Magtein linked to cognitive and physiological gains in new clinical trial
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial has found that Magtein – the patented form of magnesium L-threonate developed by Threotech – is associated with measurable improvements in cognitive performance, memory, reaction time, and physiological stress markers in healthy younger adults.
Study design and methodology
The six-week trial enrolled 100 healthy adults aged 18-45 with self-reported sleep dissatisfaction, who received either 2g daily of Magtein or a placebo. Cognitive performance was assessed using the NIH Cognitive Toolbox, whilst physiological data – including resting heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) – were collected via the Oura Ring wearable device. Sleep quality was evaluated through PROMIS Sleep questionnaires, and reaction times and hand-eye co-ordination were measured using a digital aim trainer.
Key findings
Participants in the Magtein group showed improved overall cognitive performance and greater gains in both working and episodic memory compared to the placebo group. Notably, the intervention was associated with an estimated 7.5-year reduction in brain cognitive age. Physiological markers also shifted favourably, with participants showing reduced resting heart rate, increased HRV, and improvement in PROMIS sleep-related impairment scores. The improvement in heart rate variability is particularly significant, as the authors note this is the first time such an effect has been demonstrated for Magtein.
Extending the evidence base to younger populations
Previous research on Magtein had focused primarily on older populations. Dr Jennifer Gu, SVP of R&D at Magtein, noted the broader applicability of the new findings: “While earlier studies have demonstrated that Magtein supports cognitive performance in older populations, this latest research confirms those benefits also extend to younger adults.”
Dr Gu added that the findings open further lines of enquiry: “The growing body of evidence supports its use in formulations designed to support healthy brain cognitive aging, stress resilience, and sleep.”
The study was conducted by researchers at Clinical Research Australia, Perth, and is consistent with the proposed mechanism by which magnesium L-threonate crosses the blood-brain barrier to raise cerebral magnesium concentrations.
Reference
Lopresti AL, Smith SJ. The effects of magnesium L-threonate (Magtein®) on cognitive performance and sleep quality in adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Front Nutr. 2025;12:1729164. doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1729164
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