Magnesium L-threonate and memory: a unique form of magnesium for cognitive performance

Magnesium plays an essential role in the human body. The mineral is involved in hundreds of biochemical processes, ranging from energy production to muscle function. Less well known is that magnesium also plays an important role in the brain, where it is involved in processes that are essential for learning, memory, and cognitive performance.

In recent years, there has been growing scientific interest in magnesium L-threonate. This is a specific form of magnesium that was developed to increase magnesium availability in the central nervous system. Researchers found that this compound can cross the blood-brain barrier relatively efficiently, allowing magnesium levels in the brain to increase.

Why is magnesium important for memory?

In the brain, magnesium plays an important role in regulating so-called NMDA receptors. These receptors are involved in synaptic plasticity—the ability of brain cells to strengthen or weaken connections. This mechanism forms the basis of learning and memory.

Magnesium also helps stabilize neuronal signaling and supports communication between nerve cells. When magnesium levels in the brain are optimal, neurons can transmit signals more efficiently and form new synaptic connections.

Scientific studies on magnesium L-threonate

An important study by Slutsky and colleagues, published in the scientific journal Neuron (2010), showed that increasing magnesium in the brain led to improvements in learning ability and memory in experimental models. The researchers also observed an increase in synaptic density in the hippocampus, a brain region that is crucial for memory processes.

Later, studies in humans followed as well. In a clinical study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (Liu et al., 2016), older adults were given magnesium L-threonate over a longer period. The researchers reported improvements in various cognitive parameters, including working memory and information processing.

More recently, a clinical study published in Frontiers in Nutrition (2025) also observed an improvement in cognitive test results in adults who used magnesium L-threonate.

What does this mean for cognitive health?

Although further research is still needed, these studies suggest that magnesium L-threonate supplements may play an interesting role in supporting cognitive function. By increasing the availability of magnesium in the brain, this form may contribute to processes that are important for learning, memory, and mental performance.

References

Slutsky et al., 2010 – Neuron
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2010.12.026

Liu et al., 2016 – Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26519439 

Frontiers in Nutrition, 2025
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1729164/full