magnesium acetyltaurate

Magnesium acetyltaurate (MgAT) is a synthetic chelate of magnesium and N-acetyltaurine. It is designed to enhance the bioavailability of both magnesium and taurine, particularly for delivery to the central nervous system and the retina, as it crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than other magnesium salts. MgAT exhibits neuroprotective properties by acting as an antagonist at N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, thereby mitigating glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. Additionally, it reduces oxidative and nitrosative stress by modulating the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms—specifically restoring endothelial NOS (eNOS) while downregulating inducible (iNOS) and neuronal (nNOS) isoforms. Preclinical research in rat models of glaucoma suggests that MgAT can prevent retinal ganglion cell apoptosis and optic nerve degeneration, potentially through the activation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathways and the reduction of caspase-3 activity. It is also commercially available as a dietary supplement.

Brand names

ATA Mg

Other names

MgATMagnesium N-acetyltaurateMagnesium acetyl taurate