Data published in Frontiers in Nutrition also indicated that daily supplementation with 2 grams of Magtein led to improvements in cognitive performance, memory, reaction time, brain cognitive age and heart rate in healthy adults. Subjective sleep measures also improved.
“It is important to note that individuals in the current study were relatively young, with a mean age of 37 years and cognitive performances at baseline already above age-expected norms,” wrote Adrian Lopresti and Stephen Smith from Clinical Research Australia in Perth. “Therefore, Magtein still has the potential to support healthy aging of cognitive abilities in individuals with adequate cognitive function.”
A critical micronutrient
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) lists magnesium as being necessary for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, from helping maintain normal muscle and nerve function to keeping heart rhythm steady, supporting a healthy immune system and keeping bones strong. The mineral is also needed for blood sugar management and healthy blood pressure.
With between 70% and 80% of the U.S. population not meeting their recommended intakes of magnesium, consumers—and the health care professionals who advise them—are waking up to the importance of the mineral. This has seen sales of magnesium supplements surge, with data from SPINS 2026 Trend Predictions report noting that magnesium supplements were $387 million for the 52 Weeks Ending Oct. 5, 2025 (SPINS Natural Channel, SPINS Conventional Channel powered by Circana data). This represents 20% year-on-year growth for the mineral, which is available in many forms, including magnesium chloride, citrate, glycinate and gluconate.
Magnesium L-threonate (Magtein) has been researched for its potential brain health benefits and is reported to cross the blood-brain barrier. The ingredient is manufactured by Threotech and distributed by AIDP.
The study’s findings were welcomed by Dr. Jennifer Gu, SVP of R&D at Magtein.
“ThreoTech is excited to share that this newly accepted, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study reinforces and extends the clinical evidence established previously on Magtein,” she said. “While the earlier studies demonstrated that Magtein supports cognitive performance in older population, this latest research confirms those benefits also extend to younger adults and highlights additional positive outcomes related to cognitive function, sleep-related measures and physiological markers of neurological and heart health, including improved heart rate variability, which is demonstrated for the first time.
“Together, these findings build on a growing body of research supporting Magtein and further strengthen the scientific foundation behind its broad cognitive and neurological benefits. Today, Magtein is used in more than 400 brands globally, reflecting both its clinical credibility and strong industry adoption. As we look ahead, additional ongoing and upcoming studies will continue to expand our understanding of Magtein and its benefits.”
Study details
Lopresti and Smith recruited 100 adults between the ages of 18 and 45 to participate in their six-week, parallel-group, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. All participants self-reported that they were dissatisfied with their sleep. The cohort was randomly assigned to one of two groups: Magtein (2 grams per day) or placebo for six weeks.
Results showed that Magtein was linked to significantly greater improvements in overall cognitive performance, as measured by the NIH Total Cognition Composite.
In addition to the 7.5-year reduction in estimated brain cognitive age, Magtein was associated with significantly greater improvement in reaction time.
For sleep, the participants were asked to self-report and given an Oura Ring for sleep tracking. Self-reported improvements were reported for sleep-related impairment, but no differences between the groups were reported for other sleep measures.
Although the Oura Ring did not detect differences between the Magtein and placebo groups, a greater reduction in heart rate was observed in the Magtein group. Heart rate variability (HRV), a physiological marker of stress reduction, also increased, as measured by the sleep tracker.
“This study builds on previous clinical trials, which have shown a benefit of Magtein supplementation in various populations on overall cognition,” Lopresti and Smith concluded.
Source: Frontiers in Nutrition, 2025, Volume 12. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1729164. “The effects of magnesium L-threonate (Magtein) on cognitive performance and sleep quality in adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Authors: A.L. Lopresti and S.J. Smith
