When Is the Best Time to Take Magnesium? How to Time Your N-2 Water

Magnesium is an extraordinary mineral. But when is the best time to take magnesium to make sure you receive its copious benefits? Here's the good news: When you’re consuming magnesium from a functional beverage like N-2 Water, the timing may not be as relevant as you think. 

When Timing May Matter 

The timing of your magnesium intake may only be meaningful if you have a specific goal. For example, if you want to promote better sleep, it’s likely best to time it to within a few hours leading up to your bedtime. However, if you want to prevent anxious thoughts and support a positive mindset throughout your whole day, your best bet may be taking magnesium in the morning. 

How N-2 Water Supports Gradual Magnesium Absorption 

Even more important than timing: the bioavailability of the mineral, or how well your body absorbs it. In other words, you may not receive all of the amazing benefits of magnesium if your body can’t easily use it. In fact, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that only 30-40% of the magnesium you consume through food and supplements is absorbed by your body.

N-2 Water can help fill in those nutrient gaps. 

Most magnesium supplements are combined with other substances in a lab to help support absorption in your body. For example, magnesium glycinate contains the amino acid glycine, which has been shown to enhance sleep quality — that's the kind of magnesium you'll want to look for if your goal is better sleep. 

The magnesium found in N-2 Water (magnesium citrate) doesn’t need to be combined with other ingredients to ensure your body can absorb it quickly and efficiently. It's known for its high solubility and bioavailability. The magnesium in N-2 Water is sourced from the pristine seawaters off the Irish coast. N-2 Water naturally contains 70+ trace minerals, including iodine, potassium, and manganese—all of which may support the natural absorption of magnesium in your body.

Another perk of drinking N-2 Water versus taking traditional magnesium supplements? Because it’s a functional beverage, you sip it throughout the course of several minutes or even a few hours.

“With N-2 Water, you have a more gradual intake of a lower concentration of magnesium over a longer period of time,” N-2 Water co-founder Evans Sirois, D.O., says.

When you take a supplement, which can contain as much as an entire day’s worth of the mineral, you get a big spike of magnesium all at once—that’s not necessarily a good thing. Too much magnesium in one sitting can cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects including diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. Not to mention, consuming too much magnesium at once can inhibit your body’s ability to absorb other key electrolytes, such as calcium, Dr. Sirois says. N-2 Water contains 130 milligrams of magnesium which is about 30% of the recommended daily allowance for most adults.

N-2 Water Is Highly Bioavailable 

The high-quality magnesium, known as magnesium citrate, found in N-2 Water is easily absorbed by your body—so when you enjoy the beverage may not matter all that much given your body can use it almost immediately. 

The fact that N-2 Water is a powder versus a capsule or tablet may also contribute to its fast-acting absorption in your body. The NIH states that, “Forms of magnesium that dissolve well in liquid are more completely absorbed in the gut than less soluble forms.” 

Speaking of your gut, the magnesium in N-2 Water can offer support if you’re experiencing tummy troubles. Magnesium hydroxide has been shown to be helpful for those who are experiencing constipation or heartburn, as it can support healthy digestion. Open a packet of N-2 Water any time your stomach is feeling off so you can continue to rock out your day.

Also, remember that magnesium is an electrolyte. It supports your muscles during and after exercise, so sprinkle a packet of N-2 Water in your water bottle before you hit the gym or track to get the most out of your workout and kickstart muscle recovery early.

The Bottom Line 

When you’re getting your magnesium from N-2 Water, you may not need to pin down an exact time to drink it. That’s because the functional beverage is made with top-tier ingredients that allow for optimal absorption in your body. Plus, because one packet of N-2 Water contains about one-third of your daily magnesium needs, you don’t have to worry about overdoing it. Whether you drink N-2 when you wake up, during your workout, or before you go to bed, you’re bound to reap the benefits of magnesium no matter the time of the day you enjoy it. 

Ready to give it a try? N-2 Water is available in a variety of delicious flavors, from Peach Lemonade to Margarita. 

 

References

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements. “Magnesium Fact Sheet for Consumers.” https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-Consumer/ 

Biological Trace Element Research. “The Role of Magnesium in Sleep Health: a Systematic Review of Available Literature.” A. Arab, et al. (2023). Volume 1. Doi: 10.1007/s12011-022-03162-1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35184264/ 

Biological Trace Element Research. “Timeline (Bioavailability) of Magnesium Compounds in Hours: Which Magnesium Compound Works Best?” N. Uysal, et al. (2019). Volume 187. Doi: 10.1007/s12011-018-1351-9. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12011-018-1351-9 

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. “Multifarious Beneficial Effect of Nonessential Amino Acid, Glycine: A Review.” M. Razak, et al. (2017). doi: 10.1155/2017/1716701. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5350494/ 

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. “The relation of magnesium and calcium intakes and a genetic polymorphism in the magnesium transporter to colorectal neoplasia risk.” Qi Dai, et al. (2007). Volume 3. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/86.3.743. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2082111/

ScienceDirect. “Magnesium Hydroxide.” https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/magnesium-hydroxide