Magnesium L-Threonate: What It Is, What It’s Used For, Benefits and Magtein® Patent

Javier Colomer 10 min. of reading Minerals Leave a comment

Magnesium L-threonate is a form of magnesium that has attracted particular interest in nutritional research due to its potential relationship with the availability of this mineral in the central nervous system.

Developed from research into magnesium metabolism in the brain, this compound differs from other commonly used forms, such as citrate or bisglycinate, in its chemical structure and the studies conducted on its potential role in cognitive function.

But what is magnesium L-threonate used for? What makes it different from other magnesium salts, and what do we really know about its properties?

Below, we explore its composition, the available scientific evidence, the characteristics of Magtein®, and recommendations for its use.

What is magnesium L-threonate?

Magnesium L-threonate is a compound made up of magnesium and L-threonic acid, a substance associated with vitamin C metabolism.

Its development is linked to research into how to increase magnesium availability in the brain, an organ in which this mineral is involved in numerous physiological processes.

Magnesium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and normal psychological function, as well as playing a role in energy metabolism and muscle function.

One of the distinctive characteristics of magnesium L-threonate is that it has been studied for its potential ability to increase magnesium concentrations in the central nervous system.

Can magnesium L-threonate cross the blood-brain barrier?

The blood-brain barrier is a structure that regulates the exchange of substances between the blood and the central nervous system.

Magnesium can enter the brain through physiological transport mechanisms, although its concentrations are subject to specific regulatory processes.

Preclinical research, such as the study published by Slutsky and colleagues in the journal Neuron in 2010, observed that magnesium L-threonate administration could increase brain magnesium concentrations in animal models.

These findings sparked interest in investigating its relationship with different neuronal processes.

Magnesium L-threonate properties: What does science say?

Scientific interest in this form of magnesium focuses primarily on its potential relationship with neuronal activity and certain cognitive processes.

It is important to distinguish between the recognised physiological functions of magnesium and the specific effects of magnesium L-threonate that are still being investigated.

1. Magnesium and synaptic plasticity

Synaptic plasticity is the ability of neuronal connections to adapt, strengthen and change in response to new stimuli and experiences. It is a fundamental process involved in learning and memory formation.

Magnesium plays an important role in this mechanism, particularly through its involvement in regulating NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors, which are involved in neuronal communication.

Experimental research has observed that increasing brain magnesium concentrations through magnesium L-threonate may support certain mechanisms associated with synaptic plasticity, such as long-term potentiation (LTP), a process closely linked to learning and memory.

2. Memory and learning

Magnesium L-threonate has attracted particular scientific interest due to its potential relationship with different cognitive abilities, including working memory, learning and information processing speed.

Some clinical trials conducted in adults have reported favourable results in certain cognitive performance tests following supplementation with formulations containing magnesium L-threonate.

These findings open up new avenues of research into the role of this form of magnesium in processes associated with memory and learning.

3. Concentration and psychological function

Magnesium is an essential mineral for the normal functioning of the nervous system and normal psychological function, participating in numerous processes associated with nerve impulse transmission.

In this context, magnesium L-threonate is being investigated for its potential influence on different aspects of cognitive performance, such as attention, concentration and information processing.

Research in this area is particularly relevant to improving our understanding of the relationship between magnesium availability in the central nervous system and the mechanisms involved in cognitive function.

4. Magnesium, sleep and the nervous system

Magnesium is involved in various physiological processes associated with nervous system activity, including mechanisms that help regulate neuronal excitability.

In recent years, some studies have explored the potential of magnesium L-threonate in relation to different sleep parameters, such as subjective sleep quality and certain indicators of overnight recovery.

The preliminary findings of these studies have generated interest in further investigating the relationship between this form of magnesium, neuronal activity and the physiological processes associated with sleep.

5. Cognitive ageing and brain health

As we age, the brain undergoes natural changes in its structure and function, which may influence processes such as memory, learning and information processing speed.

Magnesium L-threonate has been investigated in experimental models of brain ageing and in clinical studies involving adults, with particular attention to its potential relationship with cognitive function.

Some studies have reported favourable results in certain cognitive tests, encouraging further scientific investigation into its role in neuronal mechanisms associated with ageing.

These findings represent a promising area of research for improving our understanding of the importance of magnesium in brain function throughout the different stages of life.

Magnesium L-threonate vs Bisglycinate vs Citrate

Different forms of magnesium have specific characteristics related to their composition, elemental magnesium content and digestive tolerance.

Magnesium L-threonate (Magtein®) stands out for the research conducted into its potential relationship with cognitive function, while bisglycinate and citrate are commonly used alternatives for supplementing magnesium intake.

When choosing the most suitable supplement from HSN, it is useful to understand the main characteristics and areas of scientific interest associated with each magnesium salt:

Characteristic	Magnesium L-threonate (Magtein®)	Magnesium Bisglycinate	Magnesium Citrate
Composition	Magnesium bound to L-threonic acid.	Magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine.	Magnesium bound to citric acid.
Elemental magnesium content	Approximately 7–8%.	Varies depending on composition and formulation.	Varies depending on its degree of hydration.
Main area of scientific interest	Brain magnesium availability and processes associated with cognitive function.	Absorption, digestive tolerance and magnesium supplementation.	Bioavailability, magnesium supplementation and dose-dependent gastrointestinal effects.
Relationship with the nervous system	Investigated for its potential influence on brain magnesium concentrations.	Provides magnesium, which contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system.	Provides magnesium, which contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system.
Digestive tolerance	Generally well tolerated, although gastrointestinal discomfort may occur.	Generally well tolerated, depending on the formulation and dose.	May produce an intestinal osmotic effect, particularly at higher doses.
Distinctive characteristic	Specific research into synaptic plasticity, memory and other cognitive processes.	Organic form commonly used for its absorption and tolerance profile.	Soluble organic salt widely used in magnesium supplements.

Which form of magnesium should you choose? The choice depends on individual needs, elemental magnesium content and the characteristics of each formulation.

What is Magtein® and what makes it stand out?

Magtein® is a registered trademark of magnesium L-threonate developed from scientific research into magnesium metabolism in the brain.

One of its main characteristics is that it is a commercially identifiable ingredient that has been used in specific scientific studies.

Some of its most relevant features include:

Defined composition: provides magnesium L-threonate with established composition and quality specifications.
Scientific research: the ingredient and formulations containing it have been investigated in experimental and clinical studies.
Known magnesium content: makes it possible to identify the amount of the compound and its corresponding elemental magnesium contribution.

The existence of clinical research is relevant when evaluating an ingredient, although it does not mean that all the effects investigated have been demonstrated or authorised as health claims.

At HSN, you can find Magnesium L-threonate (Magtein®) from EssentialSeries, available in vegetable capsules. We also offer CogniMag, a formula combining magnesium L-threonate with other ingredients.

How to take magnesium L-threonate

Various studies have used daily amounts of magnesium L-threonate ranging from approximately 1,500 to 2,000 mg, although these amounts do not constitute a universal recommendation.

When taking it as a food supplement, follow the recommended daily dose indicated on the product label, taking into account the total magnesium intake from other supplements.

The EssentialSeries product provides a daily serving of 3 vegetable capsules containing 2,000 mg of magnesium L-threonate (Magtein®), supplying 144 mg of elemental magnesium.

When is the best time to take it: Morning or evening?

There is insufficient scientific evidence to establish a particular time of day as the most effective for taking magnesium L-threonate.

It can be taken at any time of day, with the timing adjusted to suit personal routines and digestive tolerance.

Does magnesium L-threonate have side effects or contraindications?

Magnesium L-threonate has generally been well tolerated in the available studies, although, as with other magnesium supplements, it may cause adverse effects in some individuals.

Possible side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea, abdominal discomfort or changes in bowel movements.

The following precautions should be considered:

Kidney disease: people with impaired kidney function should consult their doctor before taking magnesium supplements.
Drug interactions: magnesium may interfere with the absorption of certain medicines, including some tetracyclines, quinolones and oral bisphosphonates, so taking them at different times may be necessary.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: consult a healthcare professional before use.
Combined supplementation: check total magnesium intake when using several supplements containing this mineral.

Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions about magnesium L-threonate

Is magnesium L-threonate better than magnesium bisglycinate?
They are different forms of magnesium. Magnesium L-threonate has been specifically investigated in relation to certain cognitive processes, while bisglycinate is a form commonly used to provide magnesium. There is insufficient evidence to conclude that one is generally superior to the other.
How long does magnesium L-threonate take to work?
Clinical studies have evaluated its use over periods of several weeks. However, there is no established timeframe within which cognitive improvements should appear, nor is there any guarantee that such improvements will occur.
Can magnesium L-threonate be combined with other forms of magnesium?
Some supplements combine different forms of magnesium. In any case, it is important to consider the total amount of elemental magnesium provided and follow the recommended intake guidelines.

Conclusion

Magnesium L-threonate is a particularly interesting form of magnesium due to the research conducted into its potential relationship with the nervous system and certain cognitive processes.

Although experimental findings and some clinical studies support further investigation, higher-quality trials are still needed to confirm its potential specific effects on memory, learning and other cognitive abilities.

As a food supplement, it represents an alternative way to provide magnesium, a mineral that contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and normal psychological function.

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