Magnesium L-threonate: what does the amount on the label mean?

Two magnesium labels can show the same number in milligrams and describe different quantities. Read the ingredient name alongside the number, then check what that number is measured per. With those three details, any comparison becomes clear.

What does magnesium L-threonate name?

Magnesium L-threonate is a magnesium-containing compound. Its name identifies the form of the ingredient; elemental magnesium describes the magnesium portion within it. The European Food Safety Authority's assessment describes its chemical identity as a magnesium salt of L-threonic acid.

Think of the ingredient name and the measurement as two separate pieces of information. The name tells you which material is listed. The wording beside the amount tells you what has been counted.

Two labels, two measurements

Consider these hypothetical examples. They illustrate label wording, rather than the specification of a 24/sync product:

• Magnesium L-threonate: 100 mg describes the weight of the complete named compound.
• Magnesium: 100 mg (as magnesium L-threonate) describes the elemental magnesium amount, with L-threonate identifying its form.

The matching “100 mg” figures therefore measure different things. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements explains that US dietary supplements' Supplement Facts panels declare elemental magnesium rather than the weight of the whole compound. For the product in front of you, read its own wording.

Check what the amount is per

A figure also needs a basis: per patch, per capsule or per serving. Look for that information beside the ingredient quantities.

For example, imagine a capsule product lists 60 mg of elemental magnesium per serving and defines a serving as two capsules. That works out to 30 mg per capsule. Comparing its serving figure with another product's per-capsule figure would mix two different bases. This is an arithmetic example, not a suggested dose.

Reading a patch quantity

On a 24/sync label, every amount is what goes into each patch, down to the milligram. Our guide to the amounts on a patch label explains each term you may see in patch research.

Three questions to take to the label

1. What is the precise ingredient name?
2. Does the figure describe the complete compound or elemental magnesium?
3. Is the amount per patch, capsule or serving?

If the wording leaves one of these unclear, ask the brand what its figure measures. For the wider picture, read how to read a patch ingredient list.