Magnesium L-Threonate
A form of magnesium specifically designed to cross the blood-brain barrier and increase brain magnesium levels. Developed at MIT, it is the only magnesium form clinically shown to raise CSF magnesium concentrations. Brain magnesium is critical for synaptic plasticity, and deficiency (common in modern diets) impairs learning, memory, and sleep quality. Sold under the brand name Magtein.
Dosage
Standard: 1500-2000 mg Magnesium L-Threonate daily (providing 144 mg elemental magnesium). Often split into a daytime dose and a pre-bed dose. The Magtein brand uses 2000 mg daily (667 mg three times).
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
2-3 hours (threonate carrier), but brain magnesium levels increase cumulatively
Administration
Oral (capsules, powder). The L-threonate form is specifically chosen for brain penetration.
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Mechanism of Action
The L-threonate carrier forms stable complexes with magnesium and transports it across the blood-brain barrier via specific transporters more effectively than inorganic magnesium salts or other chelated forms. Once in the brain, magnesium acts as a voltage-dependent blocker of the NMDA receptor channel at the physiological magnesium binding site within the ion pore, preventing excessive calcium influx and glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity. Magnesium also serves as a cofactor for over 300 enzymes including those involved in neurotransmitter synthesis (tyrosine hydroxylase, glutamic acid decarboxylase), ATP production (creatine kinase, pyruvate kinase), and DNA/RNA polymerase. Elevated brain magnesium enhances synaptic density and plasticity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, likely through CREB-mediated gene expression and increased density of postsynaptic AMPA receptors.
Regulatory Status
Dietary supplement (Magtein is a patented branded form). No prescription required. GRAS ingredient.
Risks & Safety
Common
Drowsiness (often desired for sleep), mild headache initially, gastrointestinal discomfort.
Serious
None documented at standard doses. Magnesium toxicity is not a concern with oral supplementation in people with normal kidney function.
Rare
Diarrhea (less common than with other magnesium forms).
Compare Magnesium L-Threonate With
Research Papers
10Published: December 14, 2024
AI Summary
Magnesium has been implicated to benefit sleep, although the clinical evidences varied based on the magnesium source used. We investigated MgT supplementation on sleep quality and daily function.
Published: December 7, 2022
AI Summary
Subjects receiving Magtein®PS showed significant improvements over the control group in all five subcategories of "The Clinical Memory Test" as well as the overall memory quotient scores. Results indicated significant benefits of Magtein®PS in improving memory and cognition in healthy Chinese adults.
Published: September 30, 2024
AI Summary
We also found that differential metabolites in the magnesium-L-threonate-regulated serum were enriched in various pathways associated with neurodegenerative diseases. These findings suggest that magnesium-L-threonate may reduce the clinical manifestations of Alzheimer's disease through the microbiota-gut-brain axis in model mice, providing an ex...
Published: February 25, 2023
AI Summary
To investigate the effects of oral administration of magnesium-L-threonate, a novel magnesium compound, on the analgesic effect of opioids in patients with advanced cancer.
Published: September 15, 2021
AI Summary
The relative abundance of Akkermansia, Odoribacter, and Blautia were increased, while that of Alloprevotella and Clostridium were decreased. Collectively, MgT relieved inflammation in gut-brain axis of mice, reshaped gut microbiota, and enhanced the amino acids and glutamate metabolism.
Published: January 27, 2010
AI Summary
Functionally, magnesium increased the number of functional presynaptic release sites, while it reduced their release probability. Our findings suggest that an increase in brain magnesium enhances both short-term synaptic facilitation and long-term potentiation and improves learning and memory functions.
Published: September 14, 2024
AI Summary
We have reported neuro-inflammation is involved in radicular pain by enhancing the efficiency of pain synaptic transmission in spinal level. In this study, we explore the effect of oral application of magnesium-L-threonate (L-TAMS) in radicular pain induced by lumbar disc herniation (LDH) of rats and the possible mechanisms.
Published: March 12, 2024
AI Summary
Based on results obtained from a dissociation study, two rat studies and one human trial, the Panel considers that magnesium is bioavailable from the NF. In 2008, the EFSA ANS Panel concluded that a human intake of l-threonate of 2700 mg per day is safe.
Published: March 18, 2022
AI Summary
Oxidative stress results in the production of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and triggers hippocampal neuronal damage as well as occupies a key role in the pathological mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Published: October 14, 2023
AI Summary
Emerging studies indicate that magnesium deficiency is associated with neurological diseases, and magnesium supplement confers protection under these disease conditions. Moreover, we suggest that L-TAMS might be a novel approach to treat CPSP and its emotional comorbidities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Magnesium L-Threonate used for?
A form of magnesium specifically designed to cross the blood-brain barrier and increase brain magnesium levels. Developed at MIT, it is the only magnesium form clinically shown to raise CSF magnesium concentrations. Brain magnesium is critical for synaptic plasticity, and deficiency (common in modern diets) impairs learning, memory, and sleep quality. Sold under the brand name Magtein.
What are the side effects of Magnesium L-Threonate?
Common: Drowsiness (often desired for sleep), mild headache initially, gastrointestinal discomfort. Serious: None documented at standard doses. Magnesium toxicity is not a concern with oral supplementation in people with normal kidney function. Rare: Diarrhea (less common than with other magnesium forms).
How is Magnesium L-Threonate administered?
Magnesium L-Threonate is administered via oral (capsules, powder). the l-threonate form is specifically chosen for brain penetration..
What is the half-life of Magnesium L-Threonate?
The half-life of Magnesium L-Threonate is 2-3 hours (threonate carrier), but brain magnesium levels increase cumulatively.
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