Magnesium L-threonate, or Magtein, is a magnesium supplement that has been shown to improve cognitive function. Magtein is unique among magnesium supplements in that it can cross the blood-brain barrier, making it more effective at improving brain health.
Magnesium is an essential mineral for human health and plays a role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. However, magnesium deficiency is common, affecting up to 75% of Americans. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include fatigue, muscle cramps, anxiety, and irritability.
Magnesium supplements are typically used to correct a deficiency but there is some evidence that they may also improve cognitive function in healthy individuals. One study found that magnesium L-threonate improved working memory and cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI is a condition that often leads to dementia so this finding suggested that magnesium L-threonate could help prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Other studies have found mixed results on the effects of magnesium supplementation on cognitive function in healthy adults but the overall evidence suggests that it may be beneficial. For example, one study found that magnesium supplementation improved verbal learning and memory in young adults while another study found no significant effects on cognition in middle-aged adults. More research is needed to confirm these findings but the available evidence does suggest that magnesium L-threonate could be helpful for improving cognitive function.