Magnesium Breakthrough by BioOptimizers is said to be a quantum leap in supplement technology by providing 7 different forms of magnesium. The supplement is touted to transform your stress and performance by improving your sleep and immune function – and many other things. But, is this Breakthrough supplement worth it? Is it a scam? Do the 7 different forms really work better together? And, does it have any side effects? While Internet comedian JP Sears may believe in the supplement, what does the research say and what happened when I tried it? Let's look at the ingredients and research and see what we can discover.
What Does Magnesium Do?
Magnesium (Mag) is a very important mineral, taking part in over 300 cellular reactions. Just some of its functions include:
- Making energy
- Bone health
- Making proteins
- Making genetic material (DNA and RNA)
BiOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough - Blood sugar regulation
- Cell signaling (how cells communicate)
- Blood pressure control
- Vitamin D regulation
In plants, magnesium is critical to chlorophyll to provide oxygen via photosynthesis.
What Does Magnesium Breakthrough Help With?
The company says the supplement is supposed to:
- Reduce your stress
- Improve your sleep
- Boost your immune system
- Help your heart rhythm
- Improve your bone strength
There is no doubt magnesium plays a role in all of these things. But, the question is, does Magnesium Breakthrough do these better than other Mag supplements or magnesium-containing foods?
Company Video
Here's a short video the company has created to describe the supplement
Magnesium Breakthrough Ingredients
The Supplement Facts label tells us two capsules has the following ingredients:
| Amount | Percent Daily Value | |
| Vitamin B6 | 2 mg | 118 % DV |
| Elemental Magnesium: | 500 mg | 120% DV |
| 1 magnesium chelate | ||
| 2 magnesium bisglycinate | ||
| 3 magnesium aspartate | ||
| 4 magnesium malate | ||
| 5 magnesium orotate | ||
| 6 magnesium taurate | ||
| 7 magnesium citrate | ||
| Humic/fulvic monoatomic blend | ? | |
| Maganese citrate | 1 mg | 43% DV |
Notes:
The amount of the humic /fulvic blend is not given. Both humic acid and fulvic acid are nutrient enhancers. They are used to bolster the absorption of magnesium. As a rule, we typically absorb about 30% of the mineral when consumed.
Other Ingredients
Cellulose, NU-Flow, NU-Mag, Silica,
BiOptimizers Supplement Video Review
Watch this video I created to learn about the supplement and my experiment
Watch on my YouTube channel if you prefer.
What About The Different Forms?
The Breakthrough supplement has 7 different forms of magnesium. Here's a quick rundown on them.
1 Chelated magnesium benefits
Chelated minerals are those combined with other things like amino acids to boost absorption. In the supplement facts label above it's not said which substance magnesium is chelated to. Since it's listed first, this form makes up most of the 500 mg in the blend. The company says this form is often used for muscle building, recovery, and health. Some research shows this mineral may improve strength and how quickly older adults can walk. Other studies, however, have not shown this so more research is needed.
2 Magnesium bisglycinate benefits
Another name for this is magnesium glycinate. Here, the mineral is bonded to glycine, an amino acid. The company says research on this form of the mineral has found it may help arterial stiffness in overweight people. In that study, however, the researchers state they were not sure if the effects were due to magnesium or citrate – or whether other forms of the mineral would have the same effect.
3 Magnesium aspartate benefits
In this form, the mineral is bonded to aspartic acid, an amino acid. This form of Mag is said to help the heart and elevate the mood. Some research has noted it improve mood in women going through menopause. In another study, vitamin B6 plus Mag reduced anxiety associated with premenstrual syndrome. The Breakthrough supplement also contains vitamin B6 so that's good.
4 Magnesium malate benefits
This combination is composed of the mineral bonded to malic acid, a substance found in apples and other fruits. Malic is also made in the body. Malic acid plays a role in making energy. The company says this form may help with migraine headaches. There is evidence of this, but it seems to be true for the mineral in general and not just the malate form.
5 Magnesium rotate benefits
In this formulation, the mineral is combined with orotic acid. In the past orotic acid was thought to be B vitamin (B13) but this is no longer considered true. Orotic acid is manufactured in the mitochondria and plays a role in the production of genetic material (DNA & RNA). Foods containing orotic acid include milk and dairy products.
The company says this form is best for “metabolic improvements” and athletes looking for better energy and performance. Generally, studies don't show magnesium supplements help exercise performance. If this mineral boosts gym workouts, it may work best in novices. Interestingly some evidence hints Mag supplements (500 mg/day) may reduce the stress hormone, cortisol, levels in athletes.
There is also research suggesting Mag may reduce muscle soreness. In one study, college students who took 350 mg of Mag for 10 days reported significantly less delayed muscle soreness (DOMS) compared to when they took a placebo. Other researchers have noted less muscle soreness after exercise when people were given 500 mg a day. This is the same dosage as the Breakthrough Mag supplement has.
6 Magnesium taurate benefits
This is the 6th form of magnesium found in the Breakthrough supplement. Here the mineral is combined with taurine, an amino acid. Some research finds taurine may benefit people with congestive heart failure. But the doses where this might happen are above 1000 mg, which is more than that contained in the Breakthrough supplement. Other research finds this mineral may reduce angina attacks. That said, remember heart problems are complicated and unlikely to be corrected by any single vitamin or mineral.
7 Magnesium citrate
This is the 7th form found in the Breakthrough supplement, so it makes up the least of all the forms. Here, Mag bonded to citric acid. This is the form that's often seen in stool softeners and laxatives.
Magnesium Breakthrough Research
No clinical research on the Breakthrough supplement could be located. While studies are listed on the BioOptimizers website, none of them involved the use of the supplement itself. To be clear, there is ample research on magnesium itself. So, that's good. That research shows magnesium is critical for maintaining optimal health. At the heart of the claims are whether chelated minerals are better than taking the un-chelated forms.
Who Makes It?
The company is called BioOptimizers. The President is Wade Lightheart. The company address listed is 5470 Kietzke Ln suite 300 Reno Nevada 89511. While the company website says they have been “optimizing humans since 2004”, the Better Business Bureau lists that the company was created in 2018. Perhaps this means the company used to exist under a different name? To contact BioOptimizers call 800-719-2467.
Better Business Bureau Rating
BioOptimizers has an A- rating with the BBB. See the BBB file for more information.
Is Magnesium Breakthrough Patented?
The BioOptimizers website lists US Patent # 5895758 for the supplement. This patent number refers to a strain of lactobacillus Plantarum, called lactobacillus Plantarum OM. It is unknown how this relates to the Breakthrough supplement.
My Experiment
I tried the Breakthrough supplement for 3 weeks to see how I felt before and after. I started with 1 capsule a day for the first week and then increased the amount to the recommended 2 capsules a day. Here's a brief summary of what happened
- Improved sleeping. While I had energy during the day, when it came time to go to bed, I felt I went to sleep faster and thought I slept better.
- I think my mood improved. I'm generally pretty happy but I think I felt a wee bit better.
- No change in blood pressure. My blood pressure is always good. It was 100/70 before and 100/70 after.
- I did not notice any improvements in my workouts
- I had no negative side effects
Take my results for what they are – one person's testimonial. Individual results will vary but overall, I thought it was doing something.
Where Can You Buy It?
You can get it directly from the BiOptimizers website. Currently, the supplement is not sold in stores like Walmart, Rite Aid, CVS, Vitamin Shoppe, GNC, Costco or Target.
How Big Are The Pills?
The pills are about the size of a standard multivitamin. They are not hard to swallow. Since they are capsules, you can open them up and add the contents to smoothies, etc if you don't like swallowing pills.
How Do You Take It?
The directions say to take 2 capsules with dinner. Start with less if you've never taken a mag supplement before to give your body time to adjust to it.
The Warranty & Return Information
BiOptimizers gives you 1 year (365 days) to return the supplement if not satisfied. Mag Breakthrough comes with a 100% money-back guarantee on unopened bottles. The company even returns shipping costs too – which is pretty unusual.
To return the supplement you will need a return merchandise authorization number (RMA number) that you get from the company. Call customer service at 800-719-2467 to obtain the RMA number before sending it back. Call Monday – Friday 10 AM -8 PM EST.
Pros and Cons
| Pro | Con |
| Contains an effective dose | No research on supplement itself |
| No stimulants | The website is a little much for my taste |
| VERY good return policy | |
| Magnesium is well researched | |
| I think I noticed benefits in my experiment |
Magnesium Breakthrough Side Effects
The BiOptimizers supplement is likely safe for most people, especially those who are healthy. In the amounts found in food, the mineral is considered safe. Even with supplements, toxicity is rare. Here are some things to consider when taking this or any new supplement. This list is not complete:
- Start with less for the first week to see how you react
- Too much magnesium can cause diarrhea and nausea. It depends on the amount used so start slowly to reduce this possibility.
- Stop at least 2 weeks before surgery
- Speak to your doctor if you take medications including those for blood thinning, heart, and blood pressure
- Ask your doctor first if you have diabetes, Parkinson's, neuropathy, or osteoporosis
- Ask your doctor if you're pregnant/breastfeeding
- Animal research suggests fulvic acid may raise TSH levels. It's unknown if this happens in humans. Tell your doctor if you're having your thyroid checked.
Does Magnesium Breakthrough Work?
There's no doubt as to the importance of magnesium given that this mineral takes part in over 300 cellular reactions. At issue is whether taking the BiOptimizers Breakthrough supplement is better than the competition. I thought I felt some differences when I tried it so, it may be worth giving it a try. Here are the results of my 7-month trial
You mentioned that both Life Extension and Swanson are good companies. Is their magnesium made or sourced in China?
Barr, I based that on not seeing red flags on them from FDA etc. As for the source of the ingredients, I can’t confirm this. I’d have to reach out to them. As you likely know many supplement ingredients come from China.
Here are the results of what happened when I took BiOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough for 7 months
I hope it helps
I am going to try it. I am hoping it will also help with my chronic fatigue.
Jo, I think it’s worth a try. let me know if it helps.
I have not used this Mg supplement, but I have used MagSRT by Jigsaw Health. I have used that one several times, with a month or two not using it, and then using it again. I find that the first week or two it works great for me, but then the effects seem to lessen.
It helps with sleep, constipation, muscle fatigue, but by the third or fourth week, I find that it is no longer working as well. I currently use Magnesium Optimizer by Jarrow Formulas and find that this works better. It contains 100mg of mg as mg malate which I read is easier on the stomach by being easier to absorb.
I usually get a better nights sleep and seem to recover from hard exercise within two to three days. It may lessen my migraine headaches, but I still do get them, just not as often. I also have fibromyalgia and it definitely helps lessen leg cramps at night, almost to the point of nonexistence. This formula contains 50mg potassium, which from my research, should be paired with Mg. It also contains 2mg B6 which will help with keeping a more even mood, hence helping the Mg to help with depression. This particular supplement has 300mg of Taurine, and I haven’t discovered how this helps, but hey, I’ll keep taking it. I am, however, intrigued by this Mg Breakthrough and I’m tempted to try it.
Ani, if you try Magnesium Breakthrough let me know what you think. About your fibromyalgia, have you ever tried ribose? The research on ribose for fibromyalgia is very interesting. Here is the ribose fibromyalgia review if you want to see the evidence.
I have not heard about or tried ribose. I’ll look into it. Thank you.
Judy, let me know if you were notified of this comment. If you were notified I think it means you will now get updates when people leave comments on this review.
Thank you for putting together this very detailed review which is by far the best I’ve seen so far. I have been using breakthrough magnesium for about 7 months. I can say I do sleep much better than I used to and wake up in the morning much faster. I’m not groggy or if I am, it does not last long.
I also read your write-up on magnesium and depression which was so interesting. While I have felt stressed in the past, I chalked it up to Covid (just got my vaccine!). I have not felt stressed as much since I started taking magnesium. I don’t know if that is a coincidence/placebo effect but your article on depression made me wonder. Either way, I’ll continue taking this supplement.
Tammy, I’m glad to hear Magnesium Breakthrough has been working well for you. I also want to thank you for your generous words 🙂
I appreciate your assessment. What I find interesting is your description of each type of Mag and it’s systemic use seem to be different from what the company itself claims for each type. They describe chelate for muscle recovery, citrate for arterial stiffness, bisglycinate for digestion, malate for pain and depression, sucrosomial (aspertate) for bone health, taurate for heart health and orotate for metabolic health.
I was underwhelmed by their advertorial webpage promoting the product, which came in an email. I love the idea of hitting so many different issues with the “right” mag, but based on my gut and your information, it may not be as magical as they make it sound. It sounds like I can find a well-sourced mag supplement, I will be just as successful.
EM, thanks. Despite the differences in what they say and I found, I think Magnesium Breakthrough is an interesting supplement. I did notice differences when I took it (and when I kept taking it after I posted this review). I’m with you about the webpage. It was a bit over the top for me too. Besides the magnesium itself, I wonder if some of the effects may be linked to the substances the magnesium is chelated to. For more on this, here is my review of magnesium helping depression: http://supplementclarity.com/magnesium-depression-review/
I also did a podcast on this too: http://supplementclarity.com/podcast/magnesium-health-effects-joe-cannon-health-podcast-78/
If you find a brand that you like let me know. I’m interested.
I’ve read several reviews on this supplement, trying to decide if it should try it. This is the 1st non-biased review I’ve found. Thank you for all your efforts! Your video really helped too.
June, thanks so much for saying that! I really worked really hard on this review and the video. I’m so glad you found them helpful 🙂
Wow Joe, Quite interesting. Did you notice these effects specific to Magnesium Breakthrough as opposed to other forms of magnesium supplements? Based on your personal experience and research, are you in favor of taking different types of magnesium supplements combined? I have Life Extension’s Extended Release magnesium, which contains oxide and citrate and another brand with magnesium glycinate, which I tend to alternate. Swanson makes a triple magnesium that adds aspartate.
Have you ever tried magnesium oil (magnesium chloride) in a topical spray?
Hi Judy, Magnesium Breakthrough was the first mag supplement I ever tried so I don’t have anything to compare it to. I hope to start another mag supplement in the future to compare the effects to. I really want to see more studies on magnesium. Researchers often use different forms – tartarate, glycinate, citrate etc. They are all magnesium bonded to those other things. is it possible the effects seen are due to those other things and not magnesium? or is it possible all types of magnesium supplements work similarly? I really want to see better studies on this. Both Life Extension and Swanson are good companies.
I have not tried magnesium oil as a topical spray. There was one study that seemed to show soaking in Epson salts increased magnesium levels but Im not convinced. Its like to see it replicated in another study.
I would like to try the Magnesium Breakthrough eventually but for two people it is a little pricey and doesn’t last long. I just ordered the Swanson Triple Magnesium Complex to try although I am a little suspicious that magnesium oxide is the first ingredient listed. https://www.swansonvitamins.com/swanson-premium-triple-magnesium-complex-400-mg-300-caps#nutritional-details
Judy, yes while I have seen studies using magnesium oxide, its not absorbed as well as magnesium glycinate, magnesium citrate etc. Swanson is a good company and this supplement isn’t expensive which is a plus. Here it is on Amazon too
Dr. Marc Micozzi says in his health news letter that magnesium aspartate should not be used because it harms the membrane surrounding the heart.
Hi Barbara, I’ve not heard of this before. I’d have to see the research he is referring to. Is there some place online I can see more about this?
Great review! This is the only real one I’ve been able to find. You verified what I’ve noticed in me. I’ve been using magnesium breakthrough for 6 months. It’s been a game-changer for me. I sleep so much better and I don’t feel stressed out as much. I just feel better.
Thanks so much!!
Lynn, thanks for sharing. I’m glad you found my review helpful. I’m really glad to hear Magnesium Breakthrough has been working so well for you and thanks also for the verification on sleeping better and stress levels.
Does magnesium breakthrough interact with vitamin D at all? I heard magnesium decreases vitamin D levels.
Leah, vitamin D metabolism requires magnesium. So is possible taking large doses of vitamin D may deplete magnesium from the body. You bring up a good point since many people may not be getting enough magnesium.
I’ve been taking magnesium breakthrough for 4 months now. I cant say enough about it. It helps me sleep better and I have not gotten sick yet (cross fingers!!). Also, my blood sugar has went down too since I started taking it. I’m a believer. I will keep taking this supplement.
Victoria, thanks for sharing. I’m really glad to hear its working so well for you. Several studies show magnesium can lower blood sugar levels. Look for my next post for more about magnesium 🙂
You say it may lower blood sugar. So does that mean it is NOT useable for people with Hypoglycemia ? Which form of magnesium would be the one that lowers blood sugar ?
Hi Violet, magnesium in general can reduce blood sugar levels. So for those with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) that may be a problem. All forms of magnesium potentially could lower blood sugar levels. I think it would depend on how much magnesium you used. I don’t think the magnesium found naturally in foods would have much of an effect for most people.
Do you have an issue with low blood sugar?
How many Magnesium tablets do you have to take per day? can you take it with food?
Joan, the company says 2 capsules a day. Start with just 1 per day for the first week to see if you have any reactions. I suggest taking it with food to reduce any chances of stomach upset.
Anything with Silica is a no go for me. I see as one of the adders on breakthrough.
Thoughts ?
Thanx
Hi Kyle, Silica is used in supplements to help the ingredients from clumping together. I’m not aware of any bad side effects of silica. Some foods contain it too. Is there a reason you are opposed to silica?
Joe, Thanks so much for this! I recently heard about magnesium Breakthrough but was not sure what to make of it. They say it has 7 different types of magnesium but isn’t there only 1 type of magnesium?
Anyway I appreciate your review. You helped me make sense of it. I may try this just out of curiosity
Jamie, Happy to help! You bring up a good point. Magnesium is an element. Its listed on the periodic table of the elements. Its only listed once. This tells us there is only 1 type of magnesium. When they say Breakthrough has 7 different forms of magnesium, they are referring to combining the mineral with different things like amino acids. They call these cheleated minerals. This is often done to improve absorption of the mineral.
You may have heard of chromium picolinate. This is also a cheleated mineral. In this case the chromium is combined with picolinic acid.
Combining minerals in with other things to boost absorption is common with supplements. What is controversial is whether the cheated minerals are better than un-cheleated minerals.
Thanks Joe. I was unfamiliar with the company and the supplement. After watching the video, which referred to the SpectraCell micronutrient testing I previously mentioned, I listened to another podcast discussing 5 Health Tests that You Need, including the SpectraCell and a DEXA for body fat analysis, believe it or not.
This podcast explained the SpectraCell in a little more detail, which I had done a couple months ago. Some of it was meaningful to me, but I wouldn’t do it again. I’m happy to provide more details if you like.
By the way, Magnesium Breakthrough is listed on Amazon for a lower cost but is currently unavailable. I could only view the Amazon 5 star reviews. There seemed to be a few 4 and 3 star reviews that I could not see; it’s possible they were “ratings only” reviews. I’m not really sure. It’s a little pricey, but I may decided to give it a try for 30 days.
Judy, Id like to hear more about the SpetraCell testing. Im sure that ain’t cheap. Is it something you can have done at Quest etc or did you have to go to somewhere special to have it done? Lot’s push the DEXA scan. I would not do it. Yeah I’d agree Breakthrough is a bit pricey. I might give it another, longer try to see what happens.
Sorry Joe. I just saw this reply. Maybe this was one of the notifications I did not receive.
My Spectracell test initially wasn’t covered by insurance. I paid an agreed upon fraction of the cost they billed my insurance company, without me realizing it. First they covered part of it, sent me a check because they are an out of network provider, then 2 months later after I paid Spectracell, BCBS reversed their determination, said it was not covered, and requested I pay them back so I had to contact Spectracell for a refund. What a pain.
As far as the results, they are reported as percentiles, without any actual lab values or reference ranges that we would see in any normal blood test. It only showed where I was in normal, borderline, or deficient. It had my Vitamin D level in the normal range, but a serum D done a couple months later, showed me as just below the normal range. Based on my limiting understanding of how micronutrient testing really works, I didn’t find it very useful.
On another note, I saw a remarkably similar magnesium product in my email today called Magneium 7. The different types of magnesium are close to Magnesium Breakthrough and the price and quantity are practically the same.
Judy, wow it sounds like you really went through the run around with the SpectraCell test. I appreciate you letting me know what happened. That business with the insurance sounds like a pain! Thanks for the heads up on the Magnesium supplement. I wonder if Magnesium Breakthrough is so getting popular, maybe others are trying to come out with a similar mag supplements?
I wouldn’t be surprised. It was not available on Amazon and I just checked again.
BTW, I’m still not being notified of follow up comments. I just decided to check after a couple days 😮
Judy, that is so strange. I’m going to try to subscribe you to comments myself and see if that works. Hopefully you will get a test email to confirm that it worked.