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INGREDIENTS

How we choose the form of each ingredient

Why magnesium glycinate, methylfolate and vitamin D3 make our labels, in plain words.

What “form” means

A mineral like magnesium never shows up alone. It is always bonded to a partner, such as oxide, citrate or glycinate. Vitamins come in versions too. Two labels can both say “magnesium” or “folate” and still contain quite different things.

The form matters for three practical reasons: how well your body absorbs it (doctors call this bioavailability, which just means how much actually gets into your bloodstream), how it feels in your stomach, and whether your body can use it right away or has to convert it first.

Magnesium: glycinate over oxide

Magnesium oxide is cheap and packs a lot of magnesium into a small capsule, so it looks impressive on a label. But studies suggest the body absorbs less of it than other forms, and larger amounts can loosen your stool.

Magnesium glycinate (also sold as bisglycinate) is magnesium bonded to glycine, a small amino acid, which is a building block of protein. It is generally well absorbed and gentle on the stomach. Magnesium supports normal muscle and nerve function and helps your body turn food into energy.*

The trade-off: glycinate is bulkier, so it takes up more room in a capsule. We think that is worth it.

Folate: methylfolate over folic acid

Folic acid is the man-made form of folate found in many multivitamins and fortified foods. It is well studied and works for most people, but your body has to convert it a few times before it can use it.

Methylfolate (you may see it written as 5-MTHF) is the active form, the one already ready to use. Choosing it skips those conversion steps, which can matter for people whose conversion runs a little slower. Folate helps your body make DNA and supports healthy red blood cell formation.*

Folic acid is not “bad.” It is simply not the form we choose for a personalized blend.

Vitamin D: D3 over D2

Vitamin D supplements come as D2 (ergocalciferol, usually made from yeast or mushrooms) or D3 (cholecalciferol, the type your skin makes in sunlight). Both raise vitamin D levels in the blood, but reviews comparing them have found D3 tends to raise and hold those levels more effectively.

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and supports healthy bones and normal immune function.*

How we decide

For every ingredient, we look at the same few questions:

• Is there good human research on this exact form?
• Is it well absorbed and well tolerated at the amount we use?
• Does it fit in a reasonable number of capsules alongside the rest of your formula?
• Can our manufacturer source it with identity and purity testing?

Then we put the form and amount on your label, so you never have to guess. If you take medication or have a health condition, show your formula to your doctor before you start.

Sources

1. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Magnesium fact sheet
2. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Folate fact sheet
3. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D fact sheet
4. Tripkovic L, et al. Comparison of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 supplementation in raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This page is general information, not medical advice. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting a supplement, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition. Updated October 1, 2026.