From the Guidelines
Magnesium L-threonate, a form of magnesium, has several benefits, particularly in the management of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC).
Benefits of Magnesium
- Relief from constipation symptoms: Magnesium creates an osmotic gradient in the GI tract, leading to net secretion of water and electrolytes, which can exert a beneficial effect on constipation-related symptoms 1.
- Low cost and availability: Magnesium oxide (MgO) is an attractive first-line option for individuals with CIC due to its efficacy, tolerability, availability over-the-counter, and low cost 1.
- Minimal side effects: The available data suggest no increased reports of diarrhea with MgO compared with placebo, making it a relatively safe option for managing CIC 1.
Important Considerations
- Dosing: The dose of MgO studied was 1.5 g/d for 4 weeks, but the panel suggests starting at a lower dose, which may be increased if necessary 1.
- Renal insufficiency: Avoid use in patients with renal insufficiency due to the risk of hypermagnesemia, particularly in those with a creatinine clearance of <20 mg/dL 1.
- Long-term use: While longer-term use is probably appropriate, data are needed to better understand tolerance and side effects 1.
From the Research
Benefits of Magnesium L-threonate
The benefits of Magnesium L-threonate (MgT) are numerous and well-documented in various studies. Some of the key benefits include:
- Neuroprotection against oxidative stress and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in Alzheimer's disease models 2
- Improvement of cognitive abilities, including learning and memory, in young and aging rats, as well as in Alzheimer's disease model mice 3
- Enhancement of sleep quality and daytime functioning in adults with self-reported sleep problems 4
- Modulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis to treat Alzheimer's disease 5
- Alleviation of colonic inflammation and memory impairment in chronic-plus-binge alcohol feeding mice 6
Mechanisms of Action
The mechanisms of action of MgT are complex and multifaceted. Some of the key mechanisms include:
- Elevation of intraneuronal magnesium concentration, which serves as a critical signaling molecule for controlling synapse density and cognitive ability 3
- Modulation of the expression of various proteins, including B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X (Bax), and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α 2
- Regulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, including the modulation of the abundance of various genera in the gut microbiota 5
- Enhancement of amino acids and glutamate metabolism, which may contribute to its neuroprotective effects 6
Therapeutic Applications
The therapeutic applications of MgT are diverse and include:
- Treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders 2, 5
- Improvement of sleep quality and daytime functioning in adults with self-reported sleep problems 4
- Prevention of inflammation and memory impairment induced by alcohol abuse 6
- Enhancement of cognitive abilities, including learning and memory, in young and aging individuals 3