regulating the HPA axis, the system that controls your stress response. The mineral inhibits excessive activity in the nervous system via GABA receptors, the inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms your body. Without sufficient magnesium, this inhibitory system falls short.

A chronic latent magnesium deficiency, where levels are on the low side without a clinical deficiency, is remarkably common in people with chronic stress. Supplementation can break that cycle, but only if you choose the right form.

Which forms of magnesium are most suitable for stress?

Not all magnesium supplements work the same way. The bioavailability, or the amount your body effectively absorbs, varies greatly depending on the form. Inorganic salts like magnesium oxide have a high magnesium content on paper, but low absorption and a laxative effect. They are not the best choice for stress support.

The most suitable forms for stress are organic salts and chelated forms:

Magnesium bisglycinate is a chelated form where magnesium is bound to two glycine molecules. Glycine itself has a calming effect on the nervous system. The combination ensures high bioavailability, good digestive tolerance, and a mild, relaxing effect. This is the most suitable form for people who want to use magnesium for sleep and stress regulation.

Magnesium citrate is an organic salt with good absorption and a slightly alkalizing effect. Stress leads to acidification of the body, and citrate helps to compensate for that. Research shows that daily supplementation with magnesium citrate for several months significantly reduces cortisol excretion in the urine.

Both forms are useful for stress, but they complement each other. Bisglycinate works best for relaxation and sleep, citrate for long-term cortisol regulation.

How much magnesium do you need for stress?

The recommended daily intake of magnesium is 300 mg for women and 400 mg for men. During stress, the need is higher because your body loses more magnesium through urine and sweat. Scientific research typically uses dosages between 250 and 400 mg per day, spread throughout the day or taken with the evening meal.

Magnesium supplements do not work acutely. You only notice the effect after several weeks of consistent use. Patience is therefore important, as is regularity.

Does B6 have added value with magnesium for stress?

Yes. Vitamin B6 plays a supportive role in the absorption of magnesium into cells and is involved in the synthesis of serotonin and GABA, two neurotransmitters that directly influence stress regulation and sleep quality. The combination of magnesium bisglycinate with B6 enhances the effect on the nervous system and is being investigated in several studies as an approach for stress and anxiety.

In Metis Essentials Magnesium, we use, among other things, 109mg of magnesium bisglycinate and 1.4 mg of vitamin B6.

When is a magnesium supplement useful for stress?

Supplementation is most useful if you experience long-term stress, sleep poorly, or your diet is not consistently rich in magnesium. Food sources such as dark chocolate, nuts, and green leafy vegetables provide magnesium, but are not always sufficient to compensate for a deficiency caused by chronic stress.

A supplement is not a substitute for sleep, exercise, and relaxation. It is a targeted addition that supports your stress system while you work on the underlying causes.

Curious which methods are most effective? Read our overview of 7 proven ways to lower cortisol.