Magnesium threonate and memory: what human studies exist

Magnesium L-threonate and memory have been studied in several human clinical trials, including those in 2016, 2022, and 2026. Some studies have reported positive changes in cognitive test scores, but this does not mean that all people will experience proven memory improvements. The trials varied in terms of age of participants, composition of the supplements studied, duration, and methods of outcome measurement.

It's important to distinguish between tests of working memory, general cognitive indices, and everyday ability to remember information. Below, we'll explain what the researchers measured, what the results were, and where the conclusions end.

Why it's important to look specifically at research involving humans

Interest in magnesium L-threonate has been sparked by preclinical studies in which researchers have studied changes in magnesium levels in neural tissue and processes related to synaptic plasticity. However, results in cell models or animals do not directly show whether a person remembers information better in everyday life. This requires controlled trials with psychological tests, a sufficient number of participants, and a comparison with a placebo.

Memory is also not a single measure. Working memory allows you to temporarily hold and process information, episodic memory deals with events and experiences, and executive functions cover planning, switching attention, and controlling actions. Improving on one test does not mean that all of these abilities have improved. Therefore, it is necessary to consider not only the authors' general conclusion, but also the specific tasks that the participants performed.

Study by Liu et al., 2016: people aged 50–70

In one of the first randomized, double-blind studies, Liu et al. (2016) evaluated the MMFS-01 complex, which included a form of magnesium L-threonate, in people aged 50–70 years with complaints of memory and concentration. After allocation of participants, 23 people received the study complex, 21 - placebo. The observation period lasted 12 weeks.

The primary outcome was change in a composite score of multiple cognitive tests. The MMFS-01 group showed greater improvement than placebo (p = 0.003). The researchers also noted changes in individual executive functions. However, this was a small sample of people with specific baseline symptoms, not a representative group of healthy adults of any age. The findings do not suggest that everyone taking magnesium supplements will experience the same results.

An important limitation is that the specific experimental formulation of MMFS-01 was used, rather than any form or commercial form of magnesium threonate. The study assessed the overall outcome of the complex and a number of cognitive domains; it is not possible to infer a universal effect for all magnesium preparations from these data.

Zhang et al. study, 2022: the result of a mixture, not a single ingredient

Zhang et al. (2022) conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 109 healthy adults in China aged 18–65 years. Complete results at 30 days were obtained for 102 participants. The authors used the Clinical Memory Test battery, which included various tasks of memory and recall.

Participants were not given isolated magnesium L-threonate, but a formula called Magtein PS. In addition to this, it contained phosphatidylserine and vitamins C, D, and B6. In the experimental formula group, the scores on several memory tests and the total index differed from the placebo group in favor of the supplement.

This is an important study to evaluate the combination formulation, but it does not establish which component was responsible for the observed changes. Without a separate group receiving magnesium L-threonate alone, the causal contribution of this salt cannot be determined. Furthermore, the study lasted only one month, and long-term results were not available.

Lopresti and Smith study, 2026: results of individual cognitive tests

In a randomized, double-blind study by Lopresti and Smith (2026), 100 adults aged 18–45 years who were dissatisfied with their sleep quality were given either magnesium L-threonate (Magtein) or placebo for six weeks. The protocol used 2 g of salt per day, providing approximately 145 mg of elemental magnesium. This is a description of the study protocol and not a recommendation for self-administration.

The Magtein group showed greater improvement in the NIH Total Cognition Composite score compared to placebo (p = 0.043). A statistically significant between-group difference was also found in the List Sorting working memory task (p = 0.033), while the Picture Sequence Memory test of episodic memory did not reach the usual threshold for statistical significance (p = 0.092). There was no significant difference in the Raven's 2 test, which assesses other aspects of thinking (p = 0.953).

In October 2026, the authors published a correction: in the methodological description, they incorrectly called the statistical tests one-sided, although in fact the analysis was performed using a two-sided criterion. According to the journal, the p-values and results reported were unchanged by this correction. The study was funded by Threotech Inc., which also provided the study ingredient and participated in the design. This should be taken into account when assessing the independence of the evidence.

Comparison of clinical papers: what was actually tested

The table shows the number of participants reported in the publications. The different methodologies and formulations do not allow combining their results into one simple answer "by how much percent does memory improve?" The data also do not constitute a direct comparison of magnesium L-threonate with citrate, malate, or bisglycinate.

Why a positive test doesn't mean better memory in everyday life

Several levels of assessment are important for a reliable conclusion: is there a difference from placebo, how large is it, whether the relevant indicator was determined before the experiment began, whether the result was repeated by independent researchers, and whether there is a noticeable change in everyday tasks. Statistical significance does not automatically mean a practically important improvement.

The trials examined people of different ages, with different baseline sleep and cognitive characteristics. One study used a combined formula, the other used a separate labeled salt. Such differences make generalizations difficult. Additionally, the short follow-up period does not allow for assessment of whether changes persist after discontinuation of treatment.

The studies also do not support the claim that magnesium L-threonate prevents dementia, alters the course of neurodegenerative diseases, or replaces medical evaluation of the causes of memory impairment. Data on cognitive tests and data on disease are fundamentally different categories of evidence.

How to read dosages in studies and assess safety

Publications sometimes report the mass of magnesium L-threonate salt, and sometimes the amount of elemental magnesium it provides. These are not interchangeable. For example, 2 g of magnesium L-threonate in a 2026 study was equivalent to approximately 145 mg of elemental magnesium. It is an error to transfer grams of salt to any other magnesium form without conversion.

Magnesium from supplements can cause adverse reactions from the digestive tract, and special care is required for impaired kidney function. Interactions with certain medications are also possible. The issue of taking during pregnancy and lactation, with chronic diseases or simultaneous use of magnesium drugs should be discussed with a doctor. The doses given in the article describe only the conditions of specific studies and are not instructions for the consumer.

Overall, the clinical evidence base for memory is still limited in scope, duration, and independence from interested manufacturers. It provides grounds for further research, but does not allow us to promise the expected memory improvements for every person.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any human studies of Magnesium L-Threonate?
Yes. Controlled clinical trials have been published, including those from 2016, 2022, and 2026, but they differ in their composition and participant groups.

Does magnesium threonate improve memory?
Some studies have reported better results on certain tests, but there is not enough evidence to confidently generalize to all people.

What did the 2016 study show?
In a small group of people aged 50–70, MMFS-01 was associated with greater improvements in overall cognitive performance than placebo.

Why don't the 2022 study results prove the effect of magnesium alone?
Participants received a multi-ingredient formula with phosphatidylserine and vitamins, so the contribution of any single ingredient cannot be determined.

Did all tests confirm the improvement in the 2026 study?
No. There were positive results for the general cognitive index and a separate working memory test, but other tests did not show a statistically significant advantage.

What does the term "cognitive age" mean?
This is a calculated comparison of test scores with age-appropriate norms, not a direct measurement of brain rejuvenation.

Can I take a dose from a clinical study as a recommendation?
No. Research doses describe the protocol of a specific study. Supplementation decisions should be coordinated with the package insert and your doctor.

Sources

• Liu G., Weinger J. G., Lu Z.-L., Xue F., Sadeghpour S. (2016). Efficacy and Safety of MMFS-01, a Synapse Density Enhancer, for Treating Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. PubMed
• Zhang C. et al. (2022). A Magtein®, Magnesium L-Threonate, -Based Formula Improves Brain Cognitive Functions in Healthy Chinese Adults. Nutrients. PubMed
• Lopresti A. L., Smith S. J. (2026). The effects of magnesium L-threonate (Magtein®) on cognitive performance and sleep quality in adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Frontiers in Nutrition. PubMed
• Lopresti A. L., Smith S. J. (2026). Correction: The effects of magnesium L-threonate (Magtein®) on cognitive performance and sleep quality in adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Frontiers in Nutrition. DOI

Dietary supplement. Not a medicine. Consult a doctor before use.