Published by Paul Thompson |
Fact-checked against peer-reviewed sources | Updated March 2026

## Side-by-Side Comparison

| Magnesium | Zinc
--- | --- | ---
Category | Essential Minerals | Essential Minerals
Description | Involved in 300+ enzymatic reactions. Most adults are deficient. Critical for sleep, stress, muscle function, and heart health. | Essential mineral for immune function, testosterone, wound healing, and over 300 enzymatic reactions. Common deficiency especially in older adults.
Key Benefits | Sleep quality, Stress reduction, Muscle relaxation, Heart rhythm, Bone health | Immune support, Testosterone, Skin healing, Taste/smell, Antioxidant
Best For | Sleep, Stress, Muscle, Heart | Immune, Hormones, Skin, Anti-aging
Top Pick Price | $16.99 | $7.99

## Best Magnesium Products

Our top-rated Magnesium supplements based on purity, dosage, third-party testing, and value.

1 NOW Magnesium Glycinate
Best for Sleep
Price: $16.99 Serving: 200mg per serving
★★★★☆ 9.4/10

Glycinate form is the most bioavailable and gentle on the stomach. Best choice for sleep and relaxation.

Check Price on Amazon
2 NOW Magnesium Citrate
Best Value
Price: $11.99 Serving: 200mg per serving
★★★★☆ 9.0/10

Citrate form with good absorption. Affordable daily magnesium from a trusted brand.

Check Price on Amazon
3 Life Extension Magnesium Caps
Most Complete
Price: $12.00 Serving: 500mg mixed forms
★★★★☆ 9.1/10

Blend of citrate, oxide, succinate, and TRAACS glycinate. Covers all bases.

Check Price on Amazon

## Best Zinc Products

Our top-rated Zinc supplements based on purity, dosage, third-party testing, and value.

1 NOW Zinc Picolinate 50mg
Editor's Choice
Price: $7.99 Serving: 50mg zinc picolinate
★★★★☆ 9.2/10

Picolinate is one of the most absorbable forms. Outstanding value from NOW Foods.

Check Price on Amazon
2 NOW Zinc Glycinate 30mg
Gentlest
Price: $9.99 Serving: 30mg chelated zinc
★★★★☆ 9.0/10

Chelated glycinate form is very gentle on the stomach. Better for daily long-term use.

Check Price on Amazon
3 Life Extension Zinc Caps 50mg
Best Value
Price: $7.50 Serving: 50mg OptiZinc
★★★★☆ 8.9/10

OptiZinc methionine form. Well-absorbed. From the longevity supplement pioneers.

Check Price on Amazon

## Which Should You Choose?

### Magnesium vs Zinc — The Verdict

Both Magnesium and Zinc are valuable supplements with distinct mechanisms of action. The best choice depends on your individual health goals.

For heart health: Magnesium has demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in research studies.

For beginners: Start with whichever aligns more closely with your primary health goal. Both are well-researched and generally safe for most adults.

For advanced users: Many longevity researchers take both. They work through different mechanisms and can complement each other in a well-designed stack.

Pro Tip: Many longevity researchers combine both Magnesium and Zinc in their daily protocols. If budget allows, using both may provide complementary benefits.

### Related Questions

Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms For Men Over 50 Magnesium Morning Or Night For Athletes Magnesium Natural Sources For Men Zinc Deficiency Symptoms For Women Zinc Foods High In For Women Over 40 Zinc For Depression Zinc How Long To Work For Athletes Zinc Natural Sources For Women Over 40 Zinc Natural Sources For Women
Affiliate Disclosure: Longevity Futures earns a commission on qualifying purchases through Amazon affiliate links. This does not affect our editorial independence or product rankings.