06.18.24
A new study published in Nature Communications has revealed the mechanisms of action of magnesium L-threonate, a chelated form of magnesium marketed as a dietary supplement ingredient by Threotech as Magtein.
The in vitro study, conducted by neuroscientists from Neurocentria and Tsinghua University, provides insights into how magnesium levels in the brain control the organization and strength of synaptic connections between neurons.
The study highlighted two categories of “synaptic configurations” based on their shape, number, and functional status. “Strong” configurations are more fixed and rigid, and have less capacity for new connectivity. These neurons encode older memories. “Weak” configurations have greater encoding capacity and are more flexible and capable of making new connections.
Magnesium L-threonate penetrates into the neuron, where it increases the quantity and density of these weaker, more adaptive connections, the authors of the study concluded.
The study follows more than a decade of research on magnesium L-threonate, which highlights its unique ability to enter neurons and drive the molecular changes necessary for enhanced synaptic plasticity and reduced brain aging.
Raising neuronal magnesium concentrations, particularly in the hippocampus, induces structural and molecular concentrations that promote a younger, more adaptive brain configuration, according to the authors, which highlights the potential role of magnesium L-threonate in mitigating the effects of age-related cognitive decline.
“Our study not only deepens the understanding of magnesium’s critical roles in normal brain function but also bolsters our belief that magnesium L-threonate can be foundational for addressing neurological health,” said Guosong Liu, MD, PhD, lead author of the paper.
The in vitro study, conducted by neuroscientists from Neurocentria and Tsinghua University, provides insights into how magnesium levels in the brain control the organization and strength of synaptic connections between neurons.
The study highlighted two categories of “synaptic configurations” based on their shape, number, and functional status. “Strong” configurations are more fixed and rigid, and have less capacity for new connectivity. These neurons encode older memories. “Weak” configurations have greater encoding capacity and are more flexible and capable of making new connections.
Magnesium L-threonate penetrates into the neuron, where it increases the quantity and density of these weaker, more adaptive connections, the authors of the study concluded.
The study follows more than a decade of research on magnesium L-threonate, which highlights its unique ability to enter neurons and drive the molecular changes necessary for enhanced synaptic plasticity and reduced brain aging.
Raising neuronal magnesium concentrations, particularly in the hippocampus, induces structural and molecular concentrations that promote a younger, more adaptive brain configuration, according to the authors, which highlights the potential role of magnesium L-threonate in mitigating the effects of age-related cognitive decline.
“Our study not only deepens the understanding of magnesium’s critical roles in normal brain function but also bolsters our belief that magnesium L-threonate can be foundational for addressing neurological health,” said Guosong Liu, MD, PhD, lead author of the paper.