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Mineral

Magnesium L-Threonate

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Magnesium L-Threonate. Mg form designed for brain penetration; studied for cognition and sleep.

How it works. Crosses BBB more effectively than other Mg forms; raises synaptic Mg.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Improves cognitive performance in older adults (limited).

How much to take. Typical dose: 1.5–2 g (= 144 mg elemental Mg) before bed.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Omega-3 (EPA/DHA), Alpha-GPC or CDP-choline, Magnesium glycinate.

Common forms. Available as Magtein.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Magnesium L-Threonate. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Magnesium L-Threonate. Mg form designed for brain penetration; studied for cognition and sleep.

Molecular structureC8H14MgO10 · 294.50 g/mol

What it is

Patented magnesium chelate (Magtein) shown in animals to raise brain Mg.

Food sources

Synthesized

Goals

How it works

Crosses BBB more effectively than other Mg forms; raises synaptic Mg.

Pathways

  • NMDA receptor modulation

Effects

  • +Synaptic plasticity supports
  • +Sleep quality supports

What the research supports

Improves cognitive performance in older adultslimited

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
1.5–2 g (= 144 mg elemental Mg) before bed
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the magtein form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Headache (rare)

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Magnesium L-Threonate use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Membrane fluidity and neuronal signaling support.
  • Alpha-GPC or CDP-cholineProvides choline substrate for acetylcholine synthesis.
  • Magnesium glycinateComplementary GABAergic calming and improved sleep architecture.

Common forms

  • Magtein

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Magnesium L-Threonate — Improves cognitive performance in older adults ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Magnesium L-Threonate and "Improves cognitive performance in older adults". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Magnesium L-Threonate — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Magnesium L-Threonate and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Magnesium L-Threonate — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Magnesium L-Threonate and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

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