Clinical ResearchResearch compound

Magnesium L‑Threonate

MIT-developed Mg chelate (Magtein®), synaptic Mg²⁺ booster.

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WHAT IS MAGNESIUM L-THREONATE?

Detailed overview

Magnesium L-Threonate (Magtein®) is a proprietary magnesium chelate developed at MIT by Liu Guosong and Susumu Tonegawa, in which the threonic-acid conjugation lets magnesium ions **penetrate the CNS more efficiently than other forms** (oxide, citrate, glycinate). Slutsky 2010 (Neuron, PMC) – rat study showed **elevated brain Mg²⁺ + synaptic density and LTP increases** in prefrontal cortex + hippocampus. Liu 2016 human RCT (Magtein) – **~9-year reduction in cognitive age vs placebo in older adults** on a small sample (n=44, 12 weeks). Typical dose: 2 g / day (~144 mg elemental magnesium). **Adjuvant to stimulants and racetams**: NMDA-tone stabilization reduces overstimulation-anxiety and insomnia – frequently included in Alpha-GPC + Phenylpiracetam stacks. Magtein®: FDA GRAS. Generic Mg-L-threonate may not match the patented bioavailability.

Mechanism

CNS-elevated Mg²⁺ + NMDA modulation

Onset

4-12 weeks chronic use

Legal status

OTC dietary supplement

Safety

Side effects, stop signs, contraindications

Side effects · 6

  • GI complaints, loose stools or mild diarrhea at higher doses
  • Headache, especially in the first days of use
  • Drowsiness, sedation or grogginess when taken during the day
  • Dizziness or mild drop in blood pressure
  • Vivid dreams or sleep disturbance with too high an evening dose
  • Nausea or stomach cramps when taken on an empty stomach

Contraindications · 5

  • Renal insufficiency or impaired kidney function, due to risk of hypermagnesemia
  • Severe arrhythmia, bradycardia or AV block, due to cardiac conduction effects
  • Concurrent antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones): magnesium reduces their absorption, separate dosing by 2-3 hours
  • Caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding, insufficient human data for this specific form
  • Combination with muscle relaxants or sedatives may increase sedation and muscle weakness

Related Nootropics

Same therapeutic category

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MolekulaX Editorial Team·Source-verified · PubMed · FDA · EMA
Updated: June 19, 2026

The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.