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Natural Awakenings Greater Boston - Rhode Island

Magnesium l-Threonate: The Best Form of Magnesium for The Brain

Aug 30, 2024 09:31AM ● By Dr. Gary Kracoff
Magnesium Threonate is the clinically tested form of magnesium that has been shown to enhance mental focus and clarity, improve memory and cognition in those with age-related memory decline, improve sleep quality including time spent in deep and REM sleep. Further, studies show it also supports mental and emotional well-being.

Magnesium is one of the most important minerals for human physiology, serving as a cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions. The 2013 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey found that 48 percent of the U.S. population consumed less than the recommended daily allowance for magnesium. Additionally, magnesium status can be negatively impacted by aging, certain health conditions, medications, exercise and diet choices.

A sufficient level of magnesium is essential for the health and function of the brain. Some of its most important functions are protecting the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, serving as a cofactor for neurotransmitter synthesis, and modulating receptors. The transportation of magnesium into the brain is normally a restricted process due to the tight regulation of magnesium in the blood.

In 2010, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology published their novel discovery of Magnesium L-Threonate, the only magnesium complex shown to specifically increase magnesium levels within the brain. Intraneuronal magnesium has been scientifically demonstrated to support neuroplasticity, mental focus and memory in the aging brain. It promotes quality of life by supporting a balanced sleep-wake cycle and mood. Magnesium l-Threonate can also help alleviate occasional nervousness and stress.

Benefits Sleep Quality:
Poor sleep affects 62 percent of adults worldwide. Insufficient magnesium intake and poor sleep have been correlated in several studies. Some mechanisms to explain the connection between poor sleep with inadequate magnesium are the ability of magnesium to bind gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, attenuation of the stress response, or its role as a cofactor in melatonin synthesis.

Mental-Emotional Health:
A 2023 survey reports that 49 percent of adults in the U.S. report frequent stress. Symptoms of low mood and nervousness can occur independently of stress but are often experienced at the same time. In the brain, magnesium supports mood and emotional health by acting as a cofactor for the synthesis of dopamine and serotonin, inhibiting the release of excitatory glutamate and binding calming GABA receptors.

Memory and Concentration:
Memory and mental focus are common patient concerns. In an animal model, magnesium L-Threonate was found to increase the synaptic density and function of neurons in the brain. A decline in neuronal synapses, their function and consequent atrophy of the brain are associated with impaired cognition, a process that increases with age. In a study of older adults with memory concerns, those that received 1.5 to 2 grams (g) of Magnesium L-Threonate daily demonstrated improvement in executive function, working (short-term) memory and episodic memory.

Magnesium l-Threonate is available in tablet and capsule form; many products only require two capsules for the full 2 g suggested dosage. For those looking for support for the brain, make sure to consider choosing Magnesium l-Threonate.

Dr. Gary Kracoff is a registered pharmacist with a doctorate in naturopathic medicine at the Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center, at 577 Main St., Waltham, MA. Consultations with their professional pharmacists and dieticians are also offered. For more information, call 781-893-3870 ext. 2, email [email protected] or visit NaturalCompounder.com.