The European unio (EU) has officially approved magnesium L-threonate as a novel food, marking a major development in magnesium supplementation. This decision paves the way for the ingredient, marketed under the trademark Magtein, to be included in consumer products across the EU, offering a highly bioavailable source of magnesium.

Edward Lee, CEO of ThreoTech, the company licensed to market the ingredient, expressed his enthusiasm about the approval. “Novel food authorisation for Magtein means EU consumers can now, for the first time, experience the clinically proven benefits that are unique to magnesium L-threonate,” he said.

The EU’s decision also grants a five-year exclusivity period to North American ingredient supplier AIDP and its licensee ThreoTech, starting from 7 November 2024. During this time, only ThreoTech and its sublicensees are authorised to market magnesium L-threonate in the EU.

Lee highlighted the significance of this exclusivity, noting that it “offers added reassurance to consumers, manufacturers, and brands that the magnesium L-threonate sourced through ThreoTech is guaranteed to be safe, authentic, and of the highest quality.”

The novel food approval (Commission Regulation 2024/2694) confirms the safety and high bioavailability of Magtein magnesium L-threonate, underscoring its potential to revolutionise the market. The EU has also issued a corrigendum specifying maximum levels of elemental magnesium for inclusion in products.

ThreoTech is taking active steps to protect its exclusive rights. The company has retained the global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills to address any unauthorised marketing of the ingredient within the EU. Businesses selling the ingredient without a licence have been urged to cease operations immediately and contact ThreoTech.

This approval opens the door for Magtein to be used in a variety of products, from beverages to snack bars, gels, gummies, and powders. This marks a major shift in magnesium supplementation and positions Magtein as a potential key ingredient in the EU market.