Magnesium L-Threonate

Magnesium L-threonate (CAS 778571-57-6 anhydrous; 500304-76-7 for the hydrate; C8H14MgO10, molecular weight 294.50) is the magnesium salt of L-threonic acid, formally magnesium bis[(2R,3S)-2,3,4-trihydroxybutanoate]. L-threonic acid is a four-carbon sugar acid, and the salt is prepared by neutralising it with a magnesium source, so the stereochemistry of the starting acid governs the identity of the finished product. Only the L-form is supplied; buyers specifying this ingredient should confirm optical form on the certificate of analysis, since the D-isomer is a different substance. Commercial specification runs at 98.0-102.0% assay with a magnesium content of 7.2-8.3%, against a theoretical figure of approximately 8.3% for the anhydrous salt. The elemental load is therefore roughly one seventh that of magnesium oxide, which has a direct bearing on formulation: a meaningful magnesium contribution requires a high inclusion weight, so the ingredient is generally used in larger capsules, multi-capsule serves or powder sachets rather than compact tablets. The material is a white to off-white free-flowing powder, soluble in water, with an aqueous pH of 5.8-8.0 and loss on drying of not more than 2.0%. There is no pharmacopoeial monograph, so it is released against an in-house specification with a supporting analytical package. Magnesium is an essential mineral with established roles in normal functioning of the nervous system, normal psychological function, normal muscle function and normal energy-yielding metabolism. Because the ingredient is a comparatively recent entrant, we supply a fuller documentation set than for the classical salts: identity by FTIR and HPLC, magnesium content by titration or ICP, optical rotation, residual solvents, ICP-MS heavy-metal profiling (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury), microbiological testing and, on request, a manufacturing flow chart and stability summary. Non-GMO, allergen-free, BSE/TSE-free and non-irradiation declarations accompany every consignment.