Magnesium threonate is the magnesium salt of threonic acid, a common term used to name other magnesium salts of threonic acid. The most popular of these is magnesium l-threonate, which is the magnesium salt of the L-isomer of threonic acid. This essential mineral is necessary for several vital functions in the body, such as enzymatic reactions, protein synthesis, glucose control, muscle function, and nerve function. Magnesium l-threonate, also known as “brain magnesium”, is a highly absorbable form of magnesium.
It is a combination of the magnesium molecule and threonic acid, a sugar compound derived from ascorbic acid or vitamin C. Theanine, a non-protein amino acid found in tea, also contributes to its beneficial effects. Magnesium l-threonate (or threonic acid) is a form of magnesium linked to a breakdown product of vitamin C to make it more available to the body. A study conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has verified its benefits for brain health.
It was observed that this form of magnesium raised levels of the mineral in the cerebrospinal fluid after periods of 12 and 24 days, while other types such as gluconate and magnesium chloride did not create such a change. Additionally, it may help promote sleep quality and cognitive function. On the other hand, magnesium malate is very well absorbed in the digestive tract and is an excellent choice for replenishing magnesium levels. Magnesium citrate is one of the most popular types of magnesium supplements and is easily absorbed by your body.
Magnesium chloride is also easily absorbed by mouth and is used to treat heartburn, constipation, and low magnesium levels. Lastly, fully chelated magnesium glycinate has good pH buffering activity and helps promote calm effects. In conclusion, magnesium l-threonate is an innovative form of magnesium developed at MIT that has been proven to be particularly effective in increasing magnesium levels in the brain when taken orally. It has many benefits for brain health and can be used to treat heartburn, constipation, and low magnesium levels.
However, other forms such as gluconate, malate, citrate, chloride, and glycinate are also available and may be more suitable depending on individual needs.
