Magnesium L-threonate is a type of magnesium that your body can absorb more easily than some other types. In theory, it could help treat hair loss, but there is currently not enough evidence to support this.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in a range of biochemical processes throughout your body,
- protein synthesis
- DNA and RNA synthesis
- cell function
- energy production
- bone development
- muscle and nerve function
- blood pressure regulation
- blood sugar regulation
Some of these processes, such as protein synthesis, DNA synthesis, and cell function, are also
This article gives an overview of magnesium and hair loss, explains whether magnesium L-threonate affects hair loss, and considers an appropriate dosage for this supplement. We also consider which type of magnesium is best for hair loss and list some other noninvasive procedures that could help reduce hair loss and promote hair growth.
Magnesium L-threonate is a magnesium compound that has
No studies have yet investigated whether magnesium L-threonate affects hair loss, but several have looked at the effects of magnesium supplementation in general on hair loss.
A 2021 research article explains that high cholesterol and insulin resistance can cause or contribute to androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and that a magnesium deficiency can worsen this type of hair loss. The authors conclude that a low cholesterol and low glycemic diet along with magnesium supplementation may help treat AGA.
However, in a small
Although magnesium supplementation significantly improved quality of life, it did not significantly affect alopecia.
Taken together, these findings suggest that magnesium supplementation may help treat alopecia in some people who have high cholesterol or insulin resistance and a magnesium deficiency, but it may not have a significant effect on alopecia in people without a magnesium deficiency. Further research is necessary to determine whether this is the case.
Language matters
You’ll notice that the language used to share stats and other data points is pretty binary.
The studies and surveys referenced in this article didn’t report data on, or include, participants who were transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, genderqueer, agender, or genderless.
However, hormonal changes (including HRT) can be a potential cause of hair loss. If hair loss is a concern for you, talk with your doctor about treatment or prevention options.
Because there are currently no studies on the effects of magnesium L-threonate on hair loss, it is not possible to suggest an appropriate supplement dosage for that use.
The table below shows the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for magnesium according to age, according to the
| Age (in years) | RDA (in milligrams) for males | RDA (in milligrams) for females |
|---|---|---|
| 14 through 18 | 410 mg | 360 mg |
| 19 through 30 | 400 mg | 310 mg |
| 31 through 50 | 420 mg | 320 mg |
| 51+ | 420 mg | 320 mg |
Because there is so little research into magnesium as a treatment for hair loss, it’s not clear which type is best. In theory, magnesium L-threonate should be more effective than magnesium because of its increased bioavailability. But further research is necessary to investigate this theory.
If you want to help researchers learn more about magnesium and hair loss, you can check out ClinicalTrials.gov to look for studies or surveys that are currently open. But always make sure to talk with a doctor before signing up for a clinical trial, especially if it could interfere with any treatment you’re currently receiving.
Other noninvasive remedies for hair loss
Talk with your doctor to learn about the best hair loss treatment options for you. Here are some noninvasive procedures that may help treat hair loss:
Low level laser light therapy (LLLT)
This treatment uses low energy lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to deliver red light or near-infrared light directly to your scalp to help stimulate hair growth.
According to a
Microneedling
This treatment involves using a device with tiny needles to create microscopic punctures in your scalp to stimulate the production of collagen and other growth factors that promote hair growth. It also enhances the absorption of topical treatments such as minoxidil.
In a
Transepidermal delivery (TED)
This treatment uses lasers or microneedling to open up microchannels in your skin. It helps deliver topical hair loss medications directly into your scalp, thus enhancing their absorption and effectiveness.
A
Magnesium plays a role in a range of biochemical processes, some of which are important for hair growth. Magnesium L-threonate is a form of magnesium that is easier for your body to absorb. But research into the effects of magnesium L-threonate on hair loss is still in its infancy, and there is not enough evidence to support its use as a treatment for hair loss.
There are also very few studies into the effects of magnesium on hair loss. In existing studies, there is some evidence that magnesium supplementation may help treat hair loss in some people who have AGA and a magnesium deficiency.
Until there is enough evidence on the safety and effectiveness of magnesium L-threonate as a treatment for hair loss, you may want to consider other noninvasive treatments, such as LLLT, microneedling, and TED. Research supports each of these treatments.
Medication options include topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, oral minoxidil, and oral spironolactone.