Magnesium is an essential element in the body, and it’s a nutrient many Americans are deficient in. In fact, magnesium deficiency is the second most common deficiency in Western society behind vitamin D. Magnesium plays crucial roles in sleep, cognition, memory, and muscle health, and it’s an ingredient we’ve seen in numerous nootropics. One of these is Magtein, a trademarked and proprietary magnesium compound also referred to as magnesium l-threonate.
Thinking about trying magnesium? Read about our favorite magnesium brain supplement here.
However, the type of magnesium in these supplements varies significantly. Many of the oldest and most established magnesium supplements are made up of magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide. However, these compounds aren’t always the most efficient for biological processes, and many have difficulty increasing magnesium concentrations in the brain.
Recently, researchers have developed a new magnesium compound that appears more efficient at crossing the blood-brain barrier, and it’s a form of magnesium we’re seeing in some of our favorite supplements, including MagTech. Trademarked as Magtein, magnesium l-threonate has several studies linking it to enhanced memory and brain function. It may even help certain individuals overcome fear-based memories and triggers.
Magtein actually contains less elemental magnesium per dose compared to many other magnesium compounds. Magnesium l-threonate contains magnesium in a form paired with a metabolite of vitamin C. It’s this unique molecular structure that allows the magnesium to more easily cross the blood-brain barrier, increasing free magnesium concentrations in the brain more effectively than other forms.
It’s worth noting that research into magnesium l-threonate is still relatively new, and things like optimal dosage may not yet be known for every user. If you think you may have a mineral deficiency that’s impacting your health, it’s best to speak to a healthcare professional.
For our testers, MagTech, which combines magnesium l-threonate with magnesium glycinate and magnesium taurate, has been their favorite magnesium-focused brain supplement; many also experienced better sleep while taking MagTech. MagTech also forms a base for one of our favorite nootropic stacks for productivity.
We’ll continue testing and reviewing magnesium-based nootropics and supplements as new ones, and potentially new magnesium compounds, come onto the market.