Both Magnesium L-Threonate and NMN offer potential cognitive benefits, but they operate through different pathways. Magnesium L-Threonate focuses on increasing magnesium levels in the brain, while NMN boosts NAD+ levels for cellular energy. NMN has more readily available information regarding purity, testing, and manufacturing certifications. The choice depends on individual needs and preferences, considering potential side effects and desired outcomes.
| Attribute | Magnesium L-Threonate | NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Magnesium L-Threonate | NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) |
| Form | Capsules and powder | Capsules, powder, and tablets |
| Dosage per serving | Around 1500mg to 2000mg. A common dose is 2000 mg daily. | Capsules: Typically range from 200-500mg per capsule, some brands offer higher dosages, like 900mg per serving. Powder: Common serving size is around 500mg (1/4 teaspoon). Tablets: Dosage varies. |
| Magnesium content per serving | A 2000mg dose typically provides around 144mg of elemental magnesium. Nature Made Magnesium L-Threonate contains 130mg Magnesium (from 1800 mg Magnesium L-Threonate). | Varies depending on the product [N/A] |
| Bioavailability | Considered one of the most bioavailable forms of magnesium. It can cross the blood-brain barrier, increasing magnesium levels in the brain. | Orally bioavailable, some methods, like sublingual administration or liposomal encapsulation, may enhance absorption. |
| Ingredients (additives, fillers) | NOW Foods Magtein: Hypromellose (cellulose capsule), rice flour, stearic acid (vegetable source), and silicon dioxide. Swanson: Microcrystalline cellulose (plant fiber), vegan capsule (hypromellose), magnesium stearate. | Some NMN products contain only NMN, while others may include additives or fillers. Some may include beneficial ingredients like resveratrol. |
| Vegan/Vegetarian suitability | Several brands offer vegan/vegetarian options. | Many NMN supplements are vegan-friendly, but it's important to check the label to confirm. |
| Reported side effects | Generally rare, but can include drowsiness, fatigue, headache, and digestive discomfort. High doses may lead to more serious side effects like heart arrhythmias and electrolyte imbalances. | Generally considered safe, but some people have reported mild side effects like nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, and skin flushing. |
| Price | Not available | Varies widely, ranging from around $1 to over $3 per serving. |
| Ratings | Not available | Customer reviews can provide insights into the effectiveness and tolerability of NMN supplements. |
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| Purity and Testing | Not available | High-quality NMN supplements often boast a purity of 99% or greater. Look for third-party testing to verify purity and check for contaminants. Certificates of Analysis (COA) from accredited labs are a good sign. |
| Third-party testing for heavy metals | Not available | Many reputable brands test for heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. |
| Manufacturing certifications (GMP, NSF) | Not available | Look for products manufactured in GMP-certified facilities. Some may also have NSF certification. |