What is Magnesium L-Threonate and what makes it unique? Magnesium is an essential mineral and plays a crucial part in numerous processes in our body, impacting everything from energy production to nerve function. Magnesium is a powerhouse that participates in over 300 enzymatic reactions within the human body. These reactions involve energy production, mood regulation, muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and more. Magnesium is vital for our body, yet many people are deficient in it.
Magnesium can come in many forms and our MagNeuro supplement is in the form of magnesium L-threonate. What makes this so special is that it has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier effectively (2). This unique property allows magnesium L-threonate to elevate magnesium levels in the brain, which boosts cognitive function. Magnesium L-threonate has been shown in research studies to not only improve learning and memory but to also have neuroprotective effects.
In this post we’ll look at the significance of Magnesium L-threonate, dietary sources of magnesium, potential deficiencies, and why it deserves attention.
Benefits of Magnesium L-Threonate
1. Enhanced Cognitive Performance: Magnesium L-Threonate has gotten significant attention for its potential to boost cognitive function. Research indicates that elevated magnesium levels in the brain contribute to improved learning and memory capabilities. Getting the right amount of magnesium helps with the formation of new brain cells and synapses.
2. Improved Sleep: Restful sleep is essential for cognitive function and overall well-being, and a proper magnesium balance is important for achieving restful sleep. Magnesium L-Threonate may play a role in regulating sleep patterns and enhancing sleep quality. In a randomized controlled trial featured in Neuropharmacology, magnesium L-threonate supplementation was linked to improved sleep efficiency and it reduced the time it takes for a person to fall asleep.
3. Stress Reduction and Anxiety Alleviation: Magnesium is recognized for its calming impact on the nervous system by helping to regulate neurotransmitters. Magnesium L-Threonate may assist in reducing stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and stabilizing mood.
4. Neuroprotective Effects: Emerging research suggests that magnesium L-threonate may possess neuroprotective properties. By supporting overall brain health and the stimulation of brain cells, it holds the potential to decrease the risk of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It may also help to prevent general age-related decline in brain function.
5. Migraine Prevention: Individuals prone to migraines might find relief in magnesium L-threonate. Through stabilizing blood vessels and reducing inflammation, it has the potential to decrease both the frequency and severity of headaches.
Dietary Sources of Magnesium
There are a variety of dietary sources rich in magnesium. Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, boast high magnesium content, making them excellent choices for those looking to boost their intake. Seeds (chia and pumpkin), nuts (almonds, cashews and peanuts), and whole grains also contribute to our magnesium reservoir.
Many people do not meet the recommended daily intake of magnesium through their diet alone. This can be due to various factors, including poor dietary choices, soil depletion of magnesium, certain health conditions, and lifestyle factors. The modern diet, characterized by increased consumption of processed foods, may contribute to magnesium deficiencies.
Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face an elevated risk of magnesium deficiency due to the disease process itself, lower dietary intake, medications, and prolonged stress. Monitoring magnesium levels in this population becomes crucial for overall health management.
How do you know if you’re deficient in Magnesium?
Deficiencies in magnesium are associated with a wide range of health issues and can affect your cardiac health, sleep, brain function and bone health. Magnesium status can be challenging to test through standard lab work due to it’s distribution within the body. Most magnesium is found inside cells or in bones rather than in the blood. This means even if your doctor is running magnesium labs, it’s not the best assessment of magnesium. Nutrition physical exams are another way of looking at someone’s risk factor for being low.
Examples of nutrition clinical assessment markers are- loss of appetite, lethargy, nausea, tremor, frequent headaches, trouble sleeping, restless leg syndrome, cramping and constipation. These are just some of the things to look at with your healthcare provider.
What to Keep in Mind
Magnesium L-Threonate is a special form of magnesium that holds promise in supporting cognitive function, enhancing sleep quality, decreasing stress and anxiety and providing neuroprotection. Nevertheless, like any supplement, it should be approached mindfully and as part of a comprehensive strategy for improving well-being.
Before incorporating any supplement into your daily routine, it’s crucial to assess your individual health requirements and seek advice from a healthcare professional on proper dosage and to help you evaluate whether magnesium L-threonate is suitable for your unique circumstances. Magnesium may not be recommended for patients with a history of kidney disease, diabetes, or certain neuromuscular diseases and these patients should consult their healthcare provider before taking magnesium.
There is ongoing scientific research emerging on magnesium L-threonate and its potential advantages, which is beneficial for those looking to improve brain health and overall well being. You can find our magnesium L- threonate here.
References:
1. Office of Dietary Supplements. (2021). Office of Dietary Supplements – Magnesium. NIH
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
2. Slutsky, I., Abumaria, N., Wu, L. J., Huang, C., Zhang, L., Li, B., … & Zhao, M. G. (2010). Enhancement of learning and memory by elevating brain magnesium. Neuron, 65(2), 165-177.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20152124/
3. Guerrera MP, Volpe SL, Mao JJ. Therapeutic uses of magnesium. Am Fam Physician.