Are all magnesium salts equal? Focus on L-threonate

But behind a single word lies a whole range of forms: citrate, bisglycinate, malate, taurate… and, more recently, L-threonate. Each has its own characteristics in terms of digestive tolerance, bioavailability, elemental magnesium content and nutritional profile.

In other words: not all forms of magnesium are equal.

Among these forms, one is attracting growing scientific interest today: the magnesium L-threonate. A more recent form, it has been the subject of several scientific studies and was recently authorised on the European market as a novel food. This form is drawing attention for its distinctive profile and contributes to normal psychological function. [1].

Magnesium: a key mineral for the nervous system, energy and psychological balance

A mineral involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions

Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in the body. It acts as an enzyme cofactor in more than 300 essential biochemical reactions involved in:

• cellular energy production;
• protein synthesis;
• electrolyte balance;
• muscle contraction;
• nerve transmission;
• proper cell function.

Without magnesium, a large share of the physiological mechanisms that support our daily lives — energy, recovery, nervous system balance, adaptation to stress — would work less efficiently.

In food supplements, magnesium is always combined with another molecule to form a magnesium salt.

This combination influences:

• the amount of elemental magnesium;
• solubility;
• bioavailability;
• digestive tolerance;
• and, potentially, certain specific physiological behaviours.

Two food supplements labelled “magnesium” can therefore have very different profiles.

Not all forms supply the same amount of elemental magnesium:

• oxide → high concentration;
• bisglycinate → intermediate concentration;
• L-threonate → more moderate content.

But the raw quantity is not the only criterion.

What also matters is how the body uses that form.

Some forms are particularly valued for their good absorption:

• citrate;
• bisglycinate;
• malate.

Others, such as oxide, are generally less well absorbed.

Today, research is also exploring a more refined concept: tissue bioavailability, in other words the way in which certain forms might show a distinct physiological profile in certain compartments of the body — an avenue studied in particular with magnesium L-threonate [2].

In general:

• oxide → more osmotic;
• citrate → good absorption but sometimes laxative at high doses;
• bisglycinate → often valued for its digestive comfort;
• malate → generally well tolerated;
• L-threonate → favourable digestive profile in the available studies [3][4].

There is not necessarily a universal “best magnesium”. That said, certain forms may be a better fit depending on the nutritional goal you are aiming for.

Magnesium L-threonate is attracting particular attention in the scientific literature today.

Magnesium L-threonate has not made its name through its elemental magnesium content, but through the distinctive scientific profile that surrounds it.

L-threonate is bound to L-threonic acid, a metabolite naturally derived from vitamin C metabolism.

This structure has attracted the interest of researchers because of its distinct physiological profile.

When it comes to magnesium L-threonate, the scientific benchmark is Magtein®, the best-documented patented form.

Among other things, it offers:

• high standardised purity;
• excellent solubility;
• good stability;
• vegan compatibility;
• extensive scientific documentation [6].

In 2024, the European Commission authorised the placing on the market of magnesium L-threonate as a novel food, following an assessment of its safety and bioavailability [1].

Consistency matters more than immediacy. Studies on Magtein® have generally observed changes over several weeks [2][3][4][5].

[1] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2694.
[2] Zhang et al., Nutrients, 2022.
[3] Hewlings & Kalman, EC Nutrition, 2022
[4] Hausenblas et al., Sleep Medicine X, 2024.
[5] Lopresti & Smith, Frontiers in Nutrition, 2026.
[6] Magtein® Raw Material Specification.
[7] Liu et al., Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2016.