Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate and Pure Encapsulations Magnesium (Glycinate) are two clean, premium magnesium options that suit slightly different users — one a powder built around sport certification, the other a hypoallergenic capsule. In our six-criteria assessment, Thorne scored 8.8/10 and Pure Encapsulations scored 8.7/10.
This comparison uses the same six-criteria methodology we apply to every product. Always check the current label for elemental magnesium and certifications.
What’s the difference between Thorne and Pure Encapsulations magnesium?
Both use the gentle, well-absorbed glycinate (bisglycinate) form. The split is format, dose per unit, and testing. Thorne is a powder delivering 200 mg elemental magnesium per scoop, with NSF Certified for Sport verification. Pure Encapsulations is a vegetarian capsule delivering 120 mg elemental magnesium per capsule, made in an NSF-GMP registered facility with in-house heavy-metal and contaminant testing and a hypoallergenic, minimal-excipient design.
Ingredient breakdown: Thorne vs Pure Encapsulations
Form. Both glycinate/bisglycinate — the gentlest, well-tolerated choice. Dose per unit. Thorne’s 200 mg per scoop reaches a therapeutic range in one serving; Pure Encapsulations’ 120 mg per capsule may need two capsules for an equivalent dose — check the math. Testing. Thorne carries NSF Certified for Sport (third-party, sport-grade); Pure Encapsulations relies on NSF-GMP facility standards plus in-house contaminant testing and a hypoallergenic formulation.
Who should choose Thorne vs Pure Encapsulations?
Choose Thorne if you prefer a flexible-dose powder, want sport-grade third-party certification, or value reaching 200 mg in a single scoop. Choose Pure Encapsulations if you want a convenient capsule, a hypoallergenic minimal-excipient formula, and don’t mind taking two capsules for a higher dose.
Who should be careful: people with kidney disease should not supplement magnesium without medical guidance, and magnesium can affect the timing of some medications. This comparison is educational — not medical advice.
Bottom line: choosing between Thorne and Pure Encapsulations
This is one of the closest calls in the magnesium category: Thorne wins by a hair at 8.8/10 on sport-grade certification and flexible powder dosing, while Pure Encapsulations at 8.7/10 is the better pick if you prefer a clean hypoallergenic capsule. Read the full Thorne review and Pure Encapsulations review, and see the full best magnesium glycinate lineup.
A note on elemental magnesium
Compare these on elemental magnesium, not compound weight. Thorne states 200 mg elemental per scoop; Pure Encapsulations states 120 mg per capsule. The right daily target (typically 200-400 mg supplemental) and capsule count both matter — verify the supplement-facts panel of the exact product you buy.
Is Thorne or Pure Encapsulations magnesium better?
Both are clean glycinate-form magnesiums and score nearly identically. Thorne is a sport-certified powder with 200 mg elemental per scoop; Pure Encapsulations is a hypoallergenic capsule with 120 mg per capsule. Choose by format and dose preference.
Powder or capsule — which is better?
Neither is better in the abstract. Thorne’s powder lets you adjust dose easily and reach 200 mg in one scoop; Pure Encapsulations’ capsule is more convenient and travel-friendly but may need two capsules for a comparable dose.
Which has stronger third-party testing?
Thorne carries NSF Certified for Sport, a sport-grade third-party certification. Pure Encapsulations relies on an NSF-GMP registered facility with in-house contaminant testing and a hypoallergenic design. For tested athletes, Thorne’s mark is the safer choice.
How much magnesium should I take?
Supplemental magnesium is typically used in the 200-400 mg elemental range per day. Confirm the elemental amount on the label (200 mg per Thorne scoop; 120 mg per Pure Encapsulations capsule) and check with a professional if you have kidney issues or take interacting medications.
Sources
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Magnesium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
- Boyle, N.B. et al. (2017). The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Subjective Anxiety and Stress. Nutrients.