Magnesium L-Threonate Reviews, Benefits, Safety and Doses

Magnesium L-Threonate (MgT) is a new form of the basic element magnesium. It is derived from L-Threonic acid and is denoted by the chemical formula Mg(C4H7O5)2.

Magnesium is normally acquired by humans through diet, and is abundant in many leafy green vegetables as well as nuts.

This more bio-available form of the nutrient was developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a dietary supplement to boost various cognitive functions, like learning and short and long term memory. As a relatively new supplement, extensive testing has not yet been done on this compound.

The following is a summary of what is known so far about how this derivative of a widely supplemented basic mineral could significantly impact brain power.

Magnesium L-Threonate

Natural Nootropic

Memory

Mood

Sleep Quality

How It Works:

• Supports learning and memory
• Reduces stress & anxiety response
• Improves sleep quality & Restless Leg Syndrome

Dosage:

Between 200 - 500 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Magnesium L-Threonate Effects

The body already depends upon magnesium to maintain the efficacy of many basic functions. The human body typically contains 25 grams of magnesium at any given time.

It is used in the formation of bones, and to enhance the effectiveness of nerve communication and muscle response. It also boosts glucose metabolism and increases energy throughout the central nervous system.

In recent studies done at MIT and Beijing’s Tsinghua University, Magnesium L-Threonate was found to dramatically increase the activity and plasticity of synapses. That means these connections between neurons were more inclined to grow and exhibit healthy, efficient communication behaviors.

This was especially true in the hippocampus, home of all memory function in the human brain. Magnesium L-Threonate may achieve this effect partly by increasing cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.

Magnesium L-Threonate Benefits

The synaptic activity generated by Magnesium L-Threonate resulted in notable increases in various types of memory in test subjects. Memory recall was increased, especially in older subjects.

This indicates that MgT could have a slowing effect upon normal age-related memory decline. As the neural tissues age, they become increasingly inflexible and less inclined to new synaptic growth. This process results in memory loss and the general inability to learn new things and create new neural pathways in the process. Scientists hope that MgT can address this problem.

The compound has also been shown to relieve chronic neuropathic pain. There is some debate over whether these benefits are substantially different than those which can be achieved with a standard Magnesium sulfate dosage. Both compounds seem to produce gains in memory function.

These benefits are in addition to standard magnesium benefits such as improved bone strength, better nerve function, and general increases in mental and physical energy through glucose production.

Magnesium deficiencies are also linked to irregular heartbeat, a condition which careful supplementation can alleviate. Finally, magnesium supplements are widely used as a sleep aid. The mineral is a natural muscle relaxer which can also calm the brain at bedtime, making it an effective cure for insomnia as well as Restless Leg Syndrome.

Magnesium L-Threonate Dosage

Standard magnesium dosages for adults are generally accepted to be 400 mg per day for men and 300 mg per day for women.

Most commercial products containing Magnesium L-Threonate offer as much as 2000 mg per serving. It is important to note that this number will translate into approximately 140 mg of elemental magnesium, in a highly absorbable form.

Most people stack magnesium supplements with calcium in a 1 to 3 ratio, magnesium to calcium. When used as part of a nootropic cognitive enhancement program, many people stack magnesium with oxiracetam, which inhibits magnesium’s antagonism of NMDA receptors. This action could theoretically result in even greater synaptic plasticity.

Magnesium L-Threonate Side Effects

Taking too much magnesium in any form can lead to serious side effects. For some people, very large doses of magnesium (over 350 mg per day) can lead to very low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and intense brain fog. Extreme overdoses can result in death.

It is recommended that magnesium be completely avoided by anyone with kidney issues or on kidney-related medication. Adding more magnesium can result in an overwhelming burden for the kidneys. The mineral is also not safe for people who have been diagnosed with heart conditions such as heart block.

As it is a relatively new variant, there have not been extensive studies on Magnesium L-Threonate side effects, but contraindications for Magnesium Sulfate should be similar.

Magnesium L-Threonate Review

Magnesium L-Threonate might represent a more efficient method for achieving regular magnesium sulfate’s well-known cognitive benefits. It improved short-term memory, long-term memory, and learning ability in test subjects.

By increasing overall neural health and function via synaptogenesis, MgT contributed to long term neuro-protective health, staving off common memory loss due to aging.

While it is not appropriate for people with kidney or heart conditions, it is at least as safe and effective as a standard magnesium sulfate supplement, which is taken widely.

Magnesium Threonate appears to have higher absorption rates and produce more intense cognitive effects than regular formulations.

Most people combine magnesium supplements with calcium, or stack them with oxiracetam to promote increased memory function. As more research is compiled, MgT may eventually become the preferred method for consuming this very common and essential mineral.

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