A recently published human clinical study explored the potential benefits of magnesium threonate on cognitive health, while a newly launched study aims to add more support to the role of nicotinamide riboside (NR) as a NAD+ precursor in humans. Read on for more details.

A randomized, controlled, double-blind study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease concluded nutritional supplementation with magnesium threonate (as Magtein® from AIDP), was effective at reversing cognitive impairment, and returned cognitive function almost back to normal ability relative to age.

Guosong Liu, M.D., Ph.D., a former professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is professor and founding director of the Center for Learning and Memory, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing. Considered one of the leading experts in magnesium and cognitive health, Liu was the principal investigator on the study.

According to Liu, the study demonstrated “the safety and efficacy of magnesium threonate (Magtein), a compound designed to help magnesium to cross the blood brain barrier so that it can increase brain synapse density on restoration of certain cognitive abilities. This study highlights the importance of increasing neuronal intracellular magnesium, a key intermediary of synapse density control, for improving cognitive abilities in older adults."

The effect of Magtein on cognitive ability was evaluated in four cognitive domains—executive function, working memory, attention and episodic memory—by administration of the trail making, digit span, flanker and face-name tests, respectively, at baseline, week six and week 12. These cognitive tests represent the best science available, based on the current consensus that multiple domains of cognition should be evaluated to determine cognitive impairment. The cognitive domains selected were similar to those included in major cognitive studies. They are considered reliable for testing cognitive deficits and improvements.

Following 12 weeks of Magtein use, there was an average increase of 10.3±3.8 percent in TMT-B speed, such that their speed was close to that of their age-matched controls. The data demonstrated Magtein use was effective in subjects at improving cognitive ability almost back to normal levels relative to age.

Subject population included 44 men or women between 50 and 70 years of age with self-reported memory loss and sleep disorder. The mean subject age was 57.3±5.2 years, with 71 percent being female.

ChromaDex Corp. announced the initiation of the second human clinical trial for its patented ingredient, NIAGEN® (nicotinamide riboside, NR).

The second human clinical trial will build upon the results of the company’s first human clinical trial announced in February 2015, which demonstrated a single oral dose of NIAGEN is a safe, effective nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) precursor in humans. It was the first study indicating an increase in NAD+ in humans demonstrated through NR supplementation.

The second human clinical trial will be a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study in 140 healthy adults ranging in age from 40 to 60, examining the potential benefits of NIAGEN if taken daily for eight consecutive weeks. The outcome will provide key information on the effective dose range of NIAGEN to increase the mitochondrial co-enzyme NAD+ and NAD+ metabolite concentrations in the body.

Additional endpoints to be investigated include C-reactive protein; total cholesterol; low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides and amino acid panels; NAD+ levels in muscle; mitochondrial biomarkers; and the effects of NR on resting metabolic rate.