Recovery of Function (G11.427.698.620)MgT-AthletesNCT07015047
Effects of Magnesium L-Threonate on Sleep, Recovery, and Athletic Performance in Collegiate Athletes
A study testing Magnesium L-Threonate in people with Recovery of Function (G11.427.698.620) and Athletic Performance, run by University of California, Los Angeles at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
This study is testing whether a special form of magnesium called magnesium L-threonate can help improve sleep quality, recovery, and physical performance in college athletes. Magnesium is important for muscle recovery and sleep, but many forms of it do not enter the brain well. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Recovery of Function (G11.427.698.620), Athletic Performance, Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
- What is being tested?
- Magnesium L-Threonate
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 109 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2025to 10 Mar 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- • 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
Who cannot join
- • 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 (e.g., wearing WHOOP or completing surveys)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Magnesium L-Threonate on Sleep, Recovery, and Athletic Performance in UCLA Athletes: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
This study is testing whether a special form of magnesium called magnesium L-threonate can help improve sleep quality, recovery, and physical performance in college athletes. Magnesium is important for muscle recovery and sleep, but many forms of it do not enter the brain well. Magnesium L-threonate is unique in that it can cross the blood-brain barrier and may improve deep and REM sleep, heart rate variability, and brain recovery.
In this study, healthy UCLA varsity athletes aged 18 to 35 will be randomly assigned to take either magnesium L-threonate or a placebo each evening for 4 weeks. They will wear a WHOOP strap to track sleep, recovery, and heart rate data. Performance tests including jump height, grip strength, and reaction time will be completed before and after the 4-week period.
This study will help researchers determine if this supplement can support recovery and training in athletes and whether wearable technology can help monitor these changes in real time.
Read the detailed description
This is a randomized, placebo-controlled trial examining the effects of magnesium L-threonate (MgT) supplementation on sleep architecture, autonomic recovery, and physical performance in collegiate athletes. Magnesium is a critical mineral for neuromuscular and autonomic function, but common forms have limited central nervous system penetration. MgT crosses the blood-brain barrier and has been shown in non-athletic populations to improve sleep depth, REM sleep, and cognitive function. No prior studies have evaluated its effects in athletes.
A total of 109 UCLA varsity athletes aged 18-35 years were enrolled in this two-arm, randomized (1:1), placebo-controlled trial of 1 gram of magnesium L-threonate or placebo taken nightly for 4 weeks. Participants will wear a WHOOP strap to continuously monitor deep sleep, REM sleep, heart rate variability, resting heart rate, and recovery score. Daily surveys will track subjective sleep quality, recovery, and for female athletes, menstrual phase and symptoms. Performance outcomes including countermovement jump height, handgrip strength, and light-based reaction time will be measured before and after the intervention.
Primary outcomes include changes in deep sleep duration and heart rate variability. Secondary outcomes include changes in physical performance and subjective sleep quality. This study will provide insight into whether brain-targeted magnesium supplementation can enhance recovery and performance in an athletic population.
- Conditions
- Recovery of Function (G11.427.698.620), Athletic Performance, Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
- Being tested
- Magnesium L-Threonate, Placebo
- Keywords
- Magnesium L-Threonate, Sleep Quality, WHOOP, Athlete Recovery, HRV, NCAA Athletes, Sports Medicine, Wearable Technology
- Medical subject headings
- Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Magnesium L-ThreonateDietary supplement
Participants in this arm will take 1 gram of magnesium L-threonate (Magtein), provided in capsule form, once daily in the evening for 4 weeks. This supplement is known for its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and may enhance sleep architecture, autonomic recovery, and cognitive function.
PlaceboOther
Identical-looking inert capsule taken nightly for 4 weeks. Used as a comparator to magnesium L-threonate to assess changes in sleep, recovery, and performance metrics.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium L-Threonate | Experimental | Participants assigned to this arm will take 1 gram of magnesium L-threonate (Magtein) in capsule form each evening for 4 weeks. They will wear a WHOOP strap continuously to collect sleep and recovery metrics and complete baseline/follow-up performance testing. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Magnesium L-Threonate |
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Participants assigned to this arm will take an identical-looking placebo capsule each evening for 4 weeks. They will wear a WHOOP strap continuously to collect sleep and recovery metrics and complete baseline/follow-up performance testing. Receives: Other: Placebo |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Deep Sleep Duration (minutes) from Baseline to Week 4
Deep (slow-wave) sleep duration will be measured nightly using WHOOP wearable sensors. Average weekly deep sleep duration will be calculated and compared between groups.
Measured: Baseline to Week 4
Change in Heart Rate Variability (HRV) from Baseline to Week 4
HRV (measured in ms) will be captured nightly via WHOOP device. Weekly averages will be analyzed to assess autonomic recovery across time points.
Measured: Baseline to Week 4
Secondary outcomes (4)
Change in Countermovement Jump Height (cm) from Baseline to Week 4
Jump height will be assessed using force plate technology.
Measured: Baseline and Week 4
Change in Reaction Time (ms) from Baseline to Week 4
Reaction time will be measured using a standardized light-based reaction test (e.g., BlazePod). Group differences will be analyzed after 4 weeks of supplementation.
Measured: Baseline and Week 4
Change in Handgrip Strength from Baseline to Week 4
Grip strength will be measured using a calibrated handheld dynamometer. The average value from three trials on the dominant hand will be recorded and analyzed.
Measured: Baseline and Week 4
Change in Subjective Sleep Quality Score from Baseline to Week 4
Participants will complete a Single-Item Sleep Quality Scale (rated 0-10) each morning via REDCap. Weekly averages will be used to assess within- and between-group changes.
Measured: Daily for 4 Weeks (averaged weekly)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 Jun 2025
- Study start1 Oct 2025
- Primary completion1 Mar 2026
- Study completion10 Mar 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Recovery of Function (G11.427.698.620)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of California, Los AngelesThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 109 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Jeremy Swisher, MD, University of California, Los Angeles
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07015047
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IRB-25-1201
- Acronym
- MgT-Athletes
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 3 Jun 2025
- Last updated
- 20 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Magnesium L-Threonate on Sleep, Recovery, and Athletic Performance in UCLA Athletes: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07015047
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MgT-Athletes / IRB-25-1201
- Conditions
- Recovery of Function (G11.427.698.620), Athletic Performance, Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
- Keywords
- Magnesium L-Threonate, Sleep Quality, WHOOP, Athlete Recovery, HRV, NCAA Athletes, Sports Medicine, Wearable Technology
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 109 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of California, Los AngelesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Mar 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 11 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study is testing whether a special form of magnesium called magnesium L-threonate can help improve sleep quality, recovery, and physical performance in college athletes. Magnesium is important for muscle recovery and sleep, but many forms of it do not enter the brain well. Magnesium L-threonate is unique in that it can cross the blood-brain barrier and may improve deep and REM sleep, heart rate variability, and brain recovery.
In this study, healthy UCLA varsity athletes aged 18 to 35 will be randomly assigned to take either magnesium L-threonate or a placebo each evening for 4 weeks. They will wear a WHOOP strap to track sleep, recovery, and heart rate data. Performance tests including jump height, grip strength, and reaction time will be completed before and after the 4-week period.
This study will help researchers determine if this supplement can support recovery and training in athletes and whether wearable technology can help monitor these changes in real time.
Detailed description
This is a randomized, placebo-controlled trial examining the effects of magnesium L-threonate (MgT) supplementation on sleep architecture, autonomic recovery, and physical performance in collegiate athletes. Magnesium is a critical mineral for neuromuscular and autonomic function, but common forms have limited central nervous system penetration. MgT crosses the blood-brain barrier and has been shown in non-athletic populations to improve sleep depth, REM sleep, and cognitive function. No prior studies have evaluated its effects in athletes.
A total of 109 UCLA varsity athletes aged 18-35 years were enrolled in this two-arm, randomized (1:1), placebo-controlled trial of 1 gram of magnesium L-threonate or placebo taken nightly for 4 weeks. Participants will wear a WHOOP strap to continuously monitor deep sleep, REM sleep, heart rate variability, resting heart rate, and recovery score. Daily surveys will track subjective sleep quality, recovery, and for female athletes, menstrual phase and symptoms. Performance outcomes including countermovement jump height, handgrip strength, and light-based reaction time will be measured before and after the intervention.
Primary outcomes include changes in deep sleep duration and heart rate variability. Secondary outcomes include changes in physical performance and subjective sleep quality. This study will provide insight into whether brain-targeted magnesium supplementation can enhance recovery and performance in an athletic population.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium L-Threonate | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Magnesium L-ThreonateParticipants assigned to this arm will take 1 gram of magnesium L-threonate (Magtein) in capsule form each evening for 4 weeks. They will wear a WHOOP strap continuously to collect sleep and recovery metrics and complete baseline/follow-up performance testing. |
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Other: PlaceboParticipants assigned to this arm will take an identical-looking placebo capsule each evening for 4 weeks. They will wear a WHOOP strap continuously to collect sleep and recovery metrics and complete baseline/follow-up performance testing. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- • Age 18-35 years
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- • Current use of magnesium supplements or investigational drugs
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium L-ThreonateParticipants in this arm will take 1 gram of magnesium L-threonate (Magtein), provided in capsule form, once daily in the evening for 4 weeks. This supplement is known for its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and may enhance sleep architecture, autonomic recovery, and cognitive function. | Dietary supplement | Magnesium L-Threonate |
| PlaceboIdentical-looking inert capsule taken nightly for 4 weeks. Used as a comparator to magnesium L-threonate to assess changes in sleep, recovery, and performance metrics. | Other | Placebo |
Primary outcome
Change in Deep Sleep Duration (minutes) from Baseline to Week 4
Time frame: Baseline to Week 4
Deep (slow-wave) sleep duration will be measured nightly using WHOOP wearable sensors. Average weekly deep sleep duration will be calculated and compared between groups.
Change in Heart Rate Variability (HRV) from Baseline to Week 4
Time frame: Baseline to Week 4
HRV (measured in ms) will be captured nightly via WHOOP device. Weekly averages will be analyzed to assess autonomic recovery across time points.
4 secondary outcomes
Change in Countermovement Jump Height (cm) from Baseline to Week 4
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Change in Reaction Time (ms) from Baseline to Week 4
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Change in Handgrip Strength from Baseline to Week 4
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Change in Subjective Sleep Quality Score from Baseline to Week 4
Time frame: Daily for 4 Weeks (averaged weekly)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 20 Oct 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Magnesium L-Threonate in people with Recovery of Function (G11.427.698.620) and Athletic Performance, run by University of California, Los Angeles at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Deep Sleep Duration (minutes) from Baseline to Week 4 (time frame: Baseline to Week 4). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 20 Oct 2026.