Latest study comparing magnesium-acetyl-taurate (MAT) with magnesium L-threonate (MLT). MATcame out on top. MAT differs from commonly found magnesium taurate supplements on the market due to the added acetyl group.
Key points from the study abstract:
- MAT vs MLT: A pre-clinical rat study compared Magnesium-Acetyl-Taurate (MAT) and Magnesium-L-Threonate (MLT), finding MAT superior in raising magnesium levels across brain tissue, blood plasma, CSF, and muscle.
- Cognitive & physical benefits: MAT produced greater improvements in spatial learning, memory, anxiety-related behavior, motor coordination, and neuromuscular strength compared to MLT.
- Synaptic plasticity: MAT increased expression of key proteins including BDNF, CREB, PSD-95, and synaptophysin, which are critical for synaptic plasticity and cognition.
- Oxidative stress & antioxidants: MAT enhanced cellular defense against oxidative stress via improved antioxidant markers (SOD, GSH, catalase, CoQ10).
- Mitochondrial function: Both MAT and the combined MLT + MAT therapy upregulated mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes, indicating better cellular energy production.
- Brain structure: MAT and the combination therapy improved neuronal myelination and structural integrity across multiple brain regions.
- Combination therapy: MLT + MAT together also performed strongly across most measures, suggesting a synergistic benefit.
- Conclusion: MAT is a promising neurotherapeutic candidate; the authors call for further research into high-bioavailability magnesium supplementation and its combination with other neuroprotective compounds for treating cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
Places to buy magnesium-acetyl-taurate/taurinate:
Pure magnesium acetyl taurinate:
- Life Extension https://au.iherb.com/pr/life-extension-calm-mag-magnesium-acetyl-taurinate-30-vegetarian-capsules/115911
- Endur TAUROMAGĀ®-SR Magnesium N-Acetyltaurinate ā Endurance Products Company
- Nootropics Depot Tauromag Capsules | Magnesium Acetyl Taurinate
- Enzymedica Magnesium Mind | Sleep Better | Reduce Stress | Boost Focus*
- Double Wood Magnesium Acetyl-Taurate Supplement - PMS Relief & Mood Support
Magnesium acetyl taurinate mixed with other ingredients:
The study abstract (cannot find full study right now as it was recently released and behind a paywall):
Enhanced Neurophysiological Benefits of Magnesium-Acetyl-Taurate Over Magnesium-L-Threonate: A Comparative pre-clinical Study on Bioavailability, Synaptic Plasticity and Cognitive Functions
The study examines how magnesium compounds, especially Magnesium-L-Threonate (MLT) and Magnesium-Acetyl-Taurate (MAT), affect neurophysiological functions in adult Wistar rats. Magnesium is essential for many cellular processes in the brain & peripheral system, such as neurotransmitter regulation, muscle function, and energy metabolism. Tissue MgĀ²āŗ levels were defined as the primary endpoint of the study, as they directly reflect the central objective of evaluating magnesium-based interventions. All other outcomes, including behavioral, biochemical, and molecular parameters, were considered secondary endpoints. This research aimed to compare the brain effectiveness of MLT (115 mg/kg and 450 mg/kg) and MAT (150 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) in raising magnesium levels in biological samples like blood plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), muscles and brain tissues. The aim is to examine the effect of Magnesium compounds (MLT, MAT & combination treatment) on modulation and alterations in all the biological markers for neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, neurotransmission balance, oxidative stress & mitochondrial functioning. MAT showed better Mg2+, resulting in more notable improvements in cognitive functions, neuromuscular strength, and motor coordination compared to MLT. Behavioral tests indicated that MAT and the combined therapy of MLT and MAT significantly improved spatial learning, memory, and anxiety-related behaviors. These improvements correlated with increased expression of key proteins, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), Nrf2, HO-1, cAMP, and synaptic proteins such as synaptophysin and PSD-95, which are crucial for synaptic plasticity and cognition. Additionally, MAT treatment was associated with alteration inantioxidant markers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), catalase, and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), indicating better cellular defense against oxidative stress. Moreover, the upregulation of Mitochondrial ETC complexes by MAT and the combination therapy of MLT and MAT suggest improved mitochondrial function inside cells. Levels of Threonate, Taurine, and Mg2+ were also significantly higher in the MAT, MLT, and combined treatment groups. Neurotransmitters such as Dopamine, GABA & Glutamate, as well as complete blood count, have also been estimated. Morphological and histological analyses showed that MAT and the combination therapy significantly enhanced neuronal myelination and structural integrity across various brain regions. These results suggest that MAT & MLT + MAT could serve as a promising neurotherapeutic agent due to its ability to improve better magnesium bioavailability, stimulate neurogenesis, enhance cognitive functions & overall brain functioning. Future research should focus on refining methods for higher-brain bioavailable magnesium salt supplementation and investigating the combined effects of such magnesium salts with other neuroprotective compounds for treating cognitive decline, neurodegenerative diseases & other neurological conditions.
What Iām doing going forward: Iām going to continue using magnesium glycinate for the time being but as I get towards the end of the supply I have I will look into trialling magnesium acetyl taurinate.