Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Magnesium threonate is a form of magnesium that has been studied for its potential effects on memory and brain function, primarily because it is believed to more effectively cross the blood-brain barrier compared to other magnesium salts. The interest in magnesium threonate began with preclinical studies, notably a 2010 study published in Neuron that found magnesium threonate increased magnesium levels in the brain of rats, leading to improvements in learning abilities, working memory, and short- and long-term memory. Subsequent animal studies have generally supported these findings, suggesting neuroprotective effects and improvements in synaptic plasticity.

Human research, however, remains limited. A small randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (2016) found that older adults with cognitive complaints who took magnesium threonate for 12 weeks experienced improvements in certain measures of cognitive function and executive function. These results are promising but preliminary due to small sample sizes and short durations. There is currently no large-scale, long-term clinical trial confirming its efficacy for memory or brain health in the general population or in those with dementia.

Overall, while the theoretical rationale and early research are encouraging, the current level of evidence supporting magnesium threonate for memory and brain function is modest and not definitive, warranting a rating of 2 out of 5.

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