Magnesium L-Threonate: Clinical Research on This New Form of Magnesium
Magnesium L-threonaat
Magnesium L-threonate is an interesting and relatively new form of magnesium on the European market that has now also been studied in clinical research involving humans.
Interest in magnesium L-threonate mainly stems from research into its influence in the central nervous system and its potential effects on cognitive performance, sleep, and other areas.
Until recently, magnesium L-threonate could not be sold as a food product in the European Union because it was considered an unauthorised novel food. Following an extensive safety assessment, magnesium L-threonate was authorised as a novel food for use in food supplements in November 2024. The authorisation applies to the specific ingredient Magtein®, developed by ThreoTech LLC.
ThreoTech LLC works with selected partners for Magtein®. SG Vitamins is therefore proud to be one of the few companies in the Netherlands authorised to offer magnesium L-threonate in the form of the patented Magtein® ingredient under our own label.
What is magnesium L-threonate?
Magnesium L-threonate is a relatively new and distinctive form of magnesium. It is a compound of magnesium and L-threonic acid. The form differs from other magnesium compounds because it has been specifically studied for its potential influence on magnesium in the central nervous system.
According to the manufacturer, this form crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than other magnesium compounds and therefore helps increase magnesium levels in the brain.
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in many processes in the body. Among other things, magnesium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, normal psychological function, and normal muscle function.
Magnesium can be provided in various compounds. Common examples include magnesium citrate, magnesium bisglycinate, and magnesium malate. These compounds differ in their chemical properties, the amount of elemental magnesium they provide, and the extent to which they can be absorbed by the body.
Has magnesium L-threonate been clinically studied?
Yes. Several randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of Magtein® have now been published, with interesting results.
Interest in magnesium L-threonate arose from preclinical research into how this compound may influence magnesium levels in the central nervous system and its potential effects on cognitive performance, memory, and sleep.
The main clinical studies have investigated:
- cognitive performance and memory
- sleep quality
- daytime functioning
- mood and wellbeing
- physiological parameters during sleep
Cognitive performance and sleep
In a randomised controlled study with a parallel-group design, healthy adults aged 18 to 45 received 2 grams of Magtein® daily for six weeks. Compared with placebo, supplementation supported overall cognitive performance, including working memory and reaction time.1 The study also showed significant effects on healthy sleep.
Sleep and daytime functioning
These sleep-related benefits were also observed in another randomised controlled study with parallel groups. Participants took 1 gram of magnesium L-threonate daily before bedtime for 21 days.2 Supplementation with magnesium L-threonate supported deep sleep and had a positive effect on behaviour upon waking, including mental alertness and daytime functioning.
Mood and perceived stress
Finally, healthy adults aged 50 to 70 participated in a double-blind, randomised, controlled study in which they received 1.5 to 2 grams of Magtein® daily for 12 weeks. The exact dosage was based on each participant's body weight. The study found that supplementation with magnesium L-threonate supported overall mood and reduced feelings of stress or occasional anxiety.3
What can we conclude from the current research?
Clinical research into magnesium L-threonate is still relatively limited, but the available studies already provide interesting indications. The available clinical studies concerning magnesium L-threonate have found differences in certain aspects of cognitive performance, including working memory and reaction time.
Positive results have also been reported for certain aspects of sleep and daytime functioning.
Frequently asked questions about magnesium L-threonate
Is magnesium L-threonate better than other forms of magnesium?
Different magnesium compounds have different properties, applications, and amounts of elemental magnesium. The advantage of magnesium L-threonate compared with other forms is that it crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively.
Has magnesium L-threonate been studied in humans?
Yes. Several clinical studies in humans have now been published, including randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies investigating cognitive performance, sleep, daytime functioning, and mood.
Can magnesium L-threonate improve memory?
A recent randomised study found differences in, among other things, working memory and reaction time compared with placebo.1
Does magnesium L-threonate improve sleep?
One study reported improvements in certain objective and subjective sleep parameters. Supplementation with magnesium L-threonate supported deep sleep and had a positive effect on behaviour upon waking, including mental alertness and daytime functioning.2
Is magnesium L-threonate safe?
Magnesium L-threonate was authorised as a novel food for use in food supplements in the European Union following a safety assessment. In the available clinical studies, magnesium L-threonate was generally well tolerated over the periods investigated. As with any food supplement, however, safety and suitability depend on factors such as the dosage used and the individual's personal circumstances.
Conclusion
Magnesium L-threonate is an interesting and relatively new form of magnesium that has now also been studied in clinical research involving humans. Interest in this form of magnesium mainly stems from research into its potential influence on magnesium in the central nervous system. Clinical studies with Magtein® have shown interesting results in areas including cognitive performance, sleep, and various aspects of mood and daytime functioning.
Author: Marcella van der Wel
Published on: September 23, 2026
References
1. Lopresti AL, Smith SJ. The effects of magnesium L-threonate (Magtein®) on cognitive performance and sleep quality in adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Front Nutr. 2026;12:1729164. Published 2026 Jan 12. doi:10.3389/fnut.2025.1729164
2. Hausenblas HA, Lynch T, Hooper S, et al. Magnesium-L-threonate improves sleep quality and daytime functioning in adults... A randomized controlled trial. Sleep Med: X. 2024;8:100121. Published 2024 Aug 17. doi:10.1016/j.sleepx.2024.100121
3. Hewlings S, Kalman D. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, comparator trial evaluating Magtein® magnesium supplement on quality of life as related to levels of stress, anxiety, fear and other indicators. EC Nutrition. 2022;17.3:07-14. Published 2022 Feb 25.