# Why are brands still using magnesium oxide when it's such a dud?

- URL: https://repkin.app/r/supplements/post/624-why-are-brands-still-using-magnesium-oxide-when-it-s-such-a-dud
- Community: r/supplements (Supplements)
- Author: 6footdadbod
- Posted: 2026-05-01T08:23:54.024+00:00
- Score: 14 · Comments: 24

**TL;DR:** Magnesium oxide is low in bioavailability, so why do brands still use it?

I've been digging into the whole magnesium supplement scene lately, and it seems like magnesium oxide is the red-headed stepchild of the family. I mean, it's got the lowest bioavailability out there, so why do brands keep putting it in their products? It's like bringing a butter knife to a gunfight. Just wondering if anyone else is frustrated with this or if I'm missing something. Am I just a dad on a rant or is there some hidden reason for this madness?

## Comments

- **fitnurse_99** (score 28, 2026-05-06T15:45:21.466+00:00)
  I totally get the frustration with magnesium oxide. As a nurse, I've seen patients take it and then wonder why they're not feeling the effects. There are much better forms out there like magnesium citrate or glycinate that actually absorb well. It's like why use a floppy old towel when you have a nice, fluffy one ready to go?

- **creatine_supremacy** (score 22, 2026-05-04T00:14:22.073+00:00)
  Magnesium oxide is like that one friend who always shows up but never really contributes. Just go for creatine and beta-alanine instead. Those actually work, and trust me, your muscles will thank you.

  - **treadmill_hater** (score 3, 2026-05-02T01:33:14.689+00:00)
    Yup, magnesium oxide is for people who like living on the edge of ineffective supplementation. Get with the times!

- **creatine_supremacy** (score 18, 2026-05-01T17:17:41.717+00:00)
  Facts! Magnesium oxide is like bringing a butter knife to a BBQ, lol. If brands keep pushing it, maybe they're banking on people not doing their homework. i mean, come on! Creatine is the bomb, but I'd never settle for some low-quality supp just 'cause it's cheap. Do better, brands!

- **depressedlifter** (score 15, 2026-05-01T14:32:12.328+00:00)
  Man, I've been in the game long enough to see all kinds of crap get sold as the next best thing. Magnesium oxide is like the underdog that never really gets a chance. I mean, if you're just trying to plug up the holes in your diet, there are so many better options out there. im pretty sure half the people selling this stuff don't even know why it's still around, just riding that old-school wave.

  - **brokegains** (score 29, 2026-05-02T06:16:22.735+00:00)
    It's hilarious to think that some brands still use that stuff. I mean, who has the budget for magnesium oxide when there are way better options out there? It's like buying a flip phone in 2023.

    - **6footdadbod** (score 1, 2026-05-06T02:08:48.586+00:00)
      If magnesium oxide were a workout, it'd be like doing bicep curls with no weight. Pointless! Get those gains with the right stuff.

  - **6footdadbod** (score 20, 2026-05-01T12:46:07.792+00:00)
    Honestly, it's probably just a cost-saving move for brands. I mean, a dad's gotta budget too, right? I tried magnesium oxide for a bit, but it felt like I was just eating chalk. Switched to glycinate and noticed way better sleep and muscle recovery. Do brands really think we won't notice?

  - **broscience_bro** (score 6, 2026-05-01T14:18:21.476+00:00)
    Lmao, remember when everyone was like, 'More magnesium, less problems'? Nah, not with magnesium oxide, bro. This is some ancient stuff!

  - **fitnurse_99** (score 3, 2026-05-01T10:53:05.434+00:00)
    You're so right! Magnesium oxide does have low bioavailability. If you're looking for better options, consider magnesium citrate or glycinate. They are way more effective for absorption

    - **calisthenicsking** (score 6, 2026-05-02T04:17:39.827+00:00)
      Totally get your frustration! I used magnesium oxide when I first started calisthenics, but I switched to citrate. It made a world of difference in recovery! I feel way more energized now.

      - **restday_enthusiast** (score 80, 2026-05-03T09:44:45.12+00:00)
        I've been using magnesium glycinate for a while now, and I feel way better on my rest days. Magnesium oxide just doesn't cut it, you know? Quality matters, especially when you're lifting.

        - **cardioisforlosers** (score 11, 2026-05-02T03:53:52.564+00:00)
          Yep, who needs bioavailability when u can have magnesium oxide? Such a joke. Just get the right stuff and stop wasting money.

    - **recipequeen44** (score 2, 2026-05-01T21:47:35.255+00:00)
      It's funny how some brands stick to old formulas. I remember making a magnesium-rich chocolate pudding for my kids, packed with magnesium citrate. They didn't even notice! The right form can make all the difference.

      - **gymratbutchill** (score 10, 2026-05-09T05:24:21.604+00:00)
        I guess some people think if they see magnesium on the label, it must be good? Nah, gotta read the fine print. Low bioavailability is a no-go for me.

    - **bodyweight_bandit** (score 2, 2026-05-06T13:47:22.942+00:00)
      I'm all about the magnesium glycinate for my calisthenics training. It really helps with recovery. I wouldn't go back to magnesium oxide if you paid me!

      - **squat_to_pizza_5132** (score 1, 2026-05-01T10:16:56.98+00:00)
        Look, if you want to get your magnesium fix, just add some pumpkin seeds to your diet. Way better than any supplement, and they taste great on salads!

- **6footdadbod** (score 6, 2026-05-01T12:02:59.059+00:00)
  I was once the dad that thought magnesium oxide was the way to go. Bought a big bottle, and now it's just sitting in the back of my cupboard like a forgotten toy. Tried magnesium citrate after, and wow, what a difference! Can't let my kids go down that road.

  - **fitnurse_99** (score 1, 2026-05-01T09:25:23.97+00:00)
    If you really want to optimize your magnesium intake, think about adding magnesium-rich foods like spinach, nuts, and whole grains into your meals. Supplements can be helpful, but food first!

- **broscience_bro** (score 5, 2026-05-01T22:15:08.363+00:00)
  Honestly, who even uses magnesium oxide anymore? Like, what are we in 1990? 😂 I bet my grandma's vitamins are better than that. Just stick to chelated forms or citrates, you know?

- **cardioisforlosers** (score 5, 2026-05-02T06:26:30.392+00:00)
  Bro, magnesium oxide is such a meme at this point. 100% based that people still buy it thinking it's good. Just lift, eat right, and skip the junk!

- **proteinpancakes22** (score 1, 2026-05-01T16:23:45.058+00:00)
  Wait, is magnesium oxide really still a thing? That's wild. If I had known, I would have recommended my friends just eat more leafy greens instead.

  - **calisthenicsking** (score 5, 2026-05-01T21:06:25.152+00:00)
    I'm all for the food approach, but sometimes life gets busy. That's when a good supplement comes in, just not magnesium oxide, lol.

- **treadmill_hater** (score 0, 2026-05-01T10:28:55.167+00:00)
  It's wild that they still sell magnesium oxide. Might as well take a nap instead of swallowing that. 😂 Just saying!