Neuromag is a Magnesium L-Threnoate supplement made by Life Extension formulated to support brain magnesium levels.
Magnesium plays an important role in over 300 different biochemical reactions in the body and is required to support mood balance, sleep, energy metabolism, cardiovascular health and bone health.
As we age, levels of this essential mineral can begin to decline in the brain and body. Many magnesium supplements have poor absorption in the body and are not taken up in significant amounts within brain cells.
Magnesium L-Threnoate is a form of magnesium supplemet designed by researchers at MIT to have better bioavailability in the brain. It is purported to support health memory and cognition.
According to Life Extension, the Neuromag supplement “Maintains the quantity and quality of synaptic connections between brain cells [and] Supports important brain cell signaling pathways essential to cognitive health.” [1]
Each Neuromag capsule contains 666mg of Magnesium L-Threonate and there is a recommended serving size of three capsules per day. This serving size yields 144mg of elemental magnesium per dose.



- Supports learning and memory
- Reduces stress & anxiety response
- Improves sleep quality & Restless Leg Syndrome
Neuromag Review
Neuromag is made using a proprietary brand of Magtein™, which is a patent-protected form of Magnesium L-Threonate.
In addition to having greater uptake within brain cells, this form of supplement is purported to have less of a laxative effect which is common with other types of magnesium. [1]
As an essential mineral, we cannot make this compound endogenously and must derive magnesium from food sources to avoid deficiency. As we age, our ability to absorb this mineral from foods we eat may decline and supplementation may be necessary.
Magnesium is important for healthy functioning of many different systems in the body related to metabolism, communication between neurons in the brain, heart health and more.
It is a co-factor in more than 600 enzymatic reactions and is involved in 300 biochemical reactions within the human body. However, in the United States less than half of the population is believed to get adequate amounts of this mineral in their diet. [1]
Signs of magnesium deficiency can include:
- Over-excitedness
- Muscle cramps, tremors or weakness
- Fatigue or brain fog
- Difficulty learning and memory impairment
- Apathy
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Irritable mood
- Mental confusion
- Lack of appetite
- Increased sensitivity to sound and light [2]
Many people use magnesium supplements to prevent deficiency and to support health and well-being. This supplement is commonly used by athletes and by individuals who want to support longevity, relaxation and healthy sleep patterns.
However, common supplements like magnesium gluconate or magnesium citrate are not able to significantly raise brain levels of this mineral and may come with adverse gastrointestinal side effects.
According to the makers of the active ingredient in Neuromag, this product has been formulated to “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.” [3]
Neuromag Benefits & Research
Research in animals shows that the magnesium l-threonate found in Life Extension’s Neuromag supplement can increase levels of this mineral in spinal fluid by 15%. In comparison, there was no increase in magnesium levels among animals given conventional forms of this supplement. [1]
Researchers have found that higher levels of magnesium in the brain can support memory and the formation of connections between neurons. This mineral plays a key role in mechanisms underlying memory encoding.
In one animal study, subjects given magnesium l-threonate were observed to have an 18% improvement on measures of short-term memory and a 100% improvement on long-term memory. [1]
Neuromag is also commonly used to promote a calm state of mind, relaxation and mood balance. Preliminary clinical studies suggest that it may have benefits for reducing feelings of anxiety. [8]
This supplement is sometimes used to alleviate muscle cramps and restless legs. According to the Natural Medicines Database, “Extracellular magnesium is critical to both maintaining nerve and muscle electrical potentials and transmitting impulses across neuromuscular junctions.” [9]
There are a number of additional uses for magnesium supplementation in general. Natural Medicines rates it as Effective to Possibly Effective for the following uses:
- Constipation
- Dyspepsia
- Asthma
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Cluster Headaches
- Blood Sugar and Insulin Regulation
- Fibromyalgia
- Hearing Loss
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Osteoporosis
- Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome
Neuromag Reviews
This product has a 4.4 out of 5-star review on the Life Extension website, based on 129 user reviews.
Positive reviews cite benefits for memory, brain fog, muscle pain, joint health and better sleep when using Neuromag. User testimonials also suggest that this supplement is well-tolerated by most people and causes fewer side effects than certain other forms of magnesium.
Some negative reviews state that this product was ineffective or that it produced adverse effects like gastrointestinal distress:
Note that your experiences with this supplement may be different than those reflected in the above reviews. It is important to check with a doctor to determine whether this supplement is appropriate for your health needs.
How to Take Neuromag Safely
According to Life Extension, three capsules of Neuromag should be taken daily, with or without food. They recommend consulting with a physician before using if you are currently undergoing treatment for any medical conditions.
The proprietary ingredient found in this supplement, Magtein, is generally well tolerated but can cause adverse effects in the first week of using it. Some users experience drowsiness and a sensation of increased blood flow to the head when using it.
The manufacturer recommends that users start with a lower dosage for one week or taking this product immediately following dinner or before bed.
Many forms of oral magnesium supplements can cause diarrhea or loose bowel movements. According to Life Extension, magnesium l-threonate has less of a laxative effect compared to other formulations of magnesium used in dietary supplements.
However, some users do experience diarrhea or loose bowel movements when taking this product. It is recommended to drink a full glass of water with this product to minimize negative effects.
Other side effects that can occur include stomach discomfort, dizziness or a slight headache. These side effects are usually temporary, but if they continue then you should discontinue using Neuromag and check with a doctor before starting again.
You can purchase Neuromag on the LifeExtension website or from online health retailers such as Amazon, iHerb, GNC and more.
- Neuro-Mag® Magnesium L-Threonate. Life Extension.
- Rude RK, Shils ME. Magnesium. In: Shils ME, Shike M, Ross AC, Caballero B, Cousins RJ, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 10th ed. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2006:223-247.
- 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.
- Hanus M1, Lafon J, Mathieu M. Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed combination containing two plant extracts (Crataegus oxyacantha and Eschscholtzia californica) and magnesium in mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders. Curr Med Res Opin. 2004 Jan;20(1):63-71.
- Magnesium. Natural Medicines.
Article last updated on: July 8th, 2018 by Nootriment