L-Threonate

L-Threonate is a metabolite of vitamin C currently researched primarily as a mineral chelating agent that enhances bioavailability, especially for magnesium. Magnesium L-threonate (Magtein) is marketed for cognitive function based on claims of enhanced brain magnesium delivery. NO GRADED OUTCOMES for L-threonate itself. The compound is most notable as part of magnesium L-threonate rather than as an isolated supplement. Research suggests it may help transport magnesium across the blood-brain barrier, but evidence remains limited. Isolated L-threonate supplementation is not common.

Quick Answer

What it is

L-Threonate is a metabolite of vitamin C currently researched primarily as a mineral chelating agent that enhances bioavailability, especially for magnesium. Magnesium L-threonate (Magtein) is marketed for cognitive function based on claims of enhanced brain magnesium delivery.

Key findings

  • Grade D: Cognitive Function (as Magnesium L-Threonate)
  • Grade D: Obesity / Body Weight
  • Grade D: Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: L-Threonate

Quick Facts: L-Threonate

  • Best Evidence:Grade D
  • Conditions Studied:4
  • Research Outcomes:5
  • Key Effect:Age-Associated Memory Impairment and Cognitive Decline (AAMCD)
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C0
D5
4 conditions · 5 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
D
Cognitive Function (as Magnesium L-Threonate)
Limited human studies and animal data suggest magnesium L-threonate (Magtein) may enhance brain magnesium levels and cognitive function. However, this evidence pertains to the magnesium chelate, not isolated L-threonate. The comparative advantage over other bioavailable magnesium forms remains unestablished.
smallImproves
D
Obesity / Body Weight
In a 2026 animal study, threonic acid synergized with intermittent fasting to reduce body weight and food intake in diet-induced obese mice (n=6/group). Threonic acid suppressed hypothalamic NPY and AGRP neuropeptides and competed with glucose for GLUT3 transporter uptake, suggesting a novel appetite-regulation mechanism. No human trials exist.
moderateImproves
D
Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)
An in vitro study using human dermal papilla cells found L-threonate attenuated DHT-induced DKK-1 expression and reversed DHT-mediated growth inhibition in co-cultured hair keratinocytes. This suggests a potential anti-androgenetic alopecia mechanism, but no animal or human studies have been conducted.
smallWorsens
D
Vitamin C Absorption / Antioxidant Status
An in vitro study (1991) demonstrated that calcium L-threonate stimulated ascorbic acid uptake by human T-lymphoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. This provides mechanistic support for L-threonate enhancing cellular vitamin C bioavailability, but has not been confirmed in vivo.
smallImproves
D
Bone Mineralization / Collagen Production
An in vitro study found calcium threonate enhanced mineralized nodule formation and collagenous protein production in cultured cells over 5 weeks. Collagenous proteins accounted for 85% of the increase in total protein. No in vivo confirmation exists.
smallImproves

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