Magnesium L-threonate and magnesium bisglycinate both provide magnesium, but are bound to a different substance. L-threonate is primarily studied in relation to cognitive tests; bisglycinate is commonly found in supplements for general magnesium replenishment.
What is the difference between the shapes?
In L-threonate, magnesium is bound to threonate; in bisglycinate, it is bound to the amino acid glycine. A label may prominently display '2,000 mg magnesium L-threonate', while the actual number of milligrams of magnesium is much lower. For pure magnesium L-threonate, the magnesium content according to the European specification is around 7.2–8.3%. Therefore, two grams of this compound yields roughly 144–166 mg of magnesium, not 2,000 mg. With bisglycinate, the actual quantity depends on the raw material used and any blended forms; always check for the separate mention of 'magnesium'.
What do studies in humans say?
In a randomized study from 2026, 100 adults aged 18–45 years used either a specific, proprietary magnesium L-threonate formula (Magtein) or a placebo for six weeks. Some cognitive test results improved, but not all tests and sleep measurements showed a difference. It was not a direct comparison with bisglycinate, and these results cannot be automatically attributed to every L-threonate product.
A separate randomized study from 2025 investigated magnesium bisglycinate in 155 adults with subjectively poor sleep. After four weeks, there was a small improvement on a questionnaire regarding insomnia symptoms compared to the placebo group.
How do you compare price and dosage fairly?
- Find the quantity elemental magnesium per serving, not only the weight of the magnesium compound.
- Calculate the price per 100 mg of elemental magnesium; a cheap container is not necessarily the most economical source of magnesium.
- Check whether research has been conducted on exactly the same raw material and dosage.
Magnesium bisglycinate or L-threonate: the differences
Both forms provide magnesium, but differ in
composition, amount of elemental magnesium
and the scientific applications being investigated.
| Feature | Golden Naturals Bisglycinaat | Hansen L-Threonaat |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium form | Bound to glycine | Bound to L-threonic acid |
| Application | General magnesium supplement | Magnesium supplementation; also studied for cognition |
| Elemental magnesium | 300 mg per 3 tablets | 82 mg per gram of powder |
| Daily dosage in this comparison | 3 tablets | 2 grams of powder |
| Magnesium per day | 300 mg | 164 mg |
| Additions | Taurine, BioPerine and excipients | No added additives |
| Brain function | No demonstrated specific advantage over other forms of magnesium | Promising research, but evidence still limited |
| Muscle function | Magnesium supports normal muscle function | Magnesium supports normal muscle function |
| Product form | Vegan tablets | Pure powder |
| Package contents | 180 tablets | 100 grams |
| Stock at stated dosage | 60 days | 50 days |
| Price per day | Approximately €0.67 | Approximately €0.72 |
| View product | Golden Naturals Bisglycinaat | Hansen Magnesium L-Threonaat |
The amount of magnesium compound is not the same as the amount of elemental magnesium. Prices are a snapshot and exclude promotions.
Scientific sources
- Lopresti & Smith (2026), placebo-controlled study: 100 participants, six weeks, specific Magtein formula
- Schuster et al. (2025), placebo-controlled study: 155 participants, four weeks, modest effect on a sleep questionnaire