Written by Matthew O’Connor, Certified Nutritionist & Founder of Honour Health.
SHOULD YOU CHOOSE YOUR MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENTS AS CAPSULES OR TABLETS?
If you’ve ever stood in a pharmacy aisle comparing magnesium supplements, you’ve probably noticed two common forms.
Hard tablets (smooth, shiny, compressed) and capsules.
At Honour Health, we always recommend choosing magnesium in capsule form, and there’s a very good reason why. It comes down to how your body digests and absorbs nutrients.
And that difference can determine whether your supplement actually works.
WHY MAGNESIUM TABLETS CAN BE HARDER TO ABSORB
1. Tablets are compressed under high pressure
Hard tablets are created by compressing powdered magnesium with a range of binders, fillers, and stabilisers.
These are inexpensive additives (called excipients) that hold the tablet together but don’t contribute to your health.
While tablets are cheap to manufacture, they come with a hidden cost: your digestive system has to do more work to break them down before the magnesium becomes available for absorption.
2. Poor breakdown can mean poor absorption
To access the magnesium inside a hard tablet, your body must dissolve the binding agents and disintegrate the dense, compressed structure.
If your digestive system is healthy, that process may be relatively efficient.
But if you have reduced stomach acid or slower digestion (which naturally happens as we age) it can be much harder for your body to release and absorb the magnesium.
When a tablet isn’t fully broken down, less magnesium reaches your small intestine, which is where absorption happens.
That means a portion of your supplement can simply pass through your body unused, leading to the familiar saying that some supplements are just “expensive pee.”
WHY MAGNESIUM CAPSULES MAKE A DIFFERENCE
1. Capsules contain fewer additives
High-quality capsules usually contain just the active ingredient (magnesium) and one or two natural flowing agents to help with manufacturing.
That’s it. No heavy binders or unnecessary coatings.
2. Easier on your digestion
Capsules typically dissolve within 5 to 10 minutes in the stomach (a perfectly normal timeframe that allows for efficient nutrient release).
Because your body doesn’t need to break down thick binders, more magnesium is freed and available for absorption.
This difference can be particularly meaningful for anyone with digestive challenges, low stomach acid or sensitive digestion.
3. Better absorption = more benefit
The goal of taking a supplement is to actually absorb and use the nutrient inside it.
Capsules give your body the best chance to access and utilise magnesium, supporting its critical roles in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including energy production, muscle relaxation, and nervous-system balance.
THE BROADER PROBLEM WITH TABLETS
Hard tablets often contain a long list of additives, synthetic coatings, and colourants that make them easier to produce and longer-lasting on shelves. But not necessarily healthier for you.
At Honour Health, we believe your supplements should be as clean as possible.
That’s why we avoid hard tablets altogether and focus on bioavailable, capsule-based formulations made with integrity and simplicity.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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Tablets can be harder to break down due to binders and compression.
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Capsules dissolve faster, which can improve magnesium availability and absorption.
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Digestive health matters - the more easily your supplement breaks down, the more you benefit.
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Choose brands that use minimal additives and prioritise quality over cost.
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Better absorption = better results, especially for energy, muscle recovery, and stress support.
KEY MESSAGE
If you’re investing in your health, make sure your supplements are actually absorbable and have the least amount of additives possible.
When it comes to magnesium, or any nutrient, capsules are always our preference
LEARN MORE
Explore Honour Health Magnesium Glycinate Capsules formulated for optimal absorption, gentle on digestion, and free from unnecessary fillers.
DISCLAIMER
The information provided here is for general informational purposes only & should not be considered as professional medical advice or a substitute for consulting with a healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Remember to always read the label & follow the directions for use.