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Buy Now on Amazon *Magtein is a proprietary brand of Magnesium L-Threonate, advertised as “Magnesium for the Brain.”
This dietary supplement ingredient is promoted as supporting memory and learning, brain health and cognitive function. It was developed by scientists from MIT to raise levels of magnesium in the brain.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in bone health, nerve and muscle function, the immune system, energy metabolism, protein synthesis, cardiovascular function and more.
However, up to 50% of the US population is believed to be deficient in this mineral. Low levels of magnesium may result in anxiety, chronic fatigue, depression, insomnia muscle spasms and cramps, irregular heart rhythms or migraine headaches. [3]
Magnesium L-Threonate is a patented formulation of this mineral that is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. Unlike other forms of magnesium that have poor penetration of this barrier, Magtein is better able to influence nervous system function.
According to supplement manufacturers, Magtein helps maintain the density and stability of neuronal synapses, may facilitate learning new information and support a relaxed mood. [1]
Memory
Mood
Sleep Quality- Supports learning and memory
- Reduces stress & anxiety response
- Improves sleep quality & Restless Leg Syndrome
Magtein Review
The Magtein brand of Magnesium L-Threonate is formulated to enhance the cognitive benefits of magnesium supplementation.
The product website states, “Magtein™ is a result of 10 years of research at MIT, where researchers studied the root of cognitive function.” [1]
Magnesium is required for the synthesis of over 300 enzymes in the body and is involved in energy metabolism, neurotransmission, muscle contractions and more.
Significant recent research has focused on the nootropic effects of this essential mineral for mental performance, mood regulation and neuron cell health. However, most forms of magnesium used in dietary supplements are not well absorbed by the brain.
Supplements like magnesium chloride, carbonate, gluconate, oxide, sulfate, aspartate, lactate and citrate may increase levels of this mineral in the body but are not bioavailable in the brain in significant amounts. [3]
Many of these supplements also cause gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping or nausea, especially if taken in high dosages.
According to the manufacturers AIDP Inc., “MagteinTM is the only magnesium compound that has been shown to effectively raise the brain’s magnesium levels, which leads to enhanced learning abilities, improved working memory, and better short- and long-term memory in both young and aged animals.” [1]
In an animal study, it was demonstrated to significantly increase magnesium levels in cerebrospinal fluid after 24 days. [3]
Magtein Supplement Benefits
Supplements containing Magtein are promoted for the following health benefits: [6]
Supplements containing Magtein are promoted for the following health benefits: [- Reduce brain fog
- Enhance sleep quality
- Increase energy and lessen fatigue
- Support overall brain health
- Support healthy digestion
- Balance calcium and magnesium levels
- Support healthy blood pressure levels
Many of these benefits are based on what we know about magnesium supplementation in general, but some of the health claims made are specific to Magnesium L-Threnoate.
The Magtein ingredient is supported by several published research studies that show benefits of this specific product for cognitive ability, memory consolidation and retention, synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection. [3]
In one animal study, Magtein was shown to increase the density of neuronal connections (synapses) in the hippocampus region of the rat brain. The hippocampus plays an important role in memory formation and retrieval.
As we age, the number of synaptic connections in the hippocampus begins to decrease. A loss of synaptic density in this brain region is correlated with impaired memory function.
In another animal study, Magtein was found to improve both short and long-term memory on a novel object recognition test in aged mice. It was also shown to improve spatial working memory in both young and aged animals. [3]
There have been other animal studies showing that elevating brain levels of magnesium can promote memory performance and cognitive health. In one study, it was shown that increasing magnesium concentrations in the brain prevents synaptic loss and reverses cognitive deficits in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. [4]
User Reviews of Magtein
Users who take Magtein supplements say that these product help with mental clarity, muscle cramping, mood balance, energy levels, headaches and sleep. Some say that they have more vivid dreams when using this product, feel calmer, are able to remember more and have better concentration.
The majority of reviews posted online are positive, but this product does not work equally well for all users. The experienced posted below may not reflect your personal experienced with Magtein capsules.
One user wrote, “When I take my brain feels so alert and clear, also helps with cramping have’t had any since taking it.” [7]
Another stated, “Seems to work differently for different people, but this had such a noticeably quick and positive effect on my premenstrual mood swings and anxiety I’d say to anyone suffering from this – it is worth a try.” [7]
A third user said, “I am more productive, have higher quality energy, and don’t feel like I need a nap midday. If that doesn’t make a person happier, I don’t know what will.” [6]
One other individual said, “The science is mixed on whether this type of magnesium improves cognitive function – not enough studies – but when I added this to my magnesium supplementation my cognitive function did seem to improve. I was very deficient in magnesium, though, due to a couple of medications.” [7]
Not all reviews are positive, and some say that the product did not work for them. Some users cite the higher price tag for this supplement compared to other forms of magnesium supplements and others say that they experienced negative effects.
One user wrote, “it’s expensive (for magnesium), and gave me headaches.” [7]
A second one reviewed the product by saying, “not impressed… I tried a lot of types & brands of magnesium expensive, that for sure…” [8]
Another described their experience by saying, “No effect on me whatsoever. But magnesium is very subjective, so if one type doesn’t work for you, try other ones.” [8]
A fourth negative review said, “Basically, the only thing I have to report with this product is that I have had a harder time falling asleep at night and have found myself waking up throughout the night and having difficulty going back to sleep. Additionally, the sleep I do get does not feel like good sleep at all; I have not been well rested upon waking up. It feels as though I haven’t really been sleeping. AFAIK nothing in my diet/lifestyle changed other than the introduction of Magtein/Magnesium L-Threonate. None of this was apparent before I began taking this product. Now I have one and a half bottles of the stuff left and no reason to continue using it. Buy with caution imo.” [8]
Recommended Dosage of Magtein
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for magnesium is 350-400 mg per day for adults. This is the amount established by the US FDA as the “average daily level of intake sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97%–98%) healthy individuals.” [5]
However, the RDA does not necessarily reflect the optimal dose of magnesium per day and only represents the amount required to avoid deficiency symptoms. Several sources recommend taking more to support specific health goals.
According to the manufacturer, the recommended dosage of Magetein is 1 gram taken twice a day with meals. [2]
They also recommend that this supplement should be taken daily on an on-going basis. According to the Magtein website, “An animal study showed when subjects were taken off Magtein™, the brain synapses began to decline again.”
One manufacturer provides a 667 mg capsule of Magtein, providing 144mg of elemental magnesium per serving. They recommend taking 3 capsules per day, with 2 consumed during the day and 1 taken 1-2 hours before bedtime. Other brands sell this ingredient in dosages of 500mg per pill. [6]
Some brands that sell a Magtein supplement include Now Foods, LifeExtension Neuro-Mag, Source Naturals, Jarrow Formulas Magmind Original Formula, Intelligent Labs MagEnhance, Doctor’s Best Brain Magnesium, Atp Lab Mind Mag, and Dr. Mercola Magnesium L-Threonate.
Magtein Side Effects
Magnesium L-threonate supplements are generally well tolerated by most users and pose a low risk of serious side effects. Magnesium is rated Likely Safe by the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database when used orally and appropriately.
According to the manufacturers of Magtein, when individuals first start taking this supplement it can cause slight drowsiness or a feeling of increased blood flow in the head. If these side effects are bothersome, reducing the dosage can help. [2]
Some users report dizziness or headaches when they begin using the supplement. According to the manufacturer, “These conditions will go away quickly after the brain adjusts to the change. Beginning with a reduced dosage, and gradually increasing to the proper dosage may provide a more comfortable transition.” [2]
It is recommended to take this supplement with a full glass of water if you experience stomach discomfort or gastrointestinal side effects like nausea. Taking Magtein immediately after dinner or before going to bed can also help to minimize potential negative effects. [2]
Supplementing with magnesium or other minerals should be avoided by people with impaired kidney function. If you have been diagnosed with any medical conditions or are currently taking drugs or other supplements, it is recommended to consult with a doctor before you begin using Magtein. [2]
- About Magtein
- Magtein FAQs
- Magtein Science
- Li W, Yu J, Liu Y, Huang X, Abumaria N, Zhu Y, Huang X, Xiong W, Ren C, Liu XG, Chui D, Liu G. Elevation of brain magnesium prevents synaptic loss and reverses cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Mol Brain. 2014 Sep 13;7:65. doi: 10.1186/s13041-014-0065-y.
- Magnesium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements.
- Magnesium L- Threonate-(2,042 Mg), Patented Original Magtein Supplement From MIT Inventors to Clear Brain Fog, Support Sleep, Mood, Focus and Memory – 30 day supply- 60 ct. Veggie Capsules. Amazon.
- Now Foods, Magtein, Magnesium L-Threonate, 90 Veg Capsules. iHerb Customer Reviews
- Source Naturals, Magtein, Magnesium L-Threonate, 667 mg, 45 Capsules. iHerb Customer Reviews.
Article last updated on: July 8th, 2018 by Nootriment