The effects of magnesium L-threonate (Magtein®) on cognitive performance and sleep quality in adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background/objectives Magnesium may help support cognition and sleep. The purpose of this two-arm, 6-week, parallel-group, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to examine the effects of magnesium L-threonate (Magtein ® ) supplementation on cognitive performance, cognitive age, sleep quality, and selected physiological indicators in adults. Methods One hundred adults aged 18 to 45 with self-reported dissatisfied sleep were supplemented with 2 g daily of Magtein ® or a placebo. Outcome measures comprised the computer-based National Institute for Health (NIH) Cognitive Toolbox and Raven’s Progressive Matrices Version 2 for the assessment of cognitive function, self-report evaluations of sleep quality and emotional wellbeing, a reaction time test, and physiological data obtained from a sleep-tracking wearable device (Oura Ring), including resting heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) during sleep. Results Compared to the placebo, Magtein ® was associated with greater improvements in overall cognitive performance as measured by the NIH Total Cognition Composite ( p = 0.043), with larger treatment effects on working and episodic memory. There was also a 7.5-year reduction in estimated brain cognitive age and a greater improvement in reaction time ( p = 0.031). However, there were no group differences in changes in the Raven’s test ( p = 0.953). Based on self-report measures, there was a greater improvement in sleep-related impairment ( p = 0.043), but no group differences in changes in sleep disturbances ( p = 0.316), restorative sleep ( p = 0.439), or general wellbeing ( p = 0.436); although in a subset of participants with more severe sleep-related problems, group differences in sleep-disturbances were identified ( p = 0.031). Based on data from the sleep tracking ring, there were no group differences in sleep outcomes, although there was a greater reduction in HR ( p = 0.030) and an increase in HRV ( p = 0.036), a physiological marker of stress reduction and improved autonomic balance. Magtein ® was well-tolerated, and there were no reports of significant adverse reactions. Conclusion The results from this study suggest Magtein ® supplementation for 6 weeks improves overall cognition, cognitive age, working memory, reaction time, HR, HRV, and some subjective, but not objective measures of sleep in healthy adults with self-reported dissatisfied sleep.
Source: Frontiers in Nutrition
Authors: Adrian L. Lopresti, Stephen J. Smith
Institution: Murdoch University
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7122659927