Magnesium L-Threonate
Research reviewed: 2022-2025
Magnesium L-Threonate (Magnesium L-threonate (C₈H₁₄MgO₁₀)) is a dietary supplement with 12 published peer-reviewed studies involving 225 participants, researched for Cognitive Function & Memory, Sleep & Anxiety, Neuroprotection and 2 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Cognitive Function & Memory
ModerateSleep & Anxiety
ModerateNeuroprotection
WeakSleep Quality
ModerateCognitive Function
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Cognitive Function & Memory
To evaluate magnesium L-threonate (MgT) on cognitive abilities in older adults.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate magnesium L-threonate (MgT) on cognitive abilities in older adults.
Dose
1.5-2 g/day MgT (144 mg elemental Mg)
Participants
44 adults aged 50-70 with cognitive complaints
Duration
12 weeks
Results
MgT significantly improved executive function, working memory, and overall cognitive ability composite score. Equivalent to reversing 9 years of cognitive aging.
How They Measured It
Cognitive battery (TMT-B, digit span, face recognition), brain CSF magnesium
To evaluate if MgT enhances learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity by elevating brain magnesium.
Study Type
Animal study (foundational)
Purpose
To evaluate if MgT enhances learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity by elevating brain magnesium.
Dose
Magnesium L-threonate in drinking water (50 mg/kg/day Mg)
Participants
Young and aged rats
Duration
4 weeks
Results
MgT increased CSF magnesium by 15%, enhanced short- and long-term memory in both young and aged rats, increased synapse density, and enhanced NMDA receptor signaling.
How They Measured It
Morris water maze, novel object recognition, synaptic density, LTP
To evaluate MgT on cognitive performance and brain biomarkers in mild cognitive impairment.
Study Type
Open-label clinical study
Purpose
To evaluate MgT on cognitive performance and brain biomarkers in mild cognitive impairment.
Dose
2 g/day MgT
Participants
23 patients with mild cognitive impairment
Duration
24 weeks
Results
MgT supplementation showed significant improvements in MoCA scores and attention/executive function tests. MRI showed trends towards preservation of hippocampal volume.
How They Measured It
MoCA, MMSE, neuropsychological battery, brain MRI measures
Sleep & Anxiety
To evaluate MgT on sleep quality and anxiety in adults with sleep disturbances.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate MgT on sleep quality and anxiety in adults with sleep disturbances.
Dose
2 g/day MgT
Participants
46 adults with poor sleep quality (PSQI >5)
Duration
8 weeks
Results
MgT significantly improved PSQI global score, sleep efficiency, and reduced state anxiety compared to placebo. Sleep latency also decreased.
How They Measured It
PSQI, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), actigraphy
To assess MgT supplementation on stress resilience and anxiety in young adults.
Study Type
Open-label pilot study
Purpose
To assess MgT supplementation on stress resilience and anxiety in young adults.
Dose
1.5 g/day MgT
Participants
18 adults aged 25-45 with elevated stress scores
Duration
6 weeks
Results
MgT supplementation significantly reduced PSS and GAD-7 scores. Salivary cortisol showed non-significant trend towards reduction.
How They Measured It
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), GAD-7, salivary cortisol
Neuroprotection
To evaluate MgT on Alzheimer's disease pathology and cognitive function.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To evaluate MgT on Alzheimer's disease pathology and cognitive function.
Dose
MgT in drinking water (604 mg/L)
Participants
APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice (Alzheimer's model)
Duration
17 months
Results
MgT prevented synapse loss, reduced amyloid plaque formation, and preserved spatial memory in Alzheimer's model mice. Effects linked to NMDA receptor regulation.
How They Measured It
Amyloid plaque density, synaptic loss, spatial memory (Morris water maze)
To investigate MgT on neuropathic pain and memory deficits.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate MgT on neuropathic pain and memory deficits.
Dose
604 mg/L MgT in drinking water
Participants
Spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model rats
Duration
4 weeks
Results
MgT attenuated neuropathic pain behaviors and prevented associated memory deficits. Reduced TNF-alpha and NF-κB in dorsal root ganglia and hippocampus.
How They Measured It
Pain behavioral tests, memory tests (fear conditioning), TNF-alpha, NF-κB
Sleep Quality
Corrigendum/Erratum to "Magnesium-L-threonate improves sleep quality and daytime functioning in adults with self-reported sleep problems: A randomized
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Corrigendum/Erratum to "Magnesium-L-threonate improves sleep quality and daytime functioning in adults with self-reported sleep problems: A randomized
Dose
See study
Participants
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Results
Study results available at linked source.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 40567408. Sleep Med X
Cognitive Function
Magnesium-L-threonate improves sleep quality and daytime functioning in adults with self-reported sleep problems: A randomized controlled trial.
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Magnesium-L-threonate improves sleep quality and daytime functioning in adults with self-reported sleep problems: A randomized controlled trial.
Dose
See study
Participants
Not specified
Duration
21 days
Results
CONCLUSIONS: This showed MgT improved sleep quality, especially deep/REM sleep stages, improved mood, energy, alertness, and daily activity and productivity.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 39252819. Sleep Med X
Oral application of magnesium-L-threonate enhances analgesia and reduces the dosage of opioids needed in advanced cancer patients-A randomized, double
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Oral application of magnesium-L-threonate enhances analgesia and reduces the dosage of opioids needed in advanced cancer patients-A randomized, double
Dose
See study
Participants
116 participants
Duration
90 days
Results
CONCLUSIONS: L-TAMS outperforms a placebo in enhancing the analgesic effect of opioids and reducing the necessary opioid dosage.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 36703238. Cancer Med
A Magtein(®), Magnesium L-Threonate, -Based Formula Improves Brain Cognitive Functions in Healthy Chinese Adults.
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
A Magtein(®), Magnesium L-Threonate, -Based Formula Improves Brain Cognitive Functions in Healthy Chinese Adults.
Dose
See study
Participants
109 participants
Duration
30 days
Results
Study results available at linked source.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 36558392. Nutrients
A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study of Magnesium Supplementation in Patients with XMEN Disease.
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study of Magnesium Supplementation in Patients with XMEN Disease.
Dose
See study
Participants
Not specified
Duration
12 weeks
Results
significantly rescue NKG2D expression and the clinical trial was stopped.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 34655400. J Clin Immunol
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Magnesium L-Threonate research
There are currently 12 peer-reviewed studies on Magnesium L-Threonate (Magnesium L-threonate (C₈H₁₄MgO₁₀)), involving 225 total participants. Research covers Cognitive function, Memory, Sleep quality and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (9 human studies, 3 animal studies), and reported outcomes.
Magnesium L-Threonate has been researched for: Cognitive function, Memory, Sleep quality, Anxiety. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 9 out of 12 studies are human trials. The remaining 3 are animal studies. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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