What is Magnesium L-Threonate?
Magnesium L-threonate is an organic salt formed by magnesium and L-threonic acid (CAS 778571-57-6), commercially known as the Magtein brand. It is marketed for cognitive and sleep purposes due to its potential to increase magnesium levels in brain tissue and support synaptic density. It has been evaluated as a novel food in the EU.
- Molecular formula: C₈H₁₄MgO₁₀
- CAS number: 778571-57-6
- Form: Powder / Organic Mineral Complex
- Quality: Food / Pharmaceutical Grade
- Magnesium L-threonate contains only ~8% elemental Mg by weight (2000 mg ≈ ~144–150 mg elemental Mg). Its standout feature is not the quantity, but its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
What is Magnesium L-Threonate Used For? Why is it Used?
The standout feature of Magnesium L-Threonate is that research has shown it increases magnesium levels in the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier; it is preferred in premium formulations focused on brain/sleep. However, evidence for cognitive benefits is limited and emerging, relying on small studies; there is no approved cognitive health claim by EFSA (general functions of magnesium apply).
Main areas of use: Biological Supplements, Nootropic Formulations, Neurological Support Products, Capsule Filling, Compounded Medications, Peer Research.
Usage in Dietary Supplements
- Cognitive support formulas: Used as the primary magnesium source in nootropic/brain health supplements targeting memory, concentration, and mental performance.
- Sleep and relaxation: Positioned in formulas aimed at supporting sleep quality and daytime functionality.
- Aging and neuro-support: Preferred in targeted supplements for cognitive aging in individuals over 50 (clinical studies have focused on this group).
- Premium positioning: Used in upper-segment products that differentiate from standard magnesium salts with claims of brain-specific absorption.
Usage in the Food Industry
- Novel food status: Evaluated as a novel food under EU regulation 2015/2283; it is not a classic E-number additive and is treated as a supplement ingredient.
- Supplement ingredient: It does not function as a food additive; its use is limited to dietary supplements as a magnesium source.
Effects on Health
Magnesium is a mineral that plays a role in many fundamental functions in the body. The main functions authorized/evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
- Nervous system: Magnesium contributes to the normal function of the nervous system (EFSA general magnesium function).
- Psychological function: Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function (EFSA).
- Reduction of fatigue: Magnesium contributes to the reduction of fatigue and asthenia (EFSA).
- Energy metabolism: Magnesium contributes to normal energy metabolism (EFSA).
- Muscle function: Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function (EFSA).
- Cell division: Magnesium plays a role in normal cell division (EFSA).
Usage Limits in Dietary Supplements
- Nutrient Reference Value (NRV): Mg NRV is 375 mg (1169/2011; based on elemental Mg).
- Upper Level of Intake (EFSA): EFSA: UL for elemental magnesium from supplements is 250 mg/day. The salt amount in L-threonate form is not the limit; the elemental Mg it provides is evaluated against this limit.
- Turkish legislation (TETGK): In TR Dietary Supplements legislation, as a magnesium source; due to novel food status, the suitability of the ingredient is evaluated separately.
The UL applies to the elemental magnesium it provides (~8%); total magnesium intake must be calculated including other sources.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Purity | ≥98.0% |
| Appearance | White Crystalline Powder |
| Moisture | ≤5.0 % |
| Solubility | Water Soluble |
Scientific Studies
The following independent researches relate to the bioavailability, usage, and effects of this mineral (levels of evidence are specified):
- PubMed 26519439 — A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the effect of magnesium L-threonate (MMFS-01) on cognitive impairment in older adults.
- PubMed 39252819 — A randomized controlled study showing that magnesium L-threonate improves sleep quality and daytime functionality in adults reporting sleep problems.
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA and supply conditions for Magnesium L-Threonate.
References
- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- efsa.europa.eu
- ods.od.nih.gov
- efsa.europa.eu
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The usage and health information on this page has been compiled from official legislation/institution sources (EFSA, NIH ODS, Turkish Food Codex, EUR-Lex) and independent scientific publications (PubMed). The product is a food supplement/food raw material and is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of disease.