Magnesium L-Threonate Research Guide
Full name: Magnesium L-Threonate (Magtein)
A highly bioavailable magnesium form developed to cross the blood-brain barrier and raise brain magnesium levels. Biohackers use it for sleep quality, cognition, and stress, distinct from magnesium forms used purely for muscle or bowel effects.
How Magnesium L-Threonate Works
The L-threonate carrier improves brain magnesium uptake, increasing synaptic density and NMDA receptor regulation. This supports memory, learning, and calmer nervous-system tone, and improves sleep architecture.
Dosing Protocol
- Typical dose: ~1.5-2 g compound (~144 mg elemental Mg)
- Frequency: Once or split daily
- Duration: Ongoing
- Route: Oral (capsule or powder)
Reported Benefits
- Improved sleep quality
- Cognitive and memory support
- Stress and anxiety reduction
- Brain-penetrant magnesium
- Minimal laxative effect
- Neuroprotective potential
Potential Side Effects
- Mild drowsiness
- Occasional headache
- Rare GI upset
- Low blood pressure at very high intake
Research Citations
- Magnesium L-threonate and cognition (2016) - Elevated brain magnesium and improved memory and cognitive performance in aging adults.
- Brain magnesium and synaptic density (2010) - Increased hippocampal synapse density and learning in animal models where other magnesium forms failed.
Related Sleep & Recovery Compounds
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