
However, the patented magnesium L-threonate drug, Magtein, contains relatively little elemental magnesium by weight compared to other magnesium salts, since threonate weighs so much – 2000 mg of MgT has 144 mg of elemental magnesium. The increase in intracellular Mg2+ then improves cognitive function. This is because threonate promotes Mg2+ influx into neurons as Mg2+ acts as a second messenger for threonate. Magnesium L-threonate delivers magnesium to the brain far more effectively than other forms of magnesium. Magnesium L-threonate targets the brain, and accordingly it’s considered a nootropic, even though other forms of magnesium generally aren’t. Magnesium L-Threonate Benefitsĭifferent magnesium salts target different body tissues by selectively delivering magnesium to that part of the body. The high absorptive rate is also crucial as it means magnesium threonate does not cause gastrointestinal discomfort. However, magnesium L-threonate does not.Ĭompared to other magnesium salts, magnesium L-threonate has higher bioavailability, higher absorption levels in the GI tract, and higher cellular penetration whereby it crosses the blood-brain barrier very effectively. Like magnesium citrate, other magnesium supplements including magnesium oxide, chloride, gluconate and carbonate also result in diarrhea. As a result, the patient suffers from malabsorption, which defeats the point of a multivitamin. This is due to too many unabsorbed magnesium ions in the gut which draw out water into the intestines, and also causes bowel over-stimulation. Unsurprisingly, most magnesium citrate supplements result in diarrhea – a major cause of dehydration and electrolyte loss.

For example, the cheapest salt, magnesium citrate, is used clinically as a laxative for bowel preparation before colorectal surgery. Different magnesium salts vary hugely in their affect on your body. However, magnesium is not available in pure elemental form, and is only provided in various salt forms. To avoid deficiency, supplementing with magnesium is recommended. This is especially common in people who have high protein, calcium, or vitamin D intake as they increase your need for magnesium due to intracellular competition between ions in the intestine – a key process in homeostasis. Severe magnesium deficiency can also result in other ion deficiencies which are incredibly harmful for your body. These vary along the spectrum, starting from appetite loss and nausea, and worsen to cramps, seizures and coronary spasms. The plethora of roles filled by magnesium means that magnesium deficiency can result in severe health conditions. In addition, magnesium promotes a strong immune system. Outside the brain, magnesium is utilized for many other biochemical reactions including (but not limited to) bone and muscle function, blood clotting and insulin secretion. In the last decade, scientists have found that increasing intracellular Mg2+ promotes structural synapse density, plasticity, and also increases the number of presynaptic terminals.

This is especially the case in hippocampal neurons which control memory.

Magnesium, a divalent cation, is important for neuronal activity as it is a cofactor for neural receptors in the brain. Supplementing with magnesium threonate is specifically used for normalizing intracellular magnesium levels in the brain, though other benefits also occur. Magnesium L-threonate is the magnesium salt of the naturally occurring vitamin C metabolite, threonic acid. Why Magnesium Is Important – But Most Magnesium Supplements Are Terrible I’ll also show you exactly where to buy magnesium threonate so you can ensure that the product you buy is legitimate and contains a clinically effective dosage for your health goals. Here, I’ll explain why magnesium L-threonate is superior for use as a nootropic and discuss how it compares to the most common forms of magnesium sold in stores and online. There are several different forms of magnesium supplements that exist today, such as magnesium citrate, magnesium oxide, and magnesium glycinate, but you may not be aware of the best form for cognitive function – magnesium L-threonate. Magnesium is a crucial mineral that plays a major role in muscle and nerve function, facilitating energy production, and improving heart health.
