Posts Tagged :

healthy aging

The Different Forms of Magnesium and Why Magtein® Stands Apart

610 408 Riley Forbes

Understanding Magnesium’s Role in the Body

Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in the human body, involved in more than 600 enzymatic reactions. It supports energy production, muscle function, nerve signaling, and DNA synthesis. Because magnesium influences nearly every physiological system, balanced levels are essential for overall health and resilience.*

However, not all magnesium supplements act the same way. The compound that magnesium is bonded to determines how well it is absorbed, tolerated, and delivered to specific tissues. Understanding these differences can help you choose a formula that matches your individual goals – whether for muscle recovery, relaxation, or cognitive performance.*

With so many magnesium options available, understanding how each form works helps simplify your choice and ensure optimal nutrient support.*

Common Forms of Magnesium and Their Benefits

1. Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium oxide offers a high percentage of elemental magnesium, but it absorbs poorly in the digestive tract. Therefore, it is often used as a gentle osmotic laxative to support occasional constipation.*

2. Magnesium Citrate

This form combines magnesium with citric acid, improving solubility and absorption. It is widely used to promote regularity and ease muscle tension. However, higher doses may sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort.*

3. Magnesium Glycinate (or Bisglycinate)

Bound to the amino acid glycine, this form is both highly bioavailable and gentle on the stomach. It is a great choice for promoting relaxation, restful sleep, and balanced nervous system activity.*

4. Magnesium Malate

Magnesium malate binds magnesium to malic acid, a compound that supports energy metabolism in the Krebs cycle. This form is often preferred for promoting steady daytime energy and supporting muscle endurance.*

5. Magnesium Taurate

This form combines magnesium with taurine, an amino acid that helps regulate vascular tone and cardiac rhythm. As a result, magnesium taurate may help support cardiovascular and metabolic health.*

6. Magnesium L-Threonate (Magtein)

Developed by MIT researchers, Magtein combines magnesium with L-threonic acid, a metabolite of vitamin C. This structure allows magnesium to cross the blood–brain barrier efficiently, increasing magnesium concentrations in neurons. Magtein supports cognitive clarity, memory, and learning by influencing brain magnesium balance and synaptic plasticity.*

Why Magtein Stands Apart

Targeted Brain Delivery

Unlike other magnesium forms that act mainly in muscles or the digestive system, Magtein was engineered to reach the central nervous system. Its L-threonic acid component enhances transport across the blood–brain barrier, allowing magnesium to enter neurons directly. Once inside, it helps sustain focus, memory, and overall neural efficiency.*

Backed by Clinical Research

Multiple human studies – including those published in Neuron (2010), Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (2016), and Sleep Medicine X (2024) – demonstrate that magnesium L-threonate may:

  • Support working memory and cognitive flexibility*
  • Promote relaxation and improve sleep quality*
  • Enhance next-day focus and balanced mood*

Together, these findings emphasize Magtein’s ability to elevate brain magnesium levels and reinforce long-term cognitive health.*

Synergy with Daily Habits

Magtein works best when paired with consistent, health-focused routines. Combining supplementation with balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and restorative sleep improves magnesium utilization. Including magnesium-rich foods – such as leafy greens, legumes, and nuts – also reinforces mineral balance.

Additionally, staying hydrated and managing stress help sustain magnesium levels. Practices like mindfulness or light stretching can further enhance magnesium’s positive effects on focus and calm.*

Whole-food sources of magnesium, combined with balanced habits, help sustain calm focus and reinforce the benefits of daily Magtein use.*

Choosing the Right Form for Your Goals

While many magnesium forms promote general wellness, Magtein (magnesium L-threonate) is uniquely designed to reach the brain and optimize neural health. Unlike forms that primarily act in muscles or the digestive tract, Magtein targets cognitive performance – helping preserve focus, clarity, and long-term memory.*

Traditional forms of magnesium – such as citrate, glycinate, or oxide – mainly influence muscle comfort or relaxation. These remain valuable for physical wellness, yet they don’t significantly increase brain magnesium levels. In contrast, Magtein crosses the blood–brain barrier to raise magnesium concentration inside neurons, supporting synaptic plasticity and healthy cognitive aging.*

When the goal is sharper focus, calmer mood, and more restorative sleep, Magtein offers a complete, science-based solution. It fits naturally into daily wellness routines and complements nutrient-dense meals, regular movement, and mindfulness for balanced, whole-body vitality.*

References

  1. Slutsky I, Abumaria N, Wu LJ, et al. Enhancement of Learning and Memory by Elevating Brain Magnesium. Neuron. 2010; 65(2):165–177. doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2009.12.026
  2. Liu G, Weinger JG, Lu ZL, Xue F, Sadeghpour S. “Efficacy and Safety of MMFS-01, a Synapse Density Enhancer, for Treating Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” J Alzheimer’s Dis. 2016;49:971-990.
  3. Hausenblas H, Lynch T, Hooper S, Shrestha A, Rosendale D, Gu J. “Magnesium-L-threonate improves sleep quality and daytime functioning in adults with self-reported sleep problems: A randomized controlled trial.” Sleep Medicine: X. August 17, 2024.
  4. Gröber U, Schmidt J, Kisters K. Magnesium in Prevention and Therapy. Nutrients. 2015; 7(9):8199–8226.
  5. National Institutes of Health. Magnesium – Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/. Accessed 2025.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Magtein® and Healthy Aging: What Human Trials Reveal About Memory, Sleep, and Stress

778 526 Riley Forbes

Your brain is designed to learn, adapt, and manage stress throughout life. As we age, memory, sleep quality, and emotional resilience may decline. Supporting brain magnesium levels helps maintain these vital functions. Magtein (magnesium L-threonate) has been studied for its ability to support memory, sleep, and stress regulation.*

Magtein (magnesium L-threonate) may support restorative sleep, stress regulation, and memory, helping you wake up feeling refreshed and energized.

What Is Magtein?

Magtein is a patented form of magnesium L-threonate, developed by neuroscientists to improve magnesium’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and increase brain magnesium concentrations.*

Magnesium supports hundreds of biochemical reactions tied to cognition, sleep, and mood.* Standard forms such as oxide, citrate, and glycinate do not easily reach the brain. Clinical research on Magtein shows its unique ability to elevate brain magnesium levels and support cognitive performance in adults.*

Memory and Cognitive Performance

A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial by Liu et al. examined magnesium L-threonate in adults aged 50-70 with mild memory complaints. Participants took the supplement daily and completed memory, attention, and executive function tests.

Key Findings:

  • Working memory, attention, and executive function improved compared with placebo.
  • Some measures approached the performance of healthy, age-matched peers.
  • Brain magnesium levels increased, confirming effective absorption into brain tissue.

These findings suggest magnesium L-threonate supports cognitive clarity and memory in older adults with mild cognitive concerns.*

Magtein supports cognitive clarity and memory in older adults, promoting healthy brain function and meaningful connections across generations.

Sleep Quality and Daytime Function

Beyond cognition, magnesium plays an important role in sleep regulation. A 2024 randomized controlled trial by Hausenblas et al. evaluated magnesium L-threonate in 80 adults aged 35–55 with self-reported sleep disturbances. Participants received 1 g/day for three weeks.

Key Findings:

  • Participants reported more restful sleep and better mood upon waking.
  • Wearable devices showed increased deep and REM sleep.
  • No major adverse events were reported.

Magnesium L-threonate may support restorative sleep and balanced energy during the day.*

Stress, Mood, and Emotional Well-Being

Emerging research indicates that magnesium levels in the brain can influence mood and stress resilience. In the Hausenblas et al. trial, participants reported less irritability and greater calmness upon awakening.*

A 12-week clinical trial (NCT02363634) is assessing magnesium L-threonate’s effects on anxiety and mood in older adults. Early data suggest potential benefits for emotional balance and resilience as part of a healthy lifestyle.*

Safety and How to Use Magtein

The supplement is often taken in divided doses – morning and evening – to help maintain steady brain magnesium levels.* It can be taken with or without food and is generally well tolerated.*

Consult a healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Benefits may take several weeks to appear as magnesium builds within brain tissue.*

What the Research Shows – and What’s Next

Current human trials support Magtein for:

  • Memory and cognitive performance*
  • Sleep quality and daytime alertness*
  • Emotional balance and stress support*
Magtein may help maintain focus, memory, and emotional balance, supporting healthy cognitive function during mentally engaging activities like chess.

However, most studies are short-term (3-12 weeks) and involve adults without severe cognitive or sleep disorders. Long-term studies in older adults and clinical populations are still ongoing.

To maintain compliance, any product claims should remain structure/function-based (e.g., “supports memory and sleep quality”) and not imply treatment or prevention of disease.*

The Takeaway

Human clinical research shows that Magtein can help support memory, improve sleep quality, and promote emotional balance in adults.* By restoring magnesium levels in the brain, it supports the foundation of healthy cognitive aging, focus, and stress resilience.*

References

  1. Liu G, Weinger JG, Lu ZL, et al. Magnesium-L-threonate supplementation improves memory and attention in older adults with cognitive complaints: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Alzheimers Dis. 2016;49(4):971–990.
  2. Hausenblas HA, Lynch T, Hooper S, et al. Magnesium-L-threonate improves sleep quality and daytime functioning in adults with self-reported sleep problems: a randomized controlled trial. Sleep Med X. 2024;8:100121.
  3. ClinicalTrials.gov. Magnesium L-Threonate for Anxiety, Mood and Sleep Quality in Older Adults (NCT02363634). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02363634

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.