💊Magnesium Supplements May Not Reach Your Brain
Most magnesium supplements are just expensive laxatives
TL;DR
New research suggests that popular magnesium supplements may not effectively target the brain. Higher doses can lead to less absorption, and many claims are based on rodent studies. The real story: Don't spend extra on 'brain-focused' supplements.
Recent studies indicate that magnesium supplements, despite their popularity, may not effectively target the brain. The human body contains about 25 grams of magnesium, with more than half stored in bones. The rest is distributed in cells, participating in hundreds of essential chemical reactions. However, ingesting more magnesium doesn't guarantee it will reach the brain. Higher doses can result in less absorption, and many supplements act as laxatives due to their magnesium oxide content. The real story: Most magnesium supplements are just expensive laxatives, and claims of brain-specific benefits are often based on rodent studies.
Key Points
The human body contains about 25 grams of magnesium, with over half stored in bones.
Magnesium citrate has the highest bioavailability in lab tests, but it's still not guaranteed to reach the brain.
Magnesium oxide supplements often act as laxatives, drawing water into the intestines to flush out excess salt.
One study found that magnesium L-threonate increased magnesium in the brain of rats, but human studies are inconclusive.
Human studies on magnesium supplements often have small sample sizes and are sometimes funded by manufacturers.
Why It Matters
If you're taking magnesium supplements for brain health, you might be wasting your money. Studies suggest that magnesium L-threonate could increase magnesium in the brain of rats, but human studies are limited and often funded by supplement manufacturers. This means the actual benefits for brain function are unclear. Bottom line: Don't spend extra on 'brain-focused' supplements unless you're sure they're effective.
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