Poster Presentation

Magnesium L-Threonate & College Athletes

Results from a 4-Week Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study in UCLA Varsity Athletes

AMSSM 36th Annual Meeting · Seattle, WA · April 24–29, 2026

Study Overview

This study investigated whether magnesium L-threonate (MgT) — a form of magnesium uniquely capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier — can improve sleep quality, recovery, and physical performance in collegiate athletes. Healthy UCLA varsity athletes were randomly assigned to take either MgT or a placebo nightly for 4 weeks while wearing WHOOP straps to continuously monitor sleep, heart rate variability, and recovery metrics. Performance testing was completed at baseline and after the 4-week intervention.

Design
Randomized Controlled Trial
Masking
Single-Blind (Participant)
Enrollment
107 Athletes
Duration
4 Weeks

Inclusion Criteria

  • Age 18–35 years
  • Current UCLA varsity athlete (any sport)
  • Actively training or competing during the study period
  • Willing to wear a WHOOP strap continuously for 4 weeks
  • Willing to ingest a nightly capsule for 4 weeks
  • Able to provide informed consent and comply with study procedures

Exclusion Criteria

  • Current use of magnesium supplements or investigational drugs
  • Use of prescription or over-the-counter sleep medications
  • Diagnosed sleep disorder (e.g., insomnia, sleep apnea)
  • Major medical condition limiting training or participation
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Known history of chronic kidney or liver disease
  • Allergy or intolerance to magnesium
  • Inability to comply with study procedures

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes

Deep Sleep Duration
Slow-wave sleep measured nightly via WHOOP; weekly averages compared
Baseline → Week 4
Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
Nightly HRV (ms) via WHOOP; weekly averages for autonomic recovery
Baseline → Week 4

Secondary Outcomes

Countermovement Jump Height
Jump height assessed using force plate technology
Baseline & Week 4
Reaction Time
Standardized light-based test (BlazePod)
Baseline & Week 4
Handgrip Strength
Calibrated dynamometer; average of 3 trials on dominant hand
Baseline & Week 4
Subjective Sleep Quality
Single-Item Sleep Quality Scale (0–10) daily via REDCap
Daily for 4 weeks

Investigators

Jeremy Swisher, MD
Principal Investigator
UCLA · David Geffen School of Medicine
Joshua Goldman, MD, MBA
Principal Investigator
UCLA · David Geffen School of Medicine
Kimberly Burbank, MD
Co-Investigator
UCLA · David Geffen School of Medicine
Brian Donohoe, MD
Co-Investigator
UCLA · David Geffen School of Medicine
Calvin Duffaut, MD
Co-Investigator
UCLA · David Geffen School of Medicine
Nelson Boland, MD
Co-Investigator
UCLA · David Geffen School of Medicine
Nicolas Hatamiya, DO
Collaborating Investigator
UCSF · School of Medicine
Jeremy Vail, PT, ATC
Co-Investigator
UCLA Athletics

View on ClinicalTrials.gov

Access the full study record, protocol details, and enrollment status.

NCT07015047
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