- No products in the cart.
Magnesium is a mineral that is involved in over 300 biochemical processes in the body. Some of its most important functions are energy production and maintaining muscle, heart and nerve function. Unfortunately, studies suggest that 50-90% of people are deficient in magnesium with muscle stiffness, chronic irritability, anxiety and fatigue being the most common signs of deficiency.
Due to wide spread deficiency we often see low levels of magnesium in the brain- and magnesium in the brain is essential to its function. Low magnesium levels in the brain can pre-dispose us to neurological disorders and show up as an inability to focus, brain fog and anxiety. In this blog we cover the actions of magnesium in the brain, and most importantly a novel intervention to increase levels!
Magnesium and the Brain Challenges
Taking other forms of magnesium, such as the highly absorbable, magnesium glycinate or malate will increase brain magnesium a small amount. The current stats are for every 300% increase in systemic magnesium we only see a 19% increase in brain magnesium concentration.
Magnesium on its own, to a certain extent can cross the blood brain barrier. The challenge in increasing neurological levels is that nearly every cell in the body needs magnesium, and when we take oral supplementation there is only so much to go around. Because of this, there is often not enough to replenish the brain in a sufficient way.
Which is why Magnesium L-Threonate was created. it is a form of magnesium specially designed to increase brain levels. It allows the magnesium to be delivered straight to the brain rather than being used by other tissues in the body.
Why Magnesium L-Threonate?
Long before the advent of Magnesium L-Threonate (MGT), the specific roles magnesium has in the brain were well understood. It is for this reason researchers at MIT began to formulate a magnesium that could easily cross into neural tissue.
There is no difference in the biological effect of Magnesium L-Threonate and other forms of magnesium. Threonate simply helps magnesium transcend the limitations of getting into the brain. MGT is magnesium bound to the amino acid, Threnoate.
Threonate is able to cross the blood brain barrier, and when ingested it makes a beeline to the brain, taking magnesium with it. We can think of threonate as the transportation vehicle that allows magnesium to enter the brain in levels otherwise not attainable.
Your Brain on Magnesium
You might be thinking- why is this important? Well, magnesium is needed by the brain in large amounts to carry out basic functions. One of the most well-known characteristics of magnesium is that it’s needed on the cellular level for creating energy.
The brain is a highly active organ and it produces a lot of energy, meaning the need for magnesium on a foundational level is great.
Expanding out to more specific actions on the brain- we see that magnesium is needed for some pretty intricate functions such as:
1. Forming synapses
Synapses are the junctions where information gets passed between cells that then tell our body how to behave. High synaptic density (ie- a case of the more the merrier) is correlated to lower rates of cognitive decline, as we tend to see lower synaptic density in those with neurological disease. There is also accumulating evidence that magnesium can help to repair damaged synapses
2. It binds to calming receptors
This helps us to feel relaxed and one of the mechanisms that is responsible for the reduction in anxiety typically seen when magnesium levels are restored
3. Increases BDNF
BFNF is a protein that increases the development of new brain cells, has been shown to improve mood and increases neuroplasticity, which is the ability of the brain to adapt and change throughout the lifespan
4. Improved short term memory
This is due to its function in preserving function and structure of a brain structure called the hippocampus
Magnesium L-Threonate is an important development in the realm of neurological health, as it allows the brain to have access to the magnesium it needs to thrive and perform all of these advanced functions.
Other forms of magnesium indirectly help the brain as well, as magnesium is known to support sleep, keep our blood sugar in check and reduces stress- all brain healthy functions. However, for optimal brain health the targeted action of magnesium l-threonate is recommended.
Magnesium has always been indicated in brain health. Our modern world is bringing attention to just how important this is, as wide spread magnesium deficiencies can manifest as compromised brain health.
Our clinical recommendation for mangesium l-threonate is. Lypo-Spheric®
Magnesium L-Threonate. This is the most bioavailable, single dose magnesium l-threonate on the market.
Lypo-Spheric® Magnesium L-Threonate is a liposomal encapsulated formula, which allows for high absorption and the option to take one dose of bioavailable magnesium.
Research shows that through normal absorption mechanisms, magnesium threonate is better absorbed in smaller doses, and so taking it throughout the day is recommended
Lypo-Spheric® Magnesium L-Threonate is able to bypass the normal absorption pathway and get taken up as a fat- allowing for one, convenient dose to be taken!
Whether there are symptoms of cognitive decline, brain fog or simple a desire to keep the brain as sharp as it can be incorporating magnesium threonate can go a long way. Curious about what magnesium(s) are right for you? Send us an email at info@livlong.ca
Author: Lisa Kowalyk, CNP, B.Kin
