Magnesium glycinate utilizes magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine, which facilitates intestinal absorption. Magnesium is a mineral that is critical for energy production and metabolism, muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and bone mineralization. It is a required cofactor for an estimated 300 enzymes. Among the processes that require magnesium are fat and protein production, as well as glucose metabolism. Magnesium status is also important for regulation of calcium balance through its effects on the parathyroid gland.