Magnesium L-Threonate (Magtein) - Sports Research

Product: 2000 mg Magtein per serving | 180 Veggie Capsules Brand: Sports Research Primary Use: Cognitive function, brain health, memory support

Form & Bioavailability

Form Used: Magnesium L-Threonate (Magtein - patented)

Magnesium Form | Brain Penetration | Primary Use

----------------|-------------------|-------------

L-Threonate | High (crosses BBB) | Cognitive support, brain health

Glycinate | Low | Sleep, relaxation, general repletion

Other forms | Minimal | Body magnesium, not brain-specific

Magtein is the only magnesium form clinically shown to significantly raise brain magnesium levels by crossing the blood-brain barrier effectively.

Mechanism

Magnesium L-Threonate increases brain magnesium concentrations, which enhances synaptic plasticity, supports NMDA receptor function, and promotes healthy neuronal connections. Studies show it can increase brain magnesium by 15-20%, improving learning and memory processes.

Dosing

• Standard dose: 2000 mg Magtein/day (provides ~144 mg elemental Mg)
• Timing: Often split AM/PM; evening dose 30-60 min before bed
• Duration: Benefits typically noticed after 4-8 weeks of consistent use
• Note: Lower elemental Mg than other forms; not ideal for general Mg repletion

Important: 2000 mg Magtein contains only ~144 mg elemental magnesium. This is NOT a replacement for general magnesium supplementation if addressing deficiency.

Safety

Common side effects: Generally well-tolerated; headache, drowsiness reported rarely Contraindications: Kidney disease Key interactions:

• Same as magnesium glycinate
• 🟢 Can be combined with glycinate (AM threonate for cognition, PM glycinate for sleep)

Evidence Quality

Moderate evidence for:

• Memory improvement in older adults (clinical trials with Magtein)
• Cognitive function enhancement
• Age-related cognitive decline mitigation

Preliminary evidence for:

• ADHD symptom management
• Anxiety reduction
• Sleep quality (secondary to brain magnesium)

Key study: 30-day Magtein supplementation showed improved clinical memory test scores vs placebo.

Product Assessment

Positives:

• Uses patented Magtein (the researched form)
• 2000 mg matches clinical study dosing
• Veggie capsules
• Third-party tested
• Non-GMO verified

Considerations:

• More expensive than other magnesium forms
• Low elemental magnesium (need separate Mg supplement for general needs)
• Multiple capsules per serving
• Best for cognitive focus, not general Mg repletion

Threonate vs Glycinate: When to Use Each

Goal | Best Choice

------|-------------

Brain fog, memory, cognitive decline | Threonate

Sleep, relaxation, anxiety | Glycinate

Muscle cramps, general Mg repletion | Glycinate or Citrate

Comprehensive coverage | Both (AM threonate, PM glycinate)

Verdict

Premium magnesium product specifically for brain health. The Magtein patent ensures you're getting the researched compound at clinical doses. Ideal for those prioritizing cognitive function, students, professionals, or anyone concerned about age-related cognitive decline. Combine with magnesium glycinate if also addressing general magnesium needs.

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*Research compiled using supplement-researcher methodology*