Magnesium Citrate vs Pea Protein

Sleep vs Protein · evidence-backed comparison

Quick take
  • Pea Protein has the broader effect profile across the 9 effect categories.
  • Magnesium Citrate is cheaper per serving ($0.12 vs $0.80).
  • Pea Protein has a slightly cleaner safety profile.

Side-by-side traits

TraitMagnesium CitratePea Protein
Category
SleepProtein
Active compound
Magnesium citratePisum sativum protein isolate
Form available
Capsule, Powder, Tablet, LiquidPowder
Source
syntheticplant
Typical dose
200–400 mg elemental Mg25–40 g per serving
Dose range
200–400 mg25–40 g
Loading protocol
Best taken with
any time, with waterwater or plant milk
Best time of day
anypost-workout
Bioavailability
How efficiently the body absorbs and utilizes the compound.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Onset time
Acute: 1–3 hoursAcute: 60–90 min
Half-life
Evidence level
Quality and quantity of human research.
Moderate (some RCTs)Moderate (some RCTs)
Overall effect
Subjective effect magnitude.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Muscle / strength
Low (2/5)High (4/5)
Physical energy
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Focus / cognition
Very Low (1/5)Low (2/5)
Mood / stress
Low (2/5)Low (2/5)
Sleep quality
Moderate (3/5)Very Low (1/5)
Immunity
Very Low (1/5)Low (2/5)
Recovery
Post-exercise recovery support.
Low (2/5)High (4/5)
Longevity / healthspan
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Safety rating
5 = exceptionally well-tolerated; 1 = significant risk profile.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Price per serving
Approximate USD per typical daily dose.
$0.12$0.80
Vegan friendly
YesYes
Gluten free
YesYes
3rd-party tested
YesYes

About Magnesium Citrate

Most affordable absorbable magnesium. Doubles as a mild laxative — useful if constipated, less ideal if not.

Active compound: Magnesium citrate
Forms: Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Liquid
Onset: Acute: 1–3 hours
sleepconstipationvaluemuscle

About Pea Protein

The best vegan protein for muscle building — high in BCAAs and lysine, well-absorbed, and clinically equivalent to whey for hypertrophy.

Active compound: Pisum sativum protein isolate
Forms: Powder
Onset: Acute: 60–90 min
veganmuscleBCAA-richhypoallergenic

Magnesium Citrate safety

Common side effects:

  • Loose stools (often desired)
  • GI cramps

Avoid if:

  • Severe kidney disease

Drug interactions:

  • Bisphosphonates

Pea Protein safety

Common side effects:

  • Mild GI upset (rare)

Avoid if:

  • Pea allergy

Common uses

  • General magnesium repletion
  • Constipation
  • Sleep

Stacks well with: Vitamin D3

Common uses

  • Vegan muscle gain
  • Dairy-free recovery
  • Hypoallergenic protein

Stacks well with: Creatine Monohydrate, Brown Rice Protein

Medical disclaimer

SupplementDuel is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a physician before starting, stopping, or combining supplements — especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or have a chronic condition.