Developed by MIT researchers, Magnesium L-Threonate has been shown to reverse clinical measures of brain aging by nine years.
Magnesium L-Threonate is the only form of magnesium that crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Magnesium L-threonate is a nutritional supplement containing the L-threonate form of magnesium (Mg) that can be used to normalize Mg levels in the body. Upon administration, Mg is utilized by the body for many biochemical functions and reactions including: bone and muscle function, protein and fatty acid formation, activation of B vitamins, blood clotting, insulin secretion, and ATP formation. Mg also serves as a catalyst for many enzymes throughout the body. In addition, magnesium improves the functioning of the immune system by enhancing the expression of natural killer activating receptor NKG2D in cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. This increases their anti-viral and anti-tumour cytotoxic effects.
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body. It’s involved in over 300 metabolic reactions that are essential for human health, including energy production, regulation of blood pressure, nerve signal transmission, and muscle contraction.
Low levels of magnesium are linked to a variety of illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, mood disorders, and migraines.
Although magnesium is present in many whole foods like green leafy vegetables, legumes and nuts, up to two-thirds of people in the Western world don’t get enough magnesium that the body requires to function.
Many people take magnesium supplements to increase their magnesium intake but there are so many forms of magnesium available that it can be difficult to decide which one to take.
Here is a short description of the various forms of magnesium available, as well as their uses.
Magnesium L-threonate is easily absorbed, can cross the blood-brain barrier and supports brain health, potentially aiding the treatment of disorders like depression and memory loss.
Magnesium citrate is one of the most popular types of magnesium supplements and easily absorbed by the body but does not cross the blood-brain barrier. It’s mainly used to raise magnesium levels and treat constipation.
Magnesium oxide is often used to relieve digestive complaints like heartburn and constipation. The body doesn’t absorb it well, so it isn’t a good choice for those who need to raise their magnesium levels.
Magnesium chloride is easily absorbed orally and used to treat heartburn, constipation, and low magnesium levels. Applying it topically may help relieve muscle soreness but it will not boost your magnesium levels.
Magnesium lactate is effective as a dietary supplement and possibly gentler on your digestive system.
Magnesium malate is easily absorbed and may have less of a laxative effect than other forms.
Magnesium taurate is used for managing high blood sugar and high blood pressure.
Magnesium sulphate, or Epsom salt, is frequently dissolved in water to treat stress and sore muscles.
Magnesium glycinate is often used for its calming effects to treat anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Magnesium orotate may bolster heart health by improving energy production in your heart and blood vessel tissue.
Effects on Bone Metabolism
Magnesium L-Threonate has been investigated for its usage in bone health. It has been implicated as working synergistically with calcium in the production of collagen and mineralized nodules and augments the uptake of ascorbic acid into fibroblasts. Magnesium L-Threonate can also act on osteoclasts in an anti-osteoporotic manner.
Magnesium L-Threonate Powers the Brain
Learning is the process by which the brain is able to store new information by forming new connections between neurons in what are called networks. This process is an example of neuroplasticity. This process depends on the actual formation of these connections, as well as the number of connections that are available. We do know that when synapses, the connections that allow one nerve cell to communicate with the next, are diminished, memory impairment ensues. It is thought that this loss of synapses is an explanation for what is called “age dependent memory decline.”
Synapse formation is dependant upon a variety of factors that have been well studied including insulin, ghrelin, various trophic hormones and the ion magnesium, which enhances the activity of more than 300 enzymes.
It has now been discovered that magnesium is a critical player in the activation of nerve channels that are involved in synaptic plasticity. That means that magnesium is critical for the physiological events that are fundamental to the processes of learning and memory.
Magnesium L-Threonate, has the unique ability to permeate the brain and enhance the receptors that are involved in this process.
As reported in the journal Neuron, researchers demonstrated actual enhancement in the learning abilities, working memory, as well as short and long-term memory and even quality of sleep to people who were given Magnesium L-Threonate.
Researchers at MIT have demonstrated actual restoration of function in aging neurons. It appears that this specific form of magnesium may in fact be the only form of magnesium that significantly increases the levels of magnesium within the brain.
