Head to head · Vitamins & Minerals
Pure Encapsulations Magnesium (Glycinate) vs Sports Research Vitamin D3 + K2 (5000 IU)
Pure Encapsulations scores higher overall (7.9 vs 7.8 out of 10), mainly on efficacy, quality & purity and transparency. Sports Research still leads on value.
Updated September 2026 from our full reviews · How we score
Amazon's No. 1 magnesium: 120 mg of magnesium glycinate per capsule in a minimal, allergen-free formula that is gentle on the gut but pricey per milligram.
We may earn a commission when you buy through these links — it never affects our scores. How we make money
Amazon's top D3+K2 pick: vegan lichen D3 plus MK-7 K2 in coconut MCT oil; the 5,000 IU dose exceeds the adult upper limit for daily use.
We may earn a commission when you buy through these links — it never affects our scores. How we make money
We may earn a commission when you buy through these links — it never affects our scores. How we make money
The short answer
Choose Pure Encapsulations if…
- People with sensitive stomachs
- Allergy-conscious buyers who want a minimal formula
- Anyone who wants to adjust dose in 120 mg steps
- You care most about efficacy, quality & purity, transparency
Choose Sports Research if…
- Vegans who want lichen-derived D3
- People with a documented deficiency under medical guidance
- Anyone who wants D3 and K2 in one small softgel
- You care most about value
Side by side
| Magnesium (Glycinate) | Vitamin D3 + K2 (5000 IU) | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 7.9 / 10 | 7.8 / 10 |
| Efficacy (30%) | 7.8 | 7.4 |
| Quality & Purity (25%) | 8.2 | 7.4 |
| Value (20%) | 6.8 | 7.8 |
| Experience (15%) | 8.6 | 8.8 |
| Transparency (10%) | 9.0 | 8.3 |
| Form | Capsule | Softgel |
| Serving | 1 capsule90 servings per container | 1 veggie softgel60 servings per container |
| Testing & certifications | Certified Gluten-FreeThird-party testedcGMP facility | Non-GMO Project VerifiedCertified VeganThird-party testedcGMP facility |
| Dietary | Vegan, Gluten-free, Non-GMO, Soy-free, Dairy-free | Vegan, Gluten-free, Soy-free, Non-GMO |
| Key ingredients |
|
|
| Flavors | — | — |
| Creator video reviews | 5 | 5 |
Pros and cons
Magnesium (Glycinate)
- Minimal formula: magnesium glycinate, a cellulose capsule and ascorbyl palmitate
- GFCO certified gluten-free, vegan and free of common allergens
- Flexible 120 mg capsules make dosing easy
- Detailed in-house and outside lab testing disclosures
- About $0.30 per 120 mg capsule, pricier than many glycinates
- The four-capsule maximum (480 mg) exceeds the supplemental magnesium upper limit
- No USP or NSF certification
- Capsules are fairly long at 0.905 inches
Vitamin D3 + K2 (5000 IU)
- Certified Vegan and Non-GMO Project Verified, with no soy, gelatin or carrageenan
- D3 from lichen plus K2 as long-acting MK-7
- Tiny, easy-to-swallow softgel in an MCT oil base
- Official TikTok Shop listing rated 4.8 stars
- 5,000 IU exceeds the 4,000 IU adult upper limit for daily use
- No USP or NSF certification; testing claims are the brand's own
- Evidence for K2's bone and arterial benefits is still limited
- About $0.40 per day, more than plain D3
Our verdicts
Magnesium (Glycinate)
This is the cleanest, most allergy-friendly magnesium glycinate you can easily buy, with unusually detailed testing disclosures and a formula that is kind to sensitive stomachs. You pay a premium for that, so budget buyers can get similar magnesium for less, but for people who react to fillers or other forms it is worth the money.
Full review
Vitamin D3 + K2 (5000 IU)
This is a well-made, vegan D3 and K2 combination that people clearly enjoy taking, which explains its bestseller status. The 5,000 IU dose is higher than most adults need day after day and exceeds the upper limit, so it fits best under a clinician's guidance or on a less-than-daily schedule; everyone else should consider the 2,500 IU version.
Full review