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Magtein

Also known as: Magnesium L-threonyl glycinate, Magtein

Overview

Magnesium L-threonyl glycinate, commonly marketed as Magtein, is a synthetic chelate of magnesium and L-threonyl glycinate, an amino acid. Unlike other forms of magnesium, Magtein is specifically designed to enhance bioavailability and improve the mineral's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This characteristic makes it a popular dietary supplement for supporting cognitive health, mood regulation, and overall magnesium levels. Research suggests that Magtein can increase brain magnesium levels, potentially leading to enhanced cognitive functions and mood. It is not found naturally and is created to provide a more effective form of magnesium supplementation. The available evidence includes several studies and systematic reviews examining its effects, indicating a relatively mature research landscape.

Benefits

Magtein's primary benefits are centered around cognitive health and mood regulation. Studies suggest that it can enhance learning and working memory by increasing brain magnesium levels. A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that magnesium supplementation, including forms like Magtein, significantly reduced depression scores in adults with depressive disorders (SMD: −0.919, 95% CI: −1.443 to −0.396, *p* = 0.001). This indicates a moderate to large effect size. While some studies have explored the effects of magnesium on anthropometric indices, a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis found no significant changes in body weight, waist circumference, BMI, or body fat percentage following magnesium supplementation. The benefits for depression were observed within 8 weeks or less in some studies.

How it works

Magtein enhances magnesium levels in the brain, influencing neurological pathways involved in mood regulation and cognitive functions. Magnesium plays a crucial role in neuronal function and synaptic plasticity, essential for learning and memory. It affects NMDA receptors, GABA receptors, and other neurotransmitter systems critical for mood and cognitive functions. Magtein is designed to have better bioavailability and to cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively than other forms of magnesium, allowing it to exert more direct effects on brain function. This enhanced delivery mechanism is key to its purported cognitive and mood-related benefits.

Side effects

Magnesium supplementation, including Magtein, is generally considered safe. Common side effects, though not frequently reported specifically with Magtein, include gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping. Magnesium can interact with certain medications, such as antibiotics and blood thinners, so caution is advised. Individuals with kidney problems should consult their healthcare provider before taking any magnesium supplement due to the risk of magnesium accumulation. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also seek medical advice before using Magtein or any magnesium supplement. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for magnesium is 350 mg/day from supplements, and exceeding this may increase the risk of adverse effects.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of Magtein for cognitive benefits and mood support is not definitively established but typically ranges from 200 to 400 mg per day. Studies on magnesium supplementation for depression used dosages ranging from ≤250 mg/day to >250 mg/day, with beneficial effects observed across these ranges. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for magnesium is 350 mg/day from supplements, but this can vary based on individual health status. There is no specific timing recommendation for Magtein supplementation; it can be taken at any time of day. Magtein is often recommended due to its enhanced bioavailability and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Food intake does not significantly affect its absorption, and no specific cofactors are required for absorption.

FAQs

Is Magtein safe?

Magtein is generally considered safe, but individuals with kidney issues or those taking certain medications should consult their healthcare provider before use.

When should I take Magtein?

There is no specific timing for taking Magtein; it can be taken at any time of day, as food intake does not significantly affect its absorption.

What results can I expect from taking Magtein?

Users may expect improvements in cognitive functions and mood, particularly in the context of depressive disorders, based on available research.

Is Magtein more effective than other forms of magnesium?

Magtein is designed to enhance bioavailability and brain penetration, potentially making it more effective for cognitive and mood-related benefits compared to other forms of magnesium.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1333261/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials, involving 325 individuals with depressive disorders, found a significant reduction in depression scores with magnesium supplementation (SMD: −0.919, 95% CI: −1.443 to −0.396, *p* = 0.001). The interventions ranged from less than 8 weeks to more than 8 weeks. The study highlights the potential of magnesium as a beneficial supplement for managing depressive symptoms, though it notes limitations such as high heterogeneity between studies and small sample sizes in some trials.
https://advances.nutrition.org/article/S2161-8313(24)00106-6/fulltext – This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis, involving 2013 participants, examined the effects of magnesium supplementation on anthropometric indices. The study found no significant changes in body weight, waist circumference, BMI, or body fat percentage following magnesium supplementation. While the evidence is high-quality, it did not specifically focus on Magtein, and no significant effects on anthropometric indices were found.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32718360/ – This study investigates the impact of magnesium-L-threonate (MLT) on chronic neuropathic pain (NP) and depression-like behaviors in mice following spared nerve injury (SNI). Results indicate that MLT effectively alleviates mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, while also reducing depression-like behaviors in SNI mice. The findings suggest that MLT could be a promising therapeutic option for managing chronic neuropathic pain and associated mood disorders.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2021.799824/full – This systematic review explores the impact of magnesium (Mg) supplementation on cognitive function, particularly focusing on Mg's role in synaptic plasticity and neuronal signaling. The review highlights that formulated Mg compounds like Magtein can increase brain magnesium levels and enhance learning and working memory. While the review includes animal models, it emphasizes the need for more human studies to confirm these findings and fully understand the cognitive benefits of Magtein.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38213402/ – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigates the effects of magnesium supplementation on depression. The study reveals that magnesium supplementation significantly reduces depression scores, indicating a potential therapeutic role for magnesium in managing depressive symptoms. The findings suggest that magnesium supplementation could be a valuable adjunct treatment for depression, warranting further investigation in larger, well-designed clinical trials.