If you’ve ever browsed magnesium supplements online or in a store, you know there are many different forms to choose from. Magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride—the list seems to go on and on!
While all forms of magnesium have their advantages, one form, in particular, is making waves in the wellness world for its incredible brain health benefits. It’s called Magtein® and it’s the only form proven by clinical trials to increase magnesium levels in the brain.[*]
Why is this significant and what benefits does Magtein® offer? We’ll be answering those questions in this article, but first, let’s start with the basics.
What Is Magtein®?
Magtein® (magnesium L-threonate) is a patented form of magnesium that’s made by combining magnesium and a vitamin C compound called threonic acid.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that’s involved in over 300 metabolic reactions and plays an important role in everything from heart health to exercise performance to brain function.[*]
Although magnesium is present in many whole foods like green leafy vegetables and legumes, up to two-thirds of people in the Western world don’t meet their magnesium requirement with diet alone.[*] This leads many people to turn to magnesium supplements.
While there are many varieties of supplemental magnesium on the market, Magtein® (magnesium L-threonate) is the only form that’s been clinically shown to reach the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier.
Magtein® and Brain Health
The blood-brain barrier is a filtration barrier that separates brain tissue (and the spinal cord) from circulating blood. Because Magtein® can cross this barrier, taking this supplement regularly can increase magnesium levels in the brain.
This opens the door to several brain-related benefits, including:
#1: Improved Cognitive Function and Brain Age
The main claim to fame of Magtein® is its ability to enhance cognitive function.
In one 2016 study involving adults ages 50-70 with Alzheimer’s disease, researchers investigated the effects of Magtein® supplementation on four aspects of cognitive function.[*]
They found that after 12 weeks of supplementation, all participants performed significantly better in all four areas, including working memory, episodic memory, attention, and executive function. The cognitive benefits are thought to result from increased density of synapses in the brain.
In the same study, the researchers also found that Magtein® supplementation significantly reduced the participants’ brain age. The seniors’ brains functioned as if they were 9.4 years younger than they did prior to the study.
#2: Enhanced Learning
A 2016 study in rats investigated if and to what degree Magtein® supplementation would enhance mental functions like learning.[*]
They found that in young rats, taking Magtein® daily accelerated their ability to learn new skills. In the older ones, the supplementation restored cognitive abilities like memory that had declined.
#3: Reduced Anxiety and Stress
Magnesium has long been prized for its ability to calm an overactive, anxious mind. More recently, Magtein®, in particular, has been investigated for its anti-anxiety effects, showing great promise.
A 2011 study showed that elevating brain magnesium via Magtein® eased subjects’ responses to stressful events, which reduced overall anxiety and stress.[*]
A 2013 study involving rats backs up those results, demonstrating that Magtein® supplementation reduced anxiety-like behavior in young and old rats and suppressed fear-related memories.[*]
#4: Protects Against Motor Loss in Parkinson’s Patients
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive movement disorder. It occurs when brain cells that make dopamine, a neurotransmitter that coordinates movements, stop working or die.
A 2019 study in mice with Parkinson’s found that Magtein® supplementation successfully raised magnesium levels in cerebrospinal fluid and significantly reduced motor deficits and dopamine neuron loss caused by the disease.[*] This could be a big step forward for Parkinson’s patients if repeated in humans.
Other Magtein® Benefits
Magtein® is not only better absorbed by the brain, but also by the body, particularly the gut. As such, this supplement may better support the many well-researched benefits of magnesium in general, including:
- Enhanced exercise performance[*]
- Reduced depression[*]
- Improved blood sugar levels[*]
- Lowered heart disease risk factors like blood pressure and triglycerides[*]
- Anti-inflammatory benefits[*]
- Improved bone health[*]
- Improved sleep[*]
What Dose Should I Take?
Currently, a recommended daily allowance for magnesium L-threonate has not been established, so we can refer to the recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) for magnesium in general:[*]
- Men 19 to 30 years old: 400 elemental magnesium
- Women 19 to 30 years old: 310 elemental magnesium
- Men 31 or older: 420 mg elemental magnesium
- Women 31 or older: 320 mg elemental magnesium
Note: 2,000 mg of Magtein® contains 144 mg of elemental magnesium.
To achieve cognitive benefits, taking 1,500 to 2,000 mg of magnesium L-threonate (Magtein®) per day is recommended.
Magnesium supplementation is considered safe and is generally well-tolerated at standard doses. The most common side effect is loose stools if too much is consumed. If you experience stomach upset, reduce your dosage until the effects diminish.
How to Take Magtein®
Magnesium L-threonate is not found naturally in food. It’s synthetically manufactured and, thus, only available in supplement form.
Magtein® and other magnesium L-threonate supplements are available in capsule or powder form, which you can take orally. In clinical trials, participants reported results after taking Magtein® daily for 6-8 weeks.
As the benefits of Magtein® become more well known, Magtein® has also become a popular addition to many wellness supplements, including our very own IQMIX hydration mixes. IQMIX is formulated with four nutrients shown to improve cognitive performance, mood, and hydration.
Each IQMIX packet contains 750 mg of Magtein®, as well as lion’s mane, sodium, and potassium. Find your favorite IQMIX flavors with our 8-Stick Sampler, or go all-in with a 20-stick Variety Pack!
The Bottom Line
If supporting brain health and performance is important to you, you may want to consider adding Magtein® or another magnesium L-threonate supplement to your daily routine.
As the most bioavailable form of magnesium for the brain, taking Magetin® daily could help improve your memory, cognitive function, and mood—all of which contribute to a happy, healthy life.
