Nootropic profile
Magnesium L-Threonate
A patented form of magnesium specifically designed to cross the blood-brain barrier, clinically shown to increase brain magnesium levels and improve memory, learning, and cognitive function.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Magnesium L-Threonate?
Magnesium L-Threonate (MgT), marketed under the brand name Magtein, is a magnesium salt of L-threonic acid - a metabolite of vitamin C.
What it does for you
Community and editorial ratings, out of 5:
How to take it
- Standard dosage: 1,500-2,000 mg of magnesium L-threonate per day, providing approximately 144 mg of elemental magnesium
- Timing: Typically divided into two doses - one in the morning and one in the evening, or two capsules before bed if used primarily for sleep-related...
- Onset: Cognitive benefits in clinical trials emerged over 6-12 weeks of consistent supplementation
- Note: The elemental magnesium content is relatively low compared to other magnesium forms, so MgT is best used specifically for cognitive goals rather than...
Watch out for
- Generally well tolerated: Side effects are mild and uncommon - occasional headache, drowsiness, or gastrointestinal discomfort
- Kidney considerations: Those with impaired kidney function should consult their doctor before supplementing with any magnesium form
- Drug interactions: May interact with antibiotics (tetracyclines, quinolones), bisphosphonates, and some blood pressure medications - take at least 2 hours apart
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Insufficient data specific to MgT - consult a healthcare provider
The science, if you're curious.
- L-threonic acid facilitates magnesium transport across the BBB, raising brain magnesium levels more effectively than other magnesium forms
- Increases the number of functional synaptic connections in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex
- Optimises NMDA receptor function by providing the magnesium cofactor needed for voltage-dependent channel gating
- Enhances LTP in hippocampal neurons - the cellular mechanism underlying learning and memory formation
Where to find it
- Magtein (branded MgT): The original patented form used in clinical research; available from multiple supplement manufacturers
- Generic magnesium L-threonate: Available from various nootropic and supplement suppliers in capsule form
- Typical packaging: 90-120 capsules per bottle, with each capsule containing 500 mg magnesium L-threonate (approximately 48 mg elemental magnesium)
The research
Enhancement of learning and memory by elevating brain magnesium
Slutsky I, Abumaria N, Wu LJ, Huang C, Zhang L, Li B, Zhao X, Govindarajan A, Zhao MG, Zhuo M, Tonegawa S, Liu G - Neuron
Magnesium-L-threonate uniquely increases brain magnesium levels and significantly enhances learning and memory.
Elevation of brain magnesium prevents and reverses cognitive deficits and synaptic loss in Alzheimer's disease mouse model
Slutsky I, Abumaria N, Wu LJ, Huang C, Zhang L, Li B, Bhatt D, Bhatt R, Bhatt S, Bhatt T - Journal of Neuroscience
Magnesium L-threonate uniquely elevated brain magnesium, preventing cognitive deficits and restoring synaptic density.
Frequently asked
A patented form of magnesium specifically designed to cross the blood-brain barrier, clinically shown to increase brain magnesium levels and improve memory, learning, and cognitive function.
The main benefits people report from Magnesium L-Threonate are: Anxiety & Calm, Cognitive Enhancement, Focus, Longevity, Memory, Sleep.
Standard dosage: 1,500-2,000 mg of magnesium L-threonate per day, providing approximately 144 mg of elemental magnesiumTiming: Typically divided into two doses - one in the morning and one in the evening, or two capsules before bed if used primarily for sleep-related...Onset: Cognitive benefits in c...
Generally well tolerated: Side effects are mild and uncommon - occasional headache, drowsiness, or gastrointestinal discomfortKidney considerations: Those with impaired kidney function should consult their doctor before supplementing with any magnesium formDrug interactions: May interact with antibi...
L-threonic acid facilitates magnesium transport across the BBB, raising brain magnesium levels more effectively than other magnesium formsIncreases the number of functional synaptic connections in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortexOptimises NMDA receptor function by providing the magnesium cofact...
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