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Sports Research vs Life Extension Magnesium L-Threonate (2026)
Disclosure: We earn commissions on purchases made through our links. This never influences our scores. Editorial policy
The Verdict
Sports Research edges Life Extension on our rubric (94 vs 90 on our 0-100 execution score), and the two are nearly identical on cost - both run about $1.00-$1.03 per day at the full 2000mg Magtein dose. Sports Research carries NSF Certified status; Life Extension carries ConsumerLab Verified. Since both use the same Magtein form at the same dose, the ingredient is equivalent. In our view Sports Research is the slight pick on score and NSF certification, but Life Extension's ConsumerLab verification makes it an equally credible choice at the same price.
Sports Research Magtein Magnesium L-Threonate
Sports Research
Life Extension Neuro-Mag Magnesium L-Threonate
Life Extension
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Sports Research Magtein Magnesium L-Threonate Sports Research | Life Extension Neuro-Mag Magnesium L-Threonate Life Extension |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Score | 94/100Winner | 90/100 |
| Dosing & Form | 25/25Winner | 25/25 |
| Purity | 24/25Winner | 22/25 |
| Value | 23/25Winner | 20/25 |
| Transparency | 22/25 | 23/25Winner |
| Cost/Day | $1.00Winner | $1.03 |
| Dose/Serving | 2000mg | 2000mg |
| Form | magnesium L-threonate (Magtein) | magnesium L-threonate (Magtein) |
| Third-Party Tested | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Proprietary Blend | No | No |
Why This Comparison Matters
Sports Research and Life Extension both use Magtein - the patented, brain-targeted magnesium L-threonate form - at the same 2000mg dose, so the active ingredient is identical. Magnesium L-threonate is the form studied specifically for cognitive support, and Magtein is the branded version behind that research. This is a clean like-for-like matchup where testing and price decide it.
Both are NSF-adjacent quality tiers with published testing. Sports Research is NSF Certified; Life Extension carries ConsumerLab Verified status. Both deliver the full clinically studied Magtein dose.
We scored both on evidence, quality, cost per dose, and transparency.
Detailed Score Breakdown
Sports Research Magtein Magnesium L-Threonate
Sports Research
2,000mg Magtein per 3-capsule serving - matches the clinical trial formulation exactly
NSF Certified. Third-party tested. cGMP facility. Best-in-class quality verification for this category.
$1.00/day at 2,000mg Magtein - tied for best value among NSF-certified options
Magtein trademark displayed. Elemental magnesium (144mg) disclosed. Clean label, minimal excipients.
Best combination of quality verification and value in this category. NSF Certified at the clinical dose.
Life Extension Neuro-Mag Magnesium L-Threonate
Life Extension
2,000mg Magtein per 3-capsule serving. Matches clinical trial formulation.
ConsumerLab verified. GMP facility. Life Extension quality standards exceed industry average.
$1.03/day at 2,000mg Magtein
Magtein form clearly identified. Elemental magnesium (144mg) disclosed. Clean label.
ConsumerLab verification adds meaningful quality assurance. One of the most established brands in the supplement space.
How We Compared These Products
Every product in our database is scored on four equally-weighted pillars: dosing accuracy and form quality, purity verification (third-party testing), cost per clinically effective dose (not cost per pill), and label transparency. Each pillar is worth 25 points for a total of 100.
Cost per effective dose is calculated using the clinically studied dose from published research, not the manufacturer's suggested serving. If a product requires multiple servings to reach the dose used in clinical trials, that cost is reflected in the value score.
For a full explanation of our scoring methodology, see our methodology page. Prices were last checked on the dates listed for each product and may have changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sports Research or Life Extension magnesium L-threonate better?
They are very close: both use the same patented Magtein form at the same 2000mg dose and cost about $1.00-$1.03 per day. Sports Research scores slightly higher on our rubric (94 vs 90 on our 0-100 execution score) and carries NSF Certified status; Life Extension carries ConsumerLab Verified. Since the Magtein form and dose are identical, either delivers the same active ingredient - buy on the testing credential you trust most.
What is Magtein and why does it matter for magnesium L-threonate?
Magtein is the patented, branded form of magnesium L-threonate used in the cognitive-support research. Magnesium L-threonate is specifically studied for its ability to cross into the brain, and Magtein is the version most of that data is based on. Both Sports Research and Life Extension use Magtein, so their products match the researched form - a generic, non-Magtein L-threonate would not necessarily.
More Magnesium L-Threonate Comparisons
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FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.