Magnesium L-Threonate: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a central role in numerous biological processes. In recent years, a specific form of magnesium, Magnesium L-Threonate (MgT), has proven to be particularly promising – especially regarding Brain function and cognitive health. Magnesium L-Threonate is used as a dietary supplement to support cognitive health. But what exactly makes this compound so special? In this article, we will take a detailed look at how it works, the scientific studies, and the application of Magnesium L-Threonate.

What is Magnesium L-Threonate?

Magnesium L-Threonate is a novel magnesium compound derived from Magnesium and L-Threonate, a metabolite of vitamin C analysis. It was developed with the aim of increasing Bioavailability of magnesium in the brain . This particular formulation of Magnesium L-Threonate offers special benefits for cognitive function and sleep based on current studies. While conventional magnesium supplements like Magnesium oxide or magnesium citrate have difficulty effectively crossing the blood-brain barrier, it has been shown that Magnesium L-Threonate overcomes this hurdle and thereby increases magnesium concentration in the brain.

What is the blood-brain barrier?

The blood-brain barrier is like a protective wall around your brain. It carefully controls which substances from the blood are allowed to enter the brain and keeps harmful substances out. This way, your brain remains safe from dangerous chemicals, pathogens, and other unwanted substances that could disrupt brain functions. At the same time, the blood-brain barrier ensures that important nutrients, vitamins, and oxygen, which your brain needs, can pass through without any problems.

Who developed Magnesium L-Threonate?

Magnesium L-Threonate was developed by a research team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) . In the EU, currently only Magtein®, the original formulation of Magnesium L-Threonate, is approved. Although there are other suppliers using non-approved raw materials, Magtein® is currently the only EU-approved active ingredient.

The importance of magnesium for the brain and the blood-brain barrier

Magnesium plays a crucial role in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. If magnesium levels in the body, and specifically in the brain, are too low, it can weaken mental abilities. Therefore, targeted elevation of magnesium levels in the brain may offer significant benefits.

Magnesium L-Threonate is a special form of magnesium that stands out due to its exceptionally high bioavailability and its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Other magnesium compounds often have difficulty penetrating the blood-brain barrier, which limits their effectiveness in the brain. This is where Magnesium L-Threonate comes into play: This specific magnesium compound was developed to increase magnesium concentration in the brain, thereby supporting cognitive function and neuronal health.

Overall, Magnesium L-Threonate offers a promising solution for those looking to increase their magnesium levels while supporting brain and nervous system function. With its unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, it represents a valuable addition to conventional magnesium supplements.

Potential benefits of Magnesium L-Threonate

1. Improved cognitive function and memory performance

Studies have shown that Magnesium L-Threonate can enhance synaptic plasticity and neuronal density in the hippocampus , a brain region responsible for learning and memory (Sun et al., 2016).

Synaptic plasticity means that the connections between our brain cells, the neurons, can change and adapt. This ability is crucial for learning and memory because certain connections in the brain become stronger when we learn something new or form a memory. At the same time, our brain adapts to new experiences by either strengthening or weakening these connections. There are two main types of changes: When a connection is used frequently, it becomes stronger and more efficient, helping us retain things better. On the other hand, if a connection is rarely used, it weakens, allowing our brain to filter out unimportant information. Through these adaptations, our brain remains flexible and can easily adjust to new situations and information.

A clinical study with 109 healthy adults showed that daily supplementation with Magnesium L-Threonate over 30 days can lead to significant improvements in memory performance (Zhang et al., 2022). Particularly older participants benefited from this effect, suggesting that Magnesium L-Threonate may play an important role in supporting cognitive health in old age.

2. Support in the treatment of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer's is characterized by the progressive loss of neurons and synaptic connections. Magnesium L-Threonate could play a protective role here.

A study in Neural Regeneration Research from 2023 showed that Magnesium L-Threonate improved cognition in Alzheimer's mouse models and reduced inflammatory processes (Liao et al., 2023). The researchers noted that Magnesium L-Threonate positively influences the gut-brain axis and reduces inflammatory markers – both factors contributing to Alzheimer's development.

Additionally, another study found that Magnesium L-Threonate can significantly improve memory performance in Alzheimer's mouse models, by increasing neuronal density and reducing oxidative stress (Huang et al., 2018). These findings suggest that Magnesium L-Threonate could potentially be used as a supportive measure against neurodegenerative diseases.

3. Improvement of sleep quality and stress reduction

Magnesium is an important mineral that performs many functions in our body. One of its main tasks is the regulation of cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that our body produces in stressful situations. If cortisol levels are too high, it can lead to stress, sleep problems, and other health issues. Magnesium helps keep cortisol levels balanced, making us feel less stressed.

A study examined the effect of Magnesium L-Threonate on stress and sleep quality in animal models and found that it prolonged sleep duration and significantly reduced cortisol levels (Zhou et al., 2020).

Another important aspect is the GABA system, which has a calming effect on the nervous system. Magnesium supports this system by promoting the activity of GABA receptors. A comparative study of various magnesium compounds showed that Magnesium L-Threonate is particularly effective in promoting GABA-mediated relaxation (Sadir et al., 2019).

These findings suggest that magnesium can be an effective support in promoting better sleep and reducing stress.

4. Protection for brain cells and prevention of damage

Magnesium L-Threonate can not only improve memory and sleep but also help protect and maintain brain cells' health.

Researchers have found that Magnesium L-Threonate protects brain cells from damage caused by so-called free radicals. These aggressive molecules can attack cells, leading to faster aging or even diseases like Alzheimer's (Xiong et al., 2022).

Another study with zebrafish showed that Magnesium L-Threonate makes the brain more resistant to oxygen deficiency (Kim et al., 2020). This means that Magnesium L-Threonate might help keep the brain fit longer and reduce the risk of diseases like Alzheimer's or dementia.

Why is Magnesium L-Threonate (Magtein®) so expensive?

Magtein® is significantly more expensive than other magnesium compounds due to several factors. First, it is a patented form of Magnesium L-Threonate, specifically developed, requiring extensive research and development. Additionally, the production processes are complex and require high-quality raw materials, which are costly. Moreover, production volumes are often limited, further driving up costs. Finally, marketing and distribution costs, as well as its positioning as a premium product, contribute to the high price. All these elements together make Magtein® an expensive dietary supplement.

Magnesium L-Threonate vs. other magnesium supplements

There are many different forms of magnesium, including Magnesium glycinate and Magnesium glycinate. While these compounds each have other benefits, Magnesium-L-Threonate stands out due to its higher availability in the brain .

Application and Dosage

The recommended dosage for Magnesium L-Threonate is 150 mg per day. This is significantly less than the general recommendations for magnesium intake. Since Magnesium L-Threonate is usually offered in capsules, precise and easy dosing is possible. It is recommended to split the intake to achieve specific effects. However, the daily dose can also be taken specifically in the evening.

Side effects and precautions

Magnesium L-Threonate is considered well-tolerated. Occasional Side effects can occur, as with magnesium in general, especially at higher doses. It’s important to note that Magnesium L-Threonate supplements cannot replace a balanced diet. People with diarrhea or kidney problems should consult a doctor before use, as excess magnesium can be problematic with impaired kidney function. Pregnant women are advised against taking Magnesium L-Threonate, as there is no clear evidence from studies yet. Nierenproblemen mild gastrointestinal discomfort