# Editorial policy: how every page is researched and checked

Source: https://magnesiumguide.uk/about/editorial-policy/
Author: Nell Hartley · Updated 2026-11-04

**Short answer:** Every health claim on Magnesium Guide is based on published human research where it exists, linked to its source and graded. We prefer placebo-controlled trials and systematic reviews, use NHS, MHRA and EFSA guidance for safety and intake figures, check each number against its source before publishing, and correct mistakes openly.

## What sources do we rely on?

From most to least weight:

1. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised, placebo-controlled trials, including Cochrane reviews.
2. Individual placebo-controlled trials in people.
3. Other human studies, such as open-label trials and studies that compare one form with another, clearly marked as weaker.
4. Observational studies, which can show that low magnesium goes with a condition but not that taking magnesium fixes it.
5. Official guidance from the NHS, the MHRA, the European Food Safety Authority and the UK's dietary reference values, for intake, safety and medicine interactions.

Animal and cell studies only appear when they explain why something is being studied. They never count as evidence that it works in people. We do not use supplement company websites or marketing as sources.

## How are claims graded?

With four grades, from strong to no good evidence, set out on [how we grade evidence](/about/evidence-grades/). The grade is about the quality of the human evidence, not how many people swear by it.

## How do we deal with industry funding?

Some magnesium trials, particularly of branded forms such as magnesium L-threonate, were paid for or run by the companies that sell them. We say so when we describe those studies. Funding does not make a result wrong, but independent replication counts for more.

## Do we use AI?

Yes. AI tools help us search the literature, summarise papers and draft text. A person then checks every dose, percentage and result against the original source before a page is published. If we cannot trace a claim to a source, it does not go on the site.

## How often are pages updated?

Each page shows when it was last updated. Health pages are reviewed at least once a year, and sooner if an important study or a change in UK guidance comes out.

## What if we get something wrong?

We correct it, update the date and, if the correction changes the meaning, add a note at the end of the page. Please email [hello@magnesiumguide.uk](mailto:hello@magnesiumguide.uk) with the page and a link to the evidence.