Enhancing Cognitive Function: Magnesium Threonate

I've always struggled to maintain interest in things after a couple weeks, but I've recently started taking a supplement changed that…and it’s not Adderall. It’s actually just magnesium.

There are many types of magnesium...citrate, glycinate, malate, etc., and they all have different functions. The one I started taking is magnesium threonate (MgT).

What's so special about Magnesium Threonate?

Most forms of magnesium don’t reach your brain because they can't cross through the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

MgT is special because the magnesium is bound to threonic acid, which enhances its fat solubility, allowing it to pass through the BBB.

The Science: A 2010 Neuron (MIT) study found that MgT increased brain magnesium by ~15% (CSF: +19%) in rats — enhancing learning, working memory, and short- & long-term memory. In aged rats, it reversed cognitive decline equivalent to ~9 years of aging.

Read it here.

In the brain, MgT supports neural health and promotes synaptogenesis (the generation of new synapses). This process is crucial for learning and memory because it increases synaptic density, making more connections between neurons. Think of it like adding multiple bridges between islands to make traffic faster.

Proof in synapses: MIT researchers found that MgT doubled synaptic density in key memory circuits. Imagine your brain’s Wi-Fi getting 2x more bars.

My Experience Using Magnesium Threonate

For years, I’ve struggled with maintaining interest in things. I couldn’t stick to something for longer than a few weeks. One day, I would grow bored and have zero curiosity in the matter.

My first day taking MgT, I caught myself reading my Neuroscience for Dummies book and conducting further research on things for 3 hours straight. That’s when I knew something was different.

I wasn't just motivated, I was excited to about what I would discover next. I was driven to keep digging into complex topics; if I saw a term I didn’t know, I would do a deep dive into it just out of curiosity.

It's not just me. I've recommended MgT to quite a few people, including my mom, aunt, and a few friends. Both my mom and aunt were excited to share their experiences with me, which were similar to my own.

Final Thoughts

After years of losing interest in hobbies, projects, or learning after just a couple of weeks, MgT has been a powerful shift for me. Unlike other magnesium forms that struggle to cross the blood-brain barrier, this one effectively boosts brain magnesium levels, supporting synaptogenesis, denser neural connections, and better synaptic function.

It isn't a stimulant like Adderall—it's subtler, more natural—but for anyone tired of short attention spans or fading motivation, MgT offers a well-researched, low-risk way to potentially rekindle lasting intellectual curiosity.

So, if you have a graveyard of 17 half-finished hobbies, books, and side hustles…MgT might be able to help you.

*Not medical advice, just a gal's experience.