What is Liposomal Magtein and who is it for?
Liposomal Magtein combines magnesium L-threonate (Magtein®) with phosphatidylcholine in Quicksilver Scientific’s liposomal delivery system. This formulation provides 72 mg elemental magnesium per 15 mL serving, alongside 450 mg of phosphatidylcholine. It’s designed for people prioritizing cognitive wellness and neurological health, particularly those who want a magnesium form that reaches brain tissue.
You might consider this over other magnesium forms if you’re specifically focused on cognitive wellness rather than general magnesium supplementation. The magnesium L-threonate form was developed from MIT research and is one of the few magnesium compounds shown to cross the blood-brain barrier effectively. The addition of phosphatidylcholine—a key structural component of neuronal membranes—makes this formulation particularly relevant for those supporting brain tissue health and neuroplasticity.
Fairfield Nutrition Thoughts
While most magnesium forms don’t effectively reach brain tissue, Magnesium L-threonate was specifically developed at MIT to cross the blood-brain barrier, making it relevant for people whose primary concern is cognitive wellness rather than general magnesium status or muscle relaxation.
The research on magnesium L-threonate includes both animal studies and human clinical trials showing its ability to reach cerebrospinal fluid and support cognitive function markers. While the human evidence base is still developing, the mechanism is well-characterized and the form has shown promise in cognitive wellness contexts. Quicksilver’s addition of phosphatidylcholine is useful as PC is a major component of neuronal membranes and supports healthy neurotransmission.
Why This Formulation / How It Works
Most magnesium forms (citrate, glycinate, oxide) are excellent for general magnesium status, muscle relaxation, and digestive wellness, but they don’t readily cross the blood-brain barrier. Magnesium L-threonate was specifically engineered to reach brain tissue. The threonate component acts as a carrier that helps shuttle magnesium across the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to reach cerebrospinal fluid and brain cells. Quicksilver wraps this in their liposomal delivery system—phospholipid bubbles that may further enhance absorption—and adds 450 mg of phosphatidylcholine per serving, which is itself a building block of neuronal membranes.
This is a practitioner-grade formulation using the patented Magtein® form of magnesium L-threonate. The liquid liposomal format allows for flexible dosing (5 mL daytime, 10 mL evening is the suggested protocol) and the phosphatidylcholine content is notably high compared to many liposomal products. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and free from common allergens.
Magnesium in Brain Tissue
Magnesium functions as a cofactor for over 300 enzymatic reactions, including those involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and release. In brain tissue, magnesium regulates NMDA receptors (involved in learning and memory formation) and modulates neurotransmitter activity. The challenge is getting adequate magnesium into the brain—blood levels don’t necessarily reflect brain tissue levels. Magnesium L-threonate’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier addresses this limitation, allowing magnesium to reach neurons directly.
Phosphatidylcholine and Neuronal Membranes
Phosphatidylcholine is a major phospholipid component of cell membranes, particularly concentrated in brain tissue. It serves as a precursor to acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning) and supports membrane fluidity and integrity. The 450 mg per serving in this formula provides building blocks for neuronal membrane maintenance and may support healthy neurotransmission.
Liposomal Delivery Mechanism
Quicksilver’s liposomal technology encapsulates the magnesium L-threonate and phosphatidylcholine in phospholipid vesicles. These microscopic bubbles are structurally similar to cell membranes, which may allow them to merge with cells in the mouth and digestive tract, potentially enhancing absorption. The liquid format also allows for sublingual absorption, where holding the liquid in the mouth for 30-90 seconds may enable some uptake through oral mucosa before swallowing.
When to Consider This
This magnesium formulation provides targeted support for cognitive wellness and brain tissue health. It makes sense if you’re:
- In a life stage (over 40) where cognitive wellness and neuroplasticity are priorities
- Looking for magnesium specifically for brain tissue support rather than general magnesium supplementation
- Working with a practitioner on cognitive wellness protocols and want a brain-focused magnesium form
- Already meeting general magnesium needs but want additional support for neurological health
Supplement strategy: This is typically introduced after foundational magnesium supplementation is established (most people start with glycinate or citrate forms for general magnesium status). Many people use this alongside rather than instead of other magnesium forms—using magnesium L-threonate specifically for cognitive support while maintaining glycinate or citrate for muscle relaxation and general wellness. The suggested protocol of split dosing (5 mL daytime, 10 mL evening) reflects its dual application for daytime cognitive support and evening sleep quality.
⚠️ Not suitable for: Pregnancy, breastfeeding (consult healthcare practitioner before use). Always consult your healthcare professional if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking prescription medications.
How to Use
Quicksilver Scientific recommends taking 15 mL daily, split as 5 mL in the daytime and 10 mL one hour before sleep. That’s a total of 72 mg elemental magnesium and 450 mg phosphatidylcholine per full daily serving.
Hold the liquid in your mouth for 30-90 seconds before swallowing to allow for some sublingual absorption. The bottle contains 450 mL, providing 30 servings at the full 15 mL daily dose. You can adjust timing based on your primary focus—if cognitive support during the day is your main goal, you might weight more toward the daytime dose; if sleep quality is the priority, the evening dose becomes more relevant.
Store at room temperature (refrigeration not required). The product is also available in 15 mL single-serve sachets if you want travel-friendly options.
Ingredients
Per 15 mL serving:
Magnesium (elemental) 72 mg
(from 1000 mg Magnesium L-Threonate as Magtein®)
Phosphatidylcholine 450 mg
(from highly purified phospholipids)
Other ingredients: Water, glycerin, ethanol, acacia gum, natural citrus oils, citric acid
Allergen information: Vegan. Free from gluten, soy protein, and common allergens. Sugar-free.
Common Questions
How is this different from regular magnesium supplements?
The magnesium L-threonate form (Magtein®) was specifically developed to cross the blood-brain barrier, which most magnesium forms don’t do effectively. This makes it relevant for cognitive wellness rather than general magnesium supplementation. The addition of phosphatidylcholine and liposomal delivery further distinguishes it from standard magnesium products.
Should I stop taking my regular magnesium if I start this?
Not necessarily. At 72 mg elemental magnesium per serving, this provides moderate magnesium intake but is formulated primarily for brain tissue support. Many people use this alongside other magnesium forms—for example, continuing with magnesium glycinate for muscle relaxation and general magnesium status while adding magnesium L-threonate specifically for cognitive support. Discuss with your practitioner based on your total magnesium intake.
Why split the dose between daytime and evening?
Quicksilver’s suggested protocol (5 mL daytime, 10 mL evening) reflects the dual applications of this formulation. The daytime dose supports cognitive function during waking hours, while the larger evening dose one hour before sleep supports sleep quality. Magnesium modulates neurotransmitter activity relevant to both alertness and relaxation depending on timing and context.
What does the liposomal delivery actually do?
Quicksilver encapsulates the magnesium L-threonate and phosphatidylcholine in phospholipid vesicles (tiny bubbles made from the same material as cell membranes). This may enhance absorption by allowing the compounds to merge with cells in the mouth and digestive tract. The liquid format also enables sublingual absorption when you hold it in your mouth before swallowing, potentially allowing some uptake through oral mucosa.
Warnings & Storage
Do not use if: Pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting your healthcare practitioner.
Cautions: If taking prescription medications, consult your healthcare practitioner before use. Magnesium can interact with certain medications including antibiotics and medications for osteoporosis.
Storage: Store at room temperature. Refrigeration not required.
Always consult your healthcare professional before use if you have any pre-existing conditions or are taking medications.
















