Answer: The reason the capsule size for Pure Lab’s Magnesium Glycinate 165 mg has decreased is because we are now able to make this product without excipients (non-medicinal ingredients). With no excipients to add, we were able to downsize the capsule size. 

Answer:  “Excipients” refer to the inert, non-medicinal ingredients used in most natural health product and pharmaceuticals. Some of the more commonly used excipients act as binders, fillers, emulsifiers, sweeteners, flavours and stabilizers.   

Answer: A product that is labeled “excipient-free” contains nothing but the therapeutic or medicinal ingredient(s) inside the container/capsule. 

Answer: There are several main advantages to making our original Magnesium Glycinate excipient-free. For one, it means our capsules will be easier to swallow because they’re now smaller. An excipient-free product requires less space, since there are fewer ingredients in the capsule.  Second, since some excipients are known to trigger reactions in sensitive individuals, an excipient-free product can be used by a larger number of people with greater peace of mind. Finally, since some excipients may hinder absorption, avoiding their use may enhance effectiveness. 

Answer: No, removing excipients from our Magnesium Glycinate capsules does not affect shelf life or quality. 

Answer: Our goal has always been to make products with as few non-medicinal ingredients as possible.  New manufacturing processes have made it possible to produce an excipient-free magnesium glycinate. However, some natural health products cannot be made excipient-free without compromising quality as some excipients fulfil important roles in ensuring the therapeutic ingredient(s) can be dosed consistently in each capsule, thus staying therapeutic. 

Answer: Our third-party independent testing laboratory checks each batch of Pure Lab’s Magnesium Glycinate 165 mg to ensure that it contains 165 mg of elemental magnesium.  You’ll see the Third Party Tested emblem on each bottle of our product.  Pure Lab continues to use the same magnesium formulation since 2002, but we no longer add excipients to our Magnesium Glycinate 165 mg Capsules. 

Answer: There is no difference. Magnesium naturally forms a bond with two glycine molecules, so the term “bisglycinate” is technically redundant. At Pure Lab Vitamins, we use the term Magnesium Glycinate to reflect clarity and scientific accuracy. 

Answer: The key difference lies in structure, absorption, and how much elemental magnesium they provide.  Magnesium Glycinate is a salt, where magnesium is bound to two molecules of the amino acid L-glycine. This form is highly absorbable, gentle on the stomach, and ideal for calming, sleep, pain and nervous system support. However, it’s a larger molecule—so it takes up more space in a capsule, meaning less elemental magnesium per capsule. 

L-Glycine has several beneficial effects itself. It is calming to the nervous system and beneficial to the digestive tract and joints. L-glycine is one of the three building blocks of glutathione - our body’s most important antioxidant and cellular detox agent. 

Magnesium Oxide is more compact and contains a higher percentage of elemental magnesium by weight. However, it has lower bioavailability and can cause digestive upset in some people. Oxide has no beneficial effects itself. 

In Pure Lab’s Magnesium Glycinate 165mg, a small amount of magnesium oxide is included to achieve a meaningful dose of elemental magnesium in a single capsule—while still delivering the benefits of L-glycinate. We’re transparent about this combination, which supports both absorption and potency. 

Answer: While Magnesium Oxide can provide quick relief from constipation due to its laxative effect, it's only about 30% absorbable, meaning most of it stays in the gut and passes through—giving short-term results without addressing the root cause. 

Constipation is often a sign of magnesium deficiency. Using Magnesium Glycinate helps to replenish the body's magnesium stores, with up to 80% absorption into the bloodstream.

Magnesium oxide can provide symptom relief, but magnesium glycinate provides the long-term solution to the root cause of constipation. This supports not only gut motility but also the entire body –from muscles and nerves to bones and tissues. It takes a little longer to help with constipation, because all kinds of tissues in the body are eager to get nutrients--- but after a short while bowels get looser and regular. At this point you have not just fixed the symptom of magnesium deficiency, but you have fixed the whole problem.  

Answer: Pure Lab’s Magnesium Glycinate 165 mg Capsules contain no animal-derived ingredients. The product is vegan. 

Answer: Yes, Pure Lab Vitamins is proudly Canadian owned and operated. Our products are made in Canada.   

Answer: Yes, Pure Lab’s Magnesium Glycinate 165 mg Capsules are made in a GMP-certified facility. 

Answer: Yes, Pure Lab’s Magnesium Glycinate 165 mg Capsules is third-party tested. Our raw materials and finished goods are always tested by ISO-certified labs.