Magtein® is the only form of magnesium proven to enhance brain magnesium levels, resulting in enhanced cognitive function.

Magtein is a special, branded form of magnesium that is able to reach the brain. This Magtein review details its advantages over plain magnesium supplements:

• Brain bioavailability. Magtein is the only magnesium form patented and proven to enhance brain magnesium concentrations and improve cognition.
• Research evidence. Magtein’s nootropic benefits are backed by animal and human research studies.

Overview

Magtein, also known as magnesium L-threonate, is a patented form of magnesium made by American biotech company Magceutics. This essential nutrient is involved in many life-essential processes, including the proper functioning of the brain. However, standard forms of magnesium have low brain bioavailability, meaning that they are unable to effectively reach the brain.

Magtein’s high bioavailability solves this problem, allowing it to raise the brain’s magnesium levels and result in improved cognitive function. So far, several animal studies and a single human trial have demonstrated that Magtein can fight cognitive decline and dementia in the elderly, and even enhance memory and learning in healthy, young animals.

Researchers believe that magnesium L-threonate works by enhancing the function of synapses – junctions found between brain cells that play a critical role in learning and memory. In particular, magnesium has been shown to support synaptic density and plasticity – the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time.

Magtein Patents

The preparation of magnesium L-threonate and its use in foods and supplements is covered by US patent 8178132.

Cognitive Function/Neurological Disorders

This patent supports the use of Magtein for magnesium deficiency and a range of cognitive disorders that includes mild cognitive impairment, Alzeimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorder, and mood disorders. In addition, it is also said to help with diabetes, migraines, and hypertension (US patent 8178118).

Magtein Nutritional Supplement Uses

Nootropic Supplements

Because Magtein is unique for its ability to raise magnesium concentrations in the brain, it is mainly used in nootropic supplements. magnesium L-threonate products are meant to help with cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, depression, ADHD, migraines, and anxiety disorders. In addition, magtein is also targeted at healthy individuals looking to boost their overall cognition and memory in particular.

Magtein Research

Animal Research

Animal studies demonstrate that Magtein is able to raise brain magnesium levels, which results in cognitive benefits such as enhanced memory and learning.

Magtein appears to raise brain Mg levels and improve learning and memory in rats

This animal study examined the effects of magnesium L-threonate supplementation on memory and learning. Young and old rats were split into groups receiving standard diets or diets enriched with basic forms of magnesium or Magtein for 24 days. Only rats given Magtein experienced a rise in brain magnesium and showed improved performance on tests of learning and memory. These findings were accompanied by enhancement of synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation – two mechanisms that play a central role in learning and memory.

• The researchers concluded that “…an increase in brain magnesium enhances both short-term synaptic facilitation and long-term potentiation and improves learning and memory functions.” ¹

Magtein appears to alleviate Alzheimer’s in mice

This animal study analyzed the benefits of Magtein for Alzheimer’s. Mice with Alzheimer’s were given magnesium L-threonate daily for a month, and underwent tests of cognitive function before and after supplementation. Magtein supplementation reversed memory and learning deterioration and was even effective in mice with late-stage Alzheimer’s. Moreover, the improvement was associated with reduction of Aβ-plaques and synapse loss – two hallmarks of Alzheimer’s.

• The researchers concluded that “…elevation of brain magnesium exerts substantial synaptoprotective effects in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, and hence it might have therapeutic potential for treating Alzheimer’s disease.” ²

Magtein may help with anxiety disorders in mice

This study looked at the usefulness of Magtein in helping with anxiety disorders such as PTSD through its effects on fear conditioning. Mice were supplemented with Magtein for a month and underwent tests of fear conditioning. Supplementation was found to improve retention of fear memory extinction, meaning that it helped the animals control their fear responses.

• The researchers concluded that “…elevation of brain magnesium might be a novel approach for enhancing synaptic plasticity in a regional-specific manner leading to enhancing the efficacy of extinction without enhancing or impairing fear memory formation.” ³

Human Research

Magtein Dosage

• Single-ingredient supplements typically provide 2 g servings of magnesium L-threonate capsules containing 144 mg magnesium
• Multi-ingredient supplements mix different forms of magnesium and other nootropic compounds with smaller doses of Magtein (e.g. 1000 mg)
• The only human study of Magtein used doses of 25 mg/kg body weight, which translates to 1.5-2 g for most people