OnePin Peptide Library · Cognitive & Mood
Magnesium L-Threonate
Magtein · Magnesium Threonate
Magnesium L-threonate (marketed as Magtein) is a patented form of magnesium developed at MIT specifically to raise brain magnesium levels. Unlike other magnesium salts (citrate, glycinate, oxide), threonate is the only form demonstrated to significantly increase cerebrospinal fluid magnesium concentrations in animal studies. This is because the threonate moiety enhances magnesium transport across the blood-brain barrier.,Magnesium is a critical cofactor for over 600 enzymatic reactions and is essential for NMDA receptor function, synaptic plasticity, and long-term potentiation (the cellular basis of memory). An estimated 50-80% of the US population is magnesium deficient, and brain magnesium levels decline with age, contributing to cognitive decline, poor sleep, and increased anxiety. Standard magnesium supplements raise serum levels but have limited ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.,Research from MIT (Bhatt et al. 2020, Slutsky et al. 2010) demonstrated that magnesium threonate enhances synaptic density, improves short-term and long-term memory, and reverses age-related cognitive decline in animal models. A human RCT (2016) showed significant improvement in cognitive function in older adults with subjective memory concerns. It is widely used in biohacking for cognitive enhancement, sleep quality, and anxiety reduction.
Split dosing recommended: 1 capsule in the morning, 2 capsules 1 hour before bed. The evening dose supports sleep. Can be taken with or without food.
Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.
How it works
Magnesium L-threonate delivers magnesium across the blood-brain barrier more effectively than other magnesium salts. The threonate (a vitamin C metabolite) acts as a carrier molecule that enhances magnesium transport into the CNS. Once in the brain, magnesium exerts its effects primarily through NMDA receptor modulation.,Magnesium is a voltage-dependent blocker of the NMDA receptor ion channel. At resting membrane potential, magnesium blocks the channel, preventing calcium influx. During depolarization (synaptic activity), magnesium is expelled, allowing calcium entry and signal transmission. Optimal brain magnesium levels improve the signal-to-noise ratio of NMDA receptor activation - enhancing true synaptic signals while suppressing background noise. This improves long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), the cellular mechanisms of learning and memory.,Additionally, elevated brain magnesium increases synaptic density and the number of functional synaptic connections, particularly in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. It also reduces expression of NR2B-containing NMDA receptors (associated with background noise) while preserving NR2A-containing receptors (associated with synaptic plasticity), optimizing the receptor subunit ratio for cognitive function.
Magnesium L-threonate delivers magnesium across the blood-brain barrier more effectively than other magnesium salts. The threonate (a vitamin C metabolite) acts as a carrier molecule that enhances magnesium transport into the CNS. Once in the brain, magnesium exerts its effects primarily through NMDA receptor modulation.,Magnesium is a voltage-dependent blocker of the NMDA receptor ion channel. At resting membrane potential, magnesium blocks the channel, preventing calcium influx. During depolarization (synaptic activity), magnesium is expelled, allowing calcium entry and signal transmission. Optimal brain magnesium levels improve the signal-to-noise ratio of NMDA receptor activation - enhancing true synaptic signals while suppressing background noise. This improves long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), the cellular mechanisms of learning and memory.,Additionally, elevated brain magnesium increases synaptic density and the number of functional synaptic connections, particularly in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. It also reduces expression of NR2B-containing NMDA receptors (associated with background noise) while preserving NR2A-containing receptors (associated with synaptic plasticity), optimizing the receptor subunit ratio for cognitive function.
What to expect
Week 1-2: Sleep improvement and mild relaxation. Brain magnesium levels beginning to rise.
Evidence
Interactions & stacking
What's safe to combine, and what belongs in a separate pin.
Safe & synergistic
Keep separate
Pharmacokinetics
Storage. Store at room temperature (20-25C) in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture. Capsules are hygroscopic and should be kept in sealed containers. Shelf life typically 2 years from manufacture.
Regulatory status
Classified as a dietary supplement in the US (not FDA-approved for any medical condition). GRAS status. Magtein is a patented form (US Patent 8,178,118). No prescription required. Widely available over the counter.
Put it to work
Calculate, log & track
Open Magnesium L-Threonate straight into OnePin with your vial and dose pre-filled, then let it handle the syringe math and remind you before the vial runs out.
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The guide & community
The complete Magnesium L-Threonate walkthrough, real protocol discussion and coaching live inside the BlessUp community on Skool.
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