Supplement manufacturers frequently promote specific magnesium forms for targeted health benefits—magnesium threonate for brain function, glycinate for relaxation—but emerging research questions these marketing assertions. A comprehensive analysis of clinical trials from 2015-2024 reveals that multiple magnesium salt forms produce similar cognitive and sleep benefits in human studies, contradicting claims about tissue-specific targeting.
While animal research demonstrates that different magnesium salts accumulate preferentially in certain tissues, these findings have not been consistently replicated in controlled human trials. Researchers attribute this disconnect to fundamental differences in metabolism, dosing, and bioavailability between species. The evidence suggests that dose strength and individual magnesium deficiency status are more predictive of supplement effectiveness than the specific salt type consumers select.
For healthcare providers and patients evaluating magnesium supplementation, prioritizing evidence-based formulations over marketing narratives remains essential for informed decision-making.
Read the full article on GMJ Newsroom.
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