This is my magnesium thread:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread1138.html

While Puritan's is good for many things, they don't have much in the way of magnesium to choose from.

Using a chelate is best. Avoidance of Oxide type important. I do not like aspartate, because aspartate stimulates pain receptors (NMDA receptor).

Some people get laxative response from magnesium. So using a delayed release for them is helpful... SlowMag --generic called Mag64. Studies have shown this form is absorbed well.
http://www.google.com/products/catal...ed=0CE0Q8wIwAg
I get my Mag 64 at Costco for about 5.00 But not all Costcos will have it on their special OTC shelf. The Costcos where it has been requested typically have it. WalMart also carries it and the brand Slow Mag ($9.99)

Ionic Fizz is also good and I have used it too. It is very fast acting, and you control dose with the little scoop provided. But it costs a bit more money. Some people use Natural Calm which is a powder of the citrate. But too much=laxative action.

You can use the topical lotion which many of us now use with success:
http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/sh...new_crumb=true

I find this at my local CVS stores. It may be in the first aid section with the epsom salts, or in the pain section, near the Thermacare patches and Tylenol etc products.

The lotion is the easiest to tolerate by far, is unscented and penetrates quickly into the skin. My husband uses it too for muscle strains and stiffness.