Magnesium L-threonate and brain magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral for the functioning of the nervous system. Nevertheless, research shows that increasing magnesium levels in the brain is not straightforward.

Many traditional magnesium salts do raise magnesium levels in the blood, but have a limited effect on the central nervous system.

The blood–brain barrier

The brain is protected by the blood–brain barrier, a selective membrane that determines which substances from the blood can reach brain tissue.

This protective mechanism is important for brain health, but it also makes it more difficult for certain nutrients to reach the brain.

Magnesium L-threonate was developed to address this problem.

A unique magnesium compound

Magnesium L-threonate is a compound of magnesium with threonic acid, a metabolite of vitamin C.

Research suggests that this combination may facilitate the transport of magnesium to the central nervous system.

A study by Sun et al. (2016) showed that magnesium L-threonate can effectively increase the magnesium concentration in the brain.

This mechanism forms the basis for further research into the role of this compound in cognitive health.

The study by Slutsky et al. (2010) also showed that increasing brain magnesium can lead to improvements in synaptic plasticity and memory.

Why brain magnesium is important

Magnesium in the brain plays a role in neuronal signaling, synaptic stability, and protection of nerve cells.

By supporting these processes, magnesium can contribute to maintaining cognitive function throughout life.

Magnesium L-threonate therefore forms an interesting area of research within neuroscience and nutritional science.

References:

Sun et al., 2016 – Neuropharmacology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27178134/

Slutsky et al., 2010 – Neuron
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2009.12.026