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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Magnesium wins 1 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Probably helps
9 of 13 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
12 of 12 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
200-350mg elemental magnesium daily
Evening for sleep/relaxation (glycinate), Morning for energy (malate), Anytime (citrate)
Depends on goal - see notes
480-500mg extract or 240ml (8oz) juice twice daily
Morning and evening, Before/after exercise for recovery
Concentrated Montmorency tart cherry extract (capsules)
1-2 weeks
1-2 weeks
1 week
Immediate
1-2 weeks
Same day/next day
1-3 days
N/A
Magnesium supplementation in pregnancy
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2014) · Meta analysis · n=9090
Women receiving magnesium were significantly less likely to require hospitalisation during pregnancy (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.86; three trials, 1158 women).Of the 10 trials included in the review, only two were judged to be of high quality overall.
Magnesium Supplementation and Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis · n=2709
38 RCTs with 2709 participants analyzed
Magnesium and Potassium Supplementation for Systolic Blood Pressure Reduction in the General Normotensive Population: A Systematic Review and Subgroup Meta-Analysis for Optimal Dosage and Treatment Length
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis
Both supplements demonstrated greater reductions in SBP for the general population at lower dosages and longer treatment durations.
Effects of dietary supplements on athletic performance in elite soccer players: a systematic review
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2023) · Systematic review · n=1043
Nitrate-rich beetroot concentrate can attenuate performance decrease in the days following matches.
Effect of food sources of nitrate, polyphenols, L-arginine and L-citrulline on endurance exercise performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2021) · Meta analysis
No effect on exercise performance following consumption of foods rich in L-citrulline was identified (SMD=-0.03, p=0.24).
Efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of all available treatments for insomnia in the elderly: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica (2020) · Meta analysis · n=6832
Insufficient evidence exists on which intervention is more efficacious for elderly patients with insomnia.
Based on meta-analysis of 38 RCTs with 2709 participants showing -7.68 mmHg reduction in hypertensive individuals. Effects are greatest in those with hypomagnesemia. Limited evidence in normotensive populations.
Meta-analysis showed small beneficial effect (ES = -0.44). Multiple studies but limited sample sizes. Effect appears modest and variable between individuals.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Magnesium has a higher evidence score (8.5/10 vs 8.5/10) and wins in 1 of 3 categories.
For improve deep sleep quality, Magnesium has a higher relevance score (90 vs 80).
No known interactions between Magnesium and Tart Cherry have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.