Magtein® is the patented form of magnesium L-threonate used in research on brain magnesium levels, cognitive performance, memory, and sleep quality. Unlike general magnesium supplements, Magtein® has been studied specifically for its ability to support magnesium levels in the brain, which is why it is commonly used in cognitive health and sleep-support formulas.
This page summarizes key published studies on magnesium L-threonate and Magtein®-based formulas, including the dose used, study duration, number of participants, and primary research outcomes.
Looking for the product version? View Double Wood Magnesium L-Threonate made with Magtein®, which provides 2,000 mg Magtein® Magnesium L-Threonate and 144 mg elemental magnesium per 4-capsule serving.
Key Research Summary
| Study | Population | Dose Used | Duration | Primary Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slutsky et al., 2010 | Animal model | Magnesium L-threonate | Varied by experiment | Increased brain magnesium was associated with improvements in learning, working memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. |
| Liu et al., 2016 | Adults aged 50–70 with cognitive impairment | 1.5–2 g/day MMFS-01, a magnesium L-threonate formula | 12 weeks | Improved measures of cognitive ability, including executive function, compared with placebo. |
| Magtein®PS Study, 2022 | 109 healthy adults aged 18–65 | 2 g/day Magtein®PS formula | 30 days | Evaluated cognitive benefits of a Magtein® and phosphatidylserine-based formula. |
| Lopresti & Smith, 2026 | 100 adults aged 18–45 with self-reported dissatisfied sleep | 2 g/day Magtein® | 6 weeks | Evaluated cognitive performance, cognitive age, sleep quality, and selected physiological markers. |
Slutsky et al. 2010: Brain Magnesium, Learning, and Memory
Study title: Enhancement of Learning and Memory by Elevating Brain Magnesium
Authors: Inna Slutsky, Nadine Abumaria, Li-Jun Wu, Chian-Ming Huang, Li Zhang, Bo Li, Xian Zhao, Arvind Govindarajan, Ming-Gao Zhao, Min Zhuo, Susumu Tonegawa, and Guosong Liu
Year / Journal: 2010, Neuron
Study type: Preclinical animal study
Dose used: Magnesium L-threonate was used to increase brain magnesium levels in animal models.
Duration: Varied by experiment
Sample size: Animal model; not a human clinical trial
Primary outcome: Researchers reported that increasing brain magnesium with magnesium L-threonate was associated with improvements in learning abilities, working memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory in rats.
Plain-English takeaway: This foundational study helped establish why magnesium L-threonate became a focus of brain-health research: it showed that raising brain magnesium may support learning and memory-related outcomes in animal models.
Liu et al. 2016: MMFS-01 in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Guosong Liu, Jason G. Weinger, Zhong-Lin Lu, Feng Xue, and Safa Sadeghpour
Year / Journal: 2016, Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease
Study type: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trial
Dose used: 1.5–2 g/day of MMFS-01, a magnesium L-threonate formula. At the conclusion of the study, 35% of subjects were taking 1.5 g/day and 65% were taking 2 g/day.
Duration: 12 weeks
Sample size: Enrollment targeted 50 subjects, with 25 subjects per group.
Primary outcome: The study evaluated cognitive ability in adults aged 50–70 with cognitive impairment. Researchers reported that MMFS-01 improved measures of cognitive ability, including executive function, compared with placebo.
Plain-English takeaway: This is one of the key human clinical studies supporting the use of magnesium L-threonate formulas at a daily dose of 1.5–2 g for cognitive health research.
Magtein®PS 2022: Magtein® + Phosphatidylserine Formula
Study title: A Magtein®, Magnesium L-Threonate, -Based Formula Improves Brain Cognitive Functions in Healthy Chinese Adults
Year / Journal: 2022, Nutrients
Study type: Double-blind, placebo-controlled human study
Dose used: 2 g/day of Magtein®PS, a formula containing Magtein® magnesium L-threonate, phosphatidylserine, and vitamins C and D.
Duration: 30 days
Sample size: 109 healthy Chinese adults aged 18–65
Primary outcome: The study evaluated cognitive benefits of the Magtein®PS formula compared with placebo.
Plain-English takeaway: This study is relevant because it used a 2 g/day Magtein®-based formula in healthy adults, although the formula included additional ingredients beyond magnesium L-threonate alone.
Lopresti & Smith 2026: Magtein® for Cognitive Performance and Sleep Quality
Authors: Adrian L. Lopresti and Stephen J. Smith
Year / Journal: 2026, Frontiers in Nutrition
Study type: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trial
Dose used: 2 g/day of Magtein®
Duration: 6 weeks
Sample size: 100 adults aged 18–45 with self-reported dissatisfied sleep
Primary outcome: The study evaluated cognitive performance, cognitive age, sleep quality, and selected physiological indicators.
Plain-English takeaway: This study is especially useful for shoppers comparing Magtein® products because it used the same 2 g/day Magtein® dose commonly listed on supplement labels.
How Double Wood’s Serving Compares to the Research Dose
Double Wood Magnesium L-Threonate is designed around the commonly studied Magtein® dose. Each 4-capsule serving provides:
- 2,000 mg Magtein® Magnesium L-Threonate
- 144 mg elemental magnesium
- Serving size: 4 capsules
That 2 g serving aligns with the dose used in several Magtein® and magnesium L-threonate studies, including the 2 g/day dose used in the Lopresti & Smith 2026 trial and the Magtein®PS 2022 study, as well as the 1.5–2 g/day range used in the Liu et al. 2016 trial.
Double Wood Magnesium L-Threonate is formulated to match the commonly studied 2 g/day Magtein® serving. Shop Double Wood Magnesium L-Threonate made with Magtein®.
Important Context
Magnesium L-threonate research includes both human clinical studies and preclinical animal research. Human studies are most useful for understanding real-world supplement dosing, while animal studies help explain possible mechanisms. These studies should not be interpreted as proof that magnesium L-threonate treats, cures, or prevents any disease.
As with any dietary supplement, follow the product label and consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a medical condition.
