Importance of Magnesium for Cognition
As World Alzheimer's Day is in the month of September, I thought to bring to your attention a supplement that can help support memory and cognitive function – Magnesium Threonate.
Magnesium Threonate is a specific form of magnesium that has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively than other forms of magnesium. This allows it to have a greater impact on brain health and cognitive function. Research has shown that magnesium threonate can improve memory, learning, and overall cognitive function, making it a valuable supplement for those looking to support their brain
Magnesium has several important actions within the brain including:
- Enhances BDNF for memory support
- Protects the integrity of the blood-brain barrier
- Balances ions
- Blocks excitatory NMDA receptors for memory support
- Antagonizes calcium activity so that neurons can release neurotransmitters better
- Binds the calming GABA receptor
- Anti-inflammatory
- Neurotransmitter synthesis cofactor
The importance of bioavailability is obvious. If consuming a magnesium supplement has little effect on improving the body’s magnesium balance, there is no reason to ingest it. Signs of inferior mineral supplements include the use of cheap, poorly absorbed, rock-salt minerals like calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide. These mineral forms slow and limit absorption, relying on adequate stomach acid to release magnesium ions which then enter the body via passive diffusion. And, because they tend to remain in the intestines longer, these forms of mineral supplements can cause intestinal distress such as constipation (calcium carbonate) or diarrhea (magnesium oxide). Reacted Magnesium provides the additional benefit of highly absorbed, Albion® mineral chelates. Albion® is the world leader in manufacturing highly bioavailable mineral chelates, a specialized form of minerals bound to amino acids. This patented process creates organic mineral compounds which use active absorption mechanisms in the gastrointestinal tract to greatly enhance mineral absorption. In a magnesium comparison study reported by Graff et al. at Weber State University, Albion’s magnesium amino acid chelate had:
- 8 times greater absorption than magnesium oxide
- 6 times greater absorption than magnesium sulfate
- 3 times greater absorption than magnesium carbonate
In addition, other comparison studies have shown significantly superior absorption of magnesium chelates compared to other mineral forms:
- At a dose of 400 mg, magnesium chelate significantly reduced or eliminated menstrual abdominal discomfort.
- Multiple double blind studies found urinary excretion of magnesium chloride higher than magnesium glycinate, proving superior absorption.
- Magnesium glycinate is shown to have a reduced laxative effect
Mineral chelates are gentle, gut “friendly” minerals that do not cause diarrhea that often accompanies magnesium oxide and other rock-salt forms. Albion®’s mineral chelates have extensive clinical research proving their superior bioavailability, biologic activity, stability, and improved tolerance.
There are other form of magnesium that is important to know:
Magnesium
- Glycinate is for sleep
- Malate is for muscle relaxation
- Threonate is for cognition
- Taurate is for heart
- Chloride is for digestion
- Citrate for constipation
- Sulfate is for relaxation
It is important to find high quality supplements and one that is chemical free. Make sure you read all the fine prints on your bottle.
Have a healthy and happy Day!
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