More Than Magnesium: How Each Ingredient in Magnesium Brain Food Supports Your Mind and Body

Healthmasters’ Magnesium Brain Food is more than a generic magnesium boost. In contrast to traditional magnesium powders, the formula combines three magnesium complexes—Magtein magnesium L‑threonate, Albion di‑magnesium malate, and TRAACS magnesium lysinate glycinate chelate—with co‑factors like malic acid, citric acid, stevia leaf extract and anthocyanin pigments. Each component was chosen to cross the blood–brain barrier, support energy metabolism or add antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory power. This article examines each ingredient, highlighting human and animal research on their physiological effects and mechanisms.

Magtein Magnesium L‑Threonate – Raising Brain Magnesium

Magnesium L‑threonate (MgT) is the key ingredient in this formula. Most forms of magnesium have a hard time getting into the brain, but MgT combines magnesium with L‑threonate (a by‑product of vitamin C) so it can cross the blood–brain barrier more easily. Studies in animals show that MgT raises magnesium levels in the brain by about 15 %, increases the number of connections between brain cells in memory regions, and improves both short‑ and long‑term memory. Researchers think these effects happen because MgT influences certain brain receptors and makes brain cells more flexible and responsive [1].

This high absorption also helps protect nerve cells. In disease models, MgT kept harmful proteins from building up, lowered cell‑damaging molecules, and turned on cell‑survival pathways [2]. In another mouse study involving chronic and binge alcohol exposure, MgT reduced inflammation, strengthened the gut lining, balanced gut bacteria, and brought memory performance back to normal [3].

Human studies support these mechanistic findings. A double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial in 109 healthy adults supplemented with MgT (2 g of magnesium L‑threonate plus phosphatidylserine) for thirty days; they had significant improvements in all parts of a memory test, with older people benefiting the most [4].

Another randomized trial involving adults with self‑reported sleep difficulties found that 1 g/day of magnesium L‑threonate for three weeks maintained sleep quality and daytime functioning: objective sleep tracking showed significant improvements in deep‑sleep and REM‑sleep scores, and subjects reported better mood, energy and alertness [5].

Together, these results suggest that raising magnesium levels in the brain with MgT can help with learning, memory and sleep, while its protective and anti‑inflammatory effects may help defend against brain aging.

Albion Di‑Magnesium Malate – Absorbing Magnesium Efficiently

Malate plays an important role in the body’s main energy cycle (known as the citric acid or Krebs cycle), helping cells make ATP. Albion’s di‑magnesium malate (DMM) joins two magnesium atoms to malic acid, making a form of magnesium that your body can absorb very easily.

In testing, the European Food Safety Authority gave volunteers a single 150‑mg dose of magnesium from different sources. Blood levels of magnesium rose more with di‑magnesium malate (0.196 mmol·h/L) than with standard magnesium oxide (0.109 mmol·h/L), and were about the same as with magnesium bisglycinate [6].

TRAACS Magnesium Lysinate Glycinate Chelate – Gentle and Synergistic

The TRAACS form of magnesium joins the mineral to two amino acids—glycine and L‑lysine—so your body can take it up more easily and with less chance of stomach upset. Glycine isn’t just a carrier molecule; it also acts as a calming messenger in the brain and helps control our internal body clock.

In a small crossover study, people who took 3 g of glycine before bed slept better, felt less tired and performed better on tests of reaction time, with no changes to their melatonin levels. The study also showed glycine affected signaling molecules in the brain’s sleep center, which implies it can cross into the brain and help maintain healthy sleep–wake rhythms [7].

L‑lysine, the other amino acid in this chelate, is vital for building proteins and may help dampen the body’s stress response. In a trial where flour was fortified with lysine for families in Syria, women showed a lower cortisol spike when faced with stress, and men reported less chronic anxiety [8]. Through binding magnesium to glycine and lysine, this form takes advantage of the calming properties of both amino acids while allowing magnesium to be absorbed as a neutral complex

Malic Acid – Energy and Musculoskeletal Support

In Magnesium Brain Food, malic acid comes from both the di‑magnesium malate and the flavoring ingredients. As previously discussed, malate is a molecule your cells use in the Krebs (citric‑acid) cycle to make ATP, the body’s main energy currency. Its possible benefits were explored in a small pilot study on fibromyalgia patients using a product called Super Malic, which combined 200 mg of malic acid with 50 mg of magnesium. In the first part of the study, people took three tablets twice a day but didn’t see improvements in pain or tenderness. In the second part, which lasted six months and let participants increase the dose to six tablets twice a day, pain and tenderness dropped significantly without major side effects [9].

Although this small trial doesn’t prove malic acid is a cure, it hints that higher doses of malic acid together with magnesium might help ease muscle and joint pain. Because malate feeds directly into the Krebs cycle, having enough of it could also help boost energy production for people who feel fatigued.

Citric Acid – Metabolic Intermediate and Systemic Protector

Citric acid, another component of the Krebs cycle, is added to the powder to improve its taste and how well it dissolves. But this tart compound has more than flavor; it also acts as an antioxidant and reduces inflammation.

Scientists tested it in mice by inducing systemic inflammation with a bacterial toxin (LPS) and then giving different doses of citric acid (1–4 g/kg) [10]. The toxin alone boosted brain markers of oxidative stress (like malondialdehyde), nitrite levels and the inflammatory cytokine TNF‑α, while lowering antioxidant enzymes. When the mice were given 1–2 g/kg of citric acid, those harmful changes were reduced: oxidative stress markers and TNF‑α dropped, and antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase and paraoxonase‑1 bounced back [10].

Liver injury and DNA damage caused by the toxin were also lessened, although the highest dose (4 g/kg) actually increased DNA damage [10]. Citric acid is part of the body’s normal citrate pool too, and earlier studies show that citrate helps prevent lipid peroxidation and dampens inflammatory molecules such as neutrophil elastase and interleukin‑1β.

Citrate has another important role: it binds free calcium in the urinary tract, making it harder for calcium oxalate crystals to form. A 2015 Cochrane review that analyzed seven clinical trials (477 participants) found that taking citrate significantly lowered the rate of new kidney stones (with a relative risk of 0.26) and helped keep existing stones from getting bigger (relative risk of 1.97) compared with placebo [13]. While digestive upset was more common with citrate supplements, people taking them needed fewer follow‑up treatments for stones [13].

Including citric acid in this supplement can therefore aid energy production and may help maintain healthy citrate levels in the urine, which could support kidney stone prevention.

Stevia Leaf Extract – Sweetness with Antimicrobial and Anti‑Inflammatory Activity

Unlike many flavored supplements, Magnesium Brain Food uses stevia leaf extract as a non‑caloric sweetener. Stevia leaves contain polyphenols, flavonoids, sterols, terpenes, tannins, vitamins and minerals [14]. These compounds confer antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti‑inflammatory, anti‑obesity and even anti‑cancer activities [14].

A 2023 analysis of stevia polyphenols rich in isochlorogenic acids found that the extract exhibited strong antibacterial activity against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis but weaker antifungal activity [14]. The polyphenols inhibited cancer‑cell viability by over 60 % in vitro and showed similar lipase‑inhibitory potency to epigallocatechin gallate, albeit with lower anti‑inflammatory activity [14].

Thus, the stevia in this formula does more than sweeten—it contributes additional phenolic antioxidants and may inhibit digestive enzymes to slow carbohydrate absorption.

Anthocyanin Extract (Natural Color) – Pigments with Cognitive Potential

The purple hue of Magnesium Brain Food comes from anthocyanins, flavonoid pigments abundant in berries. Anthocyanins neutralize free radicals, modulate signaling pathways and suppress pro‑inflammatory gene expression [15]. They have been studied for cognitive benefits because of their capacity to cross the blood–brain barrier.

A 2025 systematic review and meta‑analysis evaluated 15 randomized controlled trials of anthocyanin supplementation in adults. Qualitative synthesis indicated improvements in short‑term memory, working memory, verbal learning, executive function, visual‑spatial function, psychomotor skills and attention [16]. Four of fifteen studies reported mood improvements, such as reduced fatigue and anxiety.

Another recent 2024 secondary analysis of a 24‑week randomized, placebo‑controlled trial stratified participants with elevated risk for dementia based on inflammatory biomarker clusters. In the cluster with high inflammation, purified anthocyanin supplementation led to significant cognitive improvement compared with placebo, whereas no benefit was observed in participants with low inflammation [15]. The authors concluded that anthocyanins’ anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant properties may yield cognitive benefits, particularly in individuals with elevated inflammation [15]. Incorporating anthocyanin extract into Magnesium Brain Food therefore adds neuroprotective flavonoids that may synergize with magnesium to support cognitive performance, especially in people experiencing inflammation or oxidative stress.

Conclusion

Magnesium Brain Food’s combination of Magtein, Albion di‑magnesium malate and TRAACS lysinate glycinate provides 200 mg of elemental magnesium per scoop. Magtein elevates brain magnesium and supports synaptic plasticity, memory and sleep, while di‑magnesium malate and lysinate glycinate supply bioavailable magnesium and energy‑producing malate. Glycine and lysine contribute their own calming and anxiolytic effects, and malic acid supports ATP production and may reduce musculoskeletal pain at higher doses.

Citric acid acts as an antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory agent, and as citrate it helps prevent kidney stones. Natural stevia and anthocyanin extracts deliver additional polyphenols with antimicrobial, anti‑inflammatory and potential cognitive benefits.

This evidence indicates that Magnesium Brain Food combines multiple mechanisms—enhancing brain magnesium, supporting energy metabolism, modulating neurotransmitters, and providing antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory cofactors—to create a comprehensive cognitive‑support supplement. Its thoughtful ingredient profile distinguishes it from generic magnesium powders and may justify its use for individuals seeking to sharpen memory, maintain mental energy and protect against age‑related cognitive decline.

References

[1] Slutsky, I., Sadeghpour, S., Li, B., & Liu, G. (2010). Enhancement of learning and memory by elevating brain magnesium. Neuron, 65(2), 165–177. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35433327/

[2] Xiong, C., et al. (2022). Magnesium‐L‐threonate exhibited a neuroprotective effect against oxidative stress damage in HT22 cells and Alzheimer's disease mouse model. World Journal of Psychiatry, 12(1), 60–71. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35433327.

[3] Zhou, Y., et al. (2021). Magnesium‑L‑threonate alleviates colonic inflammation and memory impairment in chronic‑plus‑binge alcohol feeding mice. Brain Research Bulletin, 175, 46–53. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34144203.

[4] Sun, Q., et al. (2022). A Magtein®, magnesium L‑threonate‑based formula improves brain cognitive functions in healthy Chinese adults. Nutrients, 14(3), 606. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9786204

[5] Toepfer, S., et al. (2024). Magnesium‑L‑threonate improves sleep quality and daytime functioning in adults with self‑reported sleep problems: A randomized controlled trial. Sleep Med X, 5, 100069. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11381753

[6] EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), Younes, M., Aggett, P., Aguilar, F., Crebelli, R., Dusemund, B., Filipič, M., Frutos, M. J., Galtier, P., Gundert-Remy, U., Kuhnle, G. G., Lambré, C., Leblanc, J. C., Lillegaard, I. T., Moldeus, P., Mortensen, A., Oskarsson, A., Stankovic, I., Waalkens-Berendsen, I., Woutersen, R. A., … Gott, D. (2018). Evaluation of di-magnesium malate, used as a novel food ingredient and as a source of magnesium in foods for the general population, food supplements, total diet replacement for weight control and food for special medical purposes. EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority, 16(6), e05292. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7009340

[7] Bannai, M., & Kawai, N. (2012). The effects of glycine on subjective daytime performance in partially sleep‑restricted healthy volunteers. Frontiers in Neurology, 3, 61. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3328957

[8] Smriga, M., Ghosh, S., Mouneimne, Y., Pellett, P. L., & Scrimshaw, N. S. (2004). Lysine fortification reduces anxiety and lessens stress in family members in economically weak communities in Northwest Syria. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 101(22), 8285–8288. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0402550101. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 101(22), 8285–8288. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC420386

[9] Russell, I. J., Michalek, J. E., Flechas, J. D., & Abraham, G. E. (1995). Treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome with Super Malic: A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, crossover pilot study. Journal of Rheumatology, 22(5), 953–958. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8587088.

[10] Abdel-Salam, O. M., Youness, E. R., Mohammed, N. A., Morsy, S. M., Omara, E. A., & Sleem, A. A. (2014). Citric acid effects on brain and liver oxidative stress in lipopolysaccharide-treated mice. Journal of medicinal food, 17(5), 588–598. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24433072/

[11] Phillips, R., et al. (2015). Citrate salts for preventing and treating calcium‑containing kidney stones in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015(10), CD010057. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9578669

[12] Myint, K. Z., et al. (2023). Stevia polyphenols, their antimicrobial and anti‑inflammatory properties, and inhibitory effect on digestive enzymes. Molecules, 28(22), 7572. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10673113.

[13] Finger, N.J. (2024). A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of purified anthocyanins on cognitive function in individuals at elevated risk for dementia: Analysis of inflammatory biomarkers toward personalized interventions. Experimental Gerontology, 196, Article 112569. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2024.112569.

[14] Lorzadeh, E., Weston‑Green, K., & Green, S. (2025). The effect of anthocyanins on cognition: A systematic review and meta‑analysis of randomized clinical trial studies in cognitively impaired and healthy adults. Current Nutrition Reports, 14(1), 23. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39875765.

*The matters discussed in this article are for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner on the matters discussed herein.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Healthmasters' products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.