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Thorne vs Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate (2026)
Disclosure: We earn commissions on purchases made through our links. This never influences our scores. Editorial policy
The Verdict
Both products score A- overall, making this one of the closest matchups in our database. Pure Encapsulations wins on transparency (A+ vs A) thanks to its hypoallergenic formulation and exemplary labeling. Thorne wins on value ($0.23/day vs $0.33/day) with a higher dose per capsule. If you have sensitivities or allergies, Pure Encapsulations' hypoallergenic formula is worth the premium. For everyone else, Thorne offers better value at a comparable quality tier.
Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate
Thorne
Pure Encapsulations Magnesium (Glycinate)
Pure Encapsulations
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate Thorne | Pure Encapsulations Magnesium (Glycinate) Pure Encapsulations |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | A- | A- |
| Evidence | B+ | B+ |
| Quality & Purity | A | A |
| Value | B | B- |
| Transparency | A | A+ |
| Cost/Day | $0.23Winner | $0.33 |
| Dose/Serving | 200mg | 120mg |
| Form | magnesium bisglycinate chelate | magnesium glycinate |
| Third-Party Tested | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Proprietary Blend | No | No |
Why This Comparison Matters
Thorne and Pure Encapsulations are the two most recommended practitioner-grade supplement brands. Both are regularly stocked in integrative medicine offices, and both target buyers who want pharmaceutical-quality supplements without unnecessary fillers. This is the most common magnesium comparison for quality-focused buyers.
Both products use the glycinate/bisglycinate form of magnesium, which research shows is better absorbed and causes less GI distress than cheaper oxide or citrate forms. The differences come down to dose per capsule, third-party testing specifics, allergen considerations, and cost per effective daily dose.
Here is how they stack up across our four scoring categories.
Detailed Score Breakdown
Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate
Thorne
Magnesium bisglycinate chelate from a practitioner-trusted brand
NSF Certified for Sport on many Thorne products. Thorne exceeds cGMP standards. Third-party tested by independent labs.
$0.23/day at 200mg elemental - premium but competitive for practitioner-grade quality
Clean label. Minimal excipients. Elemental magnesium amount clearly stated. Form precisely identified.
Thorne's manufacturing standards are among the highest in the industry. Trusted by Mayo Clinic and numerous sports teams.
Pure Encapsulations Magnesium (Glycinate)
Pure Encapsulations
Pure magnesium glycinate at a clinical dose per serving
Third-party tested by Eurofins/Silliker. Hypoallergenic - free from gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, peanuts, and all major allergens. GMP+ certified.
$0.33/day at 240mg elemental (2 capsules) - premium pricing reflects hypoallergenic formulation and practitioner-grade standards
Exemplary label transparency. Every excipient listed. Hypoallergenic certification. No fillers, no unnecessary ingredients.
The gold standard for people with food sensitivities or allergies. Recommended by many integrative medicine practitioners.
How We Compared These Products
Every product in our database is scored on four equally-weighted categories: clinical evidence quality, third-party testing and purity verification, cost per clinically effective dose (not cost per pill), and label transparency. These scores combine into an overall letter grade from A+ through F.
Cost per effective dose is calculated using the clinically studied dose from published research, not the manufacturer's suggested serving. If a product requires multiple servings to reach the dose used in clinical trials, that cost is reflected in the value score.
For a full explanation of our scoring methodology, see our methodology page. Prices were last checked on the dates listed for each product and may have changed.
More Magnesium Glycinate Comparisons
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FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products discussed on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.