Magnesium L-Threonate for Athletic Performance

(MgT-Athletes Trial)

Overseen By Jeremy R Swisher, MD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles

Must not be taking: Magnesium, Sleep medications

Disqualifiers: Sleep disorder, Major medical condition, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 4 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether magnesium L-threonate, a special form of magnesium, can enhance sleep quality, recovery, and overall performance in college athletes. Magnesium is essential for muscle recovery and sleep, but most forms do not effectively reach the brain. Magnesium L-threonate is unique because it can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially improving deep and REM sleep, heart rate variability, and brain recovery. Healthy UCLA varsity athletes who are actively training or competing and willing to wear a WHOOP strap and take a nightly capsule for 4 weeks are suitable candidates for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers athletes the chance to potentially enhance their performance and recovery with a novel supplement.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

If you are currently using magnesium supplements or any sleep medications, you will need to stop taking them to participate in this trial. The protocol does not specify other medications, so it's best to discuss your specific situation with the study team.

Is there any evidence suggesting that magnesium L-threonate is likely to be safe for humans?

Research has shown that magnesium L-threonate, also known as Magtein, is generally safe. In one study, participants tolerated this form of magnesium well, with no major side effects reported. The body easily absorbs it, allowing it to reach the brain and potentially aid in brain recovery and sleep improvement. Overall, evidence suggests that magnesium L-threonate is safe for most people under normal conditions. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Magnesium L-Threonate is unique because it targets athletic performance by potentially enhancing cognitive function and recovery. Unlike other supplements that primarily focus on muscle repair through amino acids or electrolytes, Magnesium L-Threonate may improve sleep quality and brain health, which are crucial for recovery and performance. Researchers are excited about its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier effectively, possibly leading to improved mental clarity and faster recovery times, giving it an edge over traditional supplements.

What evidence suggests that magnesium L-threonate might be an effective treatment for improving athletic performance?

Research has shown that magnesium L-threonate, which participants in this trial may receive, can improve sleep quality and daytime functioning. Studies indicate that it can enter the brain, potentially enhancing deep and REM sleep and improving heart rate variability. This type of magnesium has been linked to better muscle performance, including grip strength and lower-leg power. A review of multiple studies found that magnesium intake can significantly reduce inflammation markers like C-reactive protein. These findings suggest that magnesium L-threonate could aid athletes in recovery and performance. ^{2 3 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for healthy UCLA varsity athletes aged 18 to 35 who are interested in improving their sleep, recovery, and athletic performance. Participants will be using a WHOOP strap to monitor various health metrics during the study.

Inclusion Criteria

Current UCLA varsity athlete (any sport)

Actively training or competing during the study period

Willing to wear a WHOOP strap continuously for 4 weeks

Exclusion Criteria

Major medical condition limiting training or participation

Inability to comply with study procedures (e.g., wearing WHOOP or completing surveys)

I have been diagnosed with a sleep disorder.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants are randomly assigned to take either magnesium L-threonate or a placebo each evening for 4 weeks. They will wear a WHOOP strap to track sleep, recovery, and heart rate data.

4 weeks

Baseline and Week 4 visits for performance testing

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in sleep stages, HRV, and physical performance after the treatment period.

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Magnesium L-Threonate

Trial Overview The study tests if magnesium L-threonate can enhance sleep quality, recovery, and physical performance compared to a placebo. Athletes will take the supplement or placebo nightly for four weeks while their health data is tracked.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Magnesium L-Threonate Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants assigned to this arm will take 1 gram of magnesium L-threonate (Magtein) in capsule form each evening for 4 weeks. They will wear a WHOOP strap continuously to collect sleep and recovery metrics and complete baseline/follow-up performance testing.

Group II: Placebo Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Participants assigned to this arm will take an identical-looking placebo capsule each evening for 4 weeks. They will wear a WHOOP strap continuously to collect sleep and recovery metrics and complete baseline/follow-up performance testing.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Los Angeles

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,594

Recruited

10,430,000+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07015047

Effects of Magnesium L-Threonate on Sleep, Recovery ... This study is testing whether a special form of magnesium called magnesium L-threonate can help improve sleep quality, recovery, and physical performance in ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9786204/

A Magtein®, Magnesium L-Threonate - PubMed Central - NIH A recent meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials showed that Mg supplementation significantly decreased serum C-reactive protein (CRP) ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-sleep-initiation-and-maintenance-disorders-8-2025-8d16c

Magnesium L-Threonate for Athletic Performance Magnesium L-threonate is unique in that it can cross the blood-brain barrier and may improve deep and REM sleep, heart rate variability, and brain recovery.

4. ajmc.com ajmc.com/view/study-magnesium-l-threonate-improves-objective-subjective-sleep-quality

Study: Magnesium-L-Threonate Improves Objective, ... A new form of magnesium supplement appears to lead to superior sleep and improved daytime functioning, according to a new placebo-controlled study.

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5622706/

Can Magnesium Enhance Exercise Performance? - PMC Some cross-sectional surveys demonstrated a positive association between Mg status and muscle performance, including grip strength, lower-leg power, knee ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10934248/

Safety of magnesium l‐threonate as a novel food pursuant ... The panel concludes that magnesium l-threonate is safe under proposed conditions of use, and is a bioavailable source of magnesium.

7. amazon.com amazon.com/Sports-Research-Magnesium-L-Threonate-Capsules/dp/B0B336FCWC

Sports Research Magtein Magnesium L-Threonate Capsules These capsules support brain health, memory, and sleep. They use Magtein, which crosses the blood-brain barrier, increasing magnesium levels in the brain.

8. food.gov.uk food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/media/document/Safety-Assessment-Magnesium-L-threonate-novel.pdf

Safety Assessment: Magnesium L-threonate as a novel ... The data provided supports the stability of the novel food for up to 36 months. Page 13. 13. 2.5 Specification. 26. The specification ...