Understanding the Key Benefits of Magnesium L-Threonate for the Brain
Many people experience moments when they are not fully present: They lose keys, forget names, numbers, or what they want to buy in the supermarket. Do you know the moment when you read an article or a book and cannot remember what it was about? In this article, we will look at what causes these issues and investigate the key benefits of magnesium, particularly Magnesium L-Threonate, for the brain.
If the memory lapses we have mentioned have happened to you before, you are certainly not the only one. It may have nothing to do with getting old! This affects not only middle-aged people but younger people as well. In the age of technology, things are becoming increasingly complex. We must deal with many impressions that our brain simply cannot follow anymore at times. Our brains are getting overloaded.
Besides, you can improve your brain health by supporting it with its nutrition to work correctly. Also, giving it a rest from time to time increases brain function.
Magnesium is the fifth most abundant mineral found in the body and is the co-factor of more than 300 enzyme processes. All this enzyme activity cannot function effectively without adequate magnesium. It is essential for good health.
There are many forms of Magnesium today, such as magnesium citrate and magnesium glycinate. While these have some utility, their poor absorption limits the beneficial effects on the brain. The solution to this problem was discovered by scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
The result is called Magnesium-L-Threonate, a new magnesium formulation extracted from the salt of threonic acid and is best absorbed, with values increasing by around 15%.
In this article, we shall be taking a closer look at how Magnesium can help you increase your memory, reverse brain ageing, and feel more relaxed.
The benefits of Magnesium L-Threonate for your brain
Not all types of magnesium have the same effect on the brain. Only Magnesium-L-Threonate is yet known to promote:
- Reversing brain ageing
- Better brain function
- Memory and concentration
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Improved muscle function
- Support for Alzheimer’s disease
The discovery of Magnesium L-Threonate demonstrated that other magnesium supplements are limited in their effects. Its unique structure enables it to cross the blood-brain barrier and significantly increase the magnesium level in the brain.
Relevant studies have shown that Magnesium L-Threonate penetrates the brain tissue better than other magnesium preparations such as magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate and is therefore much more effective at reversing brain ageing, restoring memory, treating stress, and Alzheimer’s disease. For those of you who’d like to try, Magnesium L-Threonate supplements are available in the UK from MAGSUPPS, a trusted brand that specialises in the manufacture and retail of magnesium supplements.
Your brain is also responsible for anxiety, depression, and sleep. In this case, other forms of Magnesium have been proven to be helpful: Magnesium Lactate, Magnesium Taurate, and Magnesium Citrate. The benefits are:
1. Increased brain health
Magnesium L-Threonate (MgT) was developed to solve a frequent problem with other magnesium supplements: poor bioavailability in the brain. Magnesium is essential in the brain, where it helps facilitate efficient nerve transmissions. Inhibitory magnesium ions function against the excitatory effects of calcium on NMDA receptors.
When you have low magnesium levels in your brain, this may be linked to neural hyperexcitation and nerve firing when it should be at rest.
Studies have shown that Magnesium promotes neuroplasticity and aids the formation of new connections in the brain’s memory centres. A study in rats showed that it could increase the density of synapses or connections between neurons in the hippocampal region. It engages in the limbic system that regulates emotions and plays a role in long-term memory formation and recall.
2. Improving your memory
Pre-clinical studies show that Magnesium L-Threonate supplementation can improve memory performance and learning skills. Oral administration of the combination of L-Threonate and magnesium in the form of L-Threonic Acid Magnesium Salt will enhance learning and memory.
Magnesium therapy is also being investigated to help other conditions such as dementia, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and cognitive skills linked to ageing. Another form of Magnesium supporting this is magnesium taurate. This form is a combination of Magnesium and taurine. In combination with vitamin B, it has a high bioavailability and helps to support the cardiovascular system and the brain.
3. Reduce anxiety
Magnesium L-Threonate, Magnesium Lactate, and Magnesium Citrate promote stress relief and mental calmness. Research shows that a deficiency in this mineral can contribute to anxiety disorders.
Magnesium has GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) influences which work as an anti-anxiety due to the levels of the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA is necessary to calm the brain and keep the neurotransmitter from over exciting neurons. Appropriate GABA activity is vital in the brain to avoid feelings of fear.
Magnesium is also involved in synthesising other mood-regulating chemicals in the brain, such as the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Balancing these chemicals in the brain is important for maintaining a stable mood. It affects an area of the brain called the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus that modulates anxiety and stress responses.
4. Reduce symptoms of depression
Research shows that low magnesium levels in your diet could help reduce symptoms of depression and related mood disorders. In an analysis of more than 8,000 human subjects over the age of 65, those with the lowest magnesium levels were found to have a 22% higher risk of developing depression.
According to a 2018 study at the University of Vermont:
“Magnesium is effective for mild to moderate depression in adults. It works quickly and is well tolerated without the need for close monitoring for toxicity.”
5. Reduce Symptoms of ADHD
Magnesium supplements have been used to promote attention span, behaviour control, and concentration in adults and children. Studies show an association between Magnesium deficiency and ADHD. According to a survey of 116 children diagnosed with ADHD, 95% were Magnesium deficient.
Primarily Magnesium L-Threonate has been used to improve attention control and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD. Research also shows that increasing your intake of this mineral through dietary supplements can improve the symptoms. However, there are no clinical studies available to assess whether it works.
6. Promoting sleep
A magnesium deficiency can cause insomnia. Inadequacy of this mineral can also lower sleep quality and increase the number of breaks at night.
Research has shown that supplementation with various forms of magnesium can improve sleep latency, quality, and efficiency in people with impaired sleep patterns, making it easier to get a good night’s sleep.
Magnesium L-Threonate can increase the sleep hormone melatonin and lower the stress hormone cortisol. Also, other magnesium types are said to have sedative-like effects.
7. Relief of migraine symptoms
Research shows that magnesium deficiency contributes to migraines and cluster headaches. Migraines are characterised by severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.
Studies have shown that low brain magnesium is an essential factor in the mechanism of a migraine attack. Patients with migraine attacks had a lower magnesium level in their bodies than those without.
The exact mechanism of action of Magnesium affecting migraine symptoms is unknown. It is known to affect blood circulation and certain chemicals in the brain that may be involved in the pathophysiology of migraines.
Magnesium in the form of L-Threonate and Magnesium Oxide can help promote the release of hormones that have an analgesic effect (relieve pain). It can also encourage the dilation or widening of the narrowed blood vessels in the brain, which help with migraines and blood pressure.