- No products in the cart.
Magnesium is widely recognized for promoting better sleep and reducing anxiety, but its role in brain health is equally important. Research shows that magnesium helps protect brain cells throughout life, lowering the risk of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases (1). It is essential for brain cells to perform critical functions and defend against damage. While magnesium supports the whole body, participating in over 600 biochemical reactions, the brain has especially high demands that standard dietary intake and typical supplements often can’t meet. This is where magnesium threonate comes in.
What is Magnesium Threonate
Magnesium L-threonate is a specialized form of magnesium bound to a threonate molecule, specifically designed to enhance magnesium delivery to the brain(2). When threonate is digested it primarily travels to the brain. While magnesium can cross the blood-brain barrier on its own, threonate acts as a highly effective carrier, facilitating targeted transport and accumulation of magnesium in brain tissue. This unique mechanism allows magnesium L-threonate to efficiently elevate brain magnesium levels, where it can exert its cognitive and neurological benefits such as improving executive function, working memory, episodic memory and attention.
What is Magnesium Threonate Good For?
Magnesium L-threonate provides targeted support for brain health and cognitive function. Research shows it may help:
-
Alleviate brain fog
-
Support short-term memory and memory retention
-
Improve focus and attention
-
Enhance sleep quality
-
Reduce feelings of stress
-
Increase mental clarity and alleviate mental fatigue
-
Supports neuroplasticity and synaptic density
Emerging evidence also suggests it may benefit neurological conditions such as headaches, depression, anxiety, and ADHD (3). Additionally, magnesium L-threonate has been studied for its potential role in the prevention and management of neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease (4).
Magnesium Threonate vs Magnesium Glycinate
Many people wonder how magnesium glycinate and magnesium threonate differ, since their benefits can overlap. Magnesium glycinate is highly bioavailable and widely distributed throughout the body, making it ideal for correcting magnesium deficiencies and supporting overall health.
Magnesium threonate, on the other hand, is specifically designed to cross the blood-brain barrier, boosting magnesium levels in the brain. Its effects on the rest of the body are minimal, as it primarily supports neurological health.
For general wellness and maintaining adequate magnesium levels, glycinate is usually recommended. Threonate is best suited for enhancing cognitive function, supporting sleep, and promoting brain health, but it does not significantly contribute to total daily magnesium intake.
Let’s explore Magnesium L-threnoate Benefits in more detail.
Magnesium Threonate for Sleep
One of the most widely used applications of this form of magnesium is for sleep. Magnesium l-threonate has been clinically proven to improve quality of sleep(5). Regular use:
-
Promotes a better sleep score, as determined by oura ring data
-
Optimizes time in REM sleep- the stage of sleep that helps with memory consolidation, emotional regulation and neuroplasticity
-
Reduces tossing and turning throughout the night
As a result, magnesium threonate generally helps people wake up feeling more rested, increases day time productivity and improves overall mood.
Magnesium Threonate for Stress
Magtein®, the gold standard for magnesium l-threonate, has also been studied for its ability to support the body’s response to everyday stress.
In a clinical trial, participants who experienced daily stress affecting their mood, focus, and overall well-being reported a 167% reduction in perceived stress after just six weeks of supplementation.(6)
It reduces feelings of stress by promoting GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, while downregulating glutamate- an excitatory neurotransmitter that is often high in those with stress or anxiety.
Magnesium threonate for Headaches
Suboptimal magnesium levels are associated with increased frequency and severity of migraines and headaches (7).
Restoring magnesium balance has been shown to reduce the overall incidence of all types of headaches.
Because magnesium L-threonate crosses the blood-brain barrier and directly influences brain function, it may offer additional benefits and be faster acting for managing migraines and tension headaches over other forms of magnesium
Magnesium l Threonate for brain health
Magnesium has well known roles in the brain, and low levels over a lifetime are associated with poor cognitive health outcomes, higher rates of dementia, memory loss and Alzheimer's Disease.
Since Magnesium L-threonate can cross the blood brain, it is known as a neuronutrient. It supports communication between nerve cells, helps maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, and reduces neural inflammation.
It also promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form and reorganize connections, by enhancing the development of new neural networks and increasing synaptic density(8). This is a key mechanism for maintaining cognitive health through the aging process and is considered a critical therapeutic target in brain aging and neurodegeneration.
Magnesium L-Threonate for brain fog
Magnesium, especially magnesium L-threonate, can help reduce brain fog by targeting key underlying factors like:
- Poor sleep
- Neuroinflammation
- Stress.
This unique form of magnesium supports brain coherence, promoting mental clarity, sharper focus, and improved cognitive processing and organization for more fluid, clear thinking
Magnesium L-Threnoate for Learning and memory
Raising brain magnesium levels enhances the brain’s ability to absorb and retain new information, supporting both short- and long-term memory(9, 10,11).
Magnesium plays a critical role in the health of the hippocampus, the brain’s central hub for learning and memory. It does this by strengthening synaptic connections and helping to regulate inflammation.
The impact of magnesium L-threonate is so significant that it's being studied for its potential to improve memory in cases of mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
In fact, low brain magnesium levels are now being looked at as a modifiable risk factor for memory loss across the spectrum.
Now that the benefits of magnesium threonate have been explained, let’s look to see how to get the most out of a magnesium threonate supplement
When to take magnesium threonate
Magnesium L-threonate offers cognitive benefits regardless of the time of day it's taken, morning, afternoon, or evening.
However, for optimal results, it’s best taken before bed to support deep, restful sleep.
The brain remains active during sleep, and magnesium plays a key role in many of the neurological processes that occur during this time, potentially enhancing its effects when taken at night.
Recommended Dose: 1,000 mg of Magtein® (magnesium L-threonate) daily is suggested for maximum benefit with 77mg of elemental magnesium. While some studies have used up to 2,000 mg, it’s not advised to exceed this amount.
Why Liposomal Magnesium L-threonate?
This advanced delivery form enhances absorption by encapsulating magnesium in liposomes- tiny lipid particles that improve cellular uptake compared to standard capsules. The lipids used are phospholipids, primarily phosphatidylcholine, which is itself a vital nutrient for brain health. Because of its superior bioavailability, you may need a lower dose; for instance, 1,000 mg of liposomal magnesium L-threonate is typically sufficient.
We handpick the best products for our customers, which is why we stock Lypo-spheric ⓇMagnesium L-Threonate. It contains Magtein®, the only clinically proven magnesium threonate to elevate levels in the brain. Shop it here!
Increasing magnesium levels in the brain is a great step toward life long brain health, if you have questions- reach out to us via email at info@livlong.ca
