Is the amount of Mg++ in ATA Mg® sufficient?

Yes, the quantity of Mg++ is sufficient because ATA Mg® easily passes the blood-brain barrier, so a low dosage is required.

Various studies show that ATA Mg® is effective on its own at a dosage of 800 mg/day, which corresponds to 45 mg of Mg++.

Remember that ATA Mg® is much more than magnesium; it is a source of magnesium (6%) as well as acetyl-taurine (93%) and has the ‘taurinergic’ properties of taurine, particularly at neuronal level. Thanks to its structural analogy with glutamate receptors, ATA Mg® can bind to NMDA receptors and modulate neuroexcitation: it is through this unique mechanism of competitive action that ATA Mg® reduces neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders (stress, anxiety, memory problems, migraine, etc.). Once again, it is important to emphasise that it is the molecule itself that is of interest, namely Magnesium N-Acetyltaurinate.

However, the market is used to high levels of Mg++ because consumers don’t always distinguish between the different sources of Mg and the different bioavailabilities of these sources.

Therefore, if you want a higher level of Mg++, you can combine ATA Mg® with another salt such as Mg citrate, which contains more Mg++. Mg bisglycinate may also be recommended, but it contains less Mg++ than citrate.

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What is the elemental taurine content of ATA Mg®?

ATA Mg® contains 6% magnesium and 93% acetyl-taurine (a taurine/lipophilic taurine molecule bioavailable in membrane phospholipids).

Acetyltaurine is a natural metabolite of taurine, particularly in the brain. Acetyltaurine is not a xenobiotic; it is a physiological metabolite of taurine, formed in the brain via acetyl coenzyme A.

ATA Mg® has the ‘taurinergic’ properties of taurine, particularly at neuronal level, but with better bioavailability. In fact, ATA Mg® is much more than ordinary taurine – it’s acetyltaurine!

Acetylation of taurine gives ATA Mg® a lipophilic character which increases the bioavailability of both taurine and magnesium. This acetyl group facilitates the passage of membrane phospholipids and the penetration of Mg and taurine into cells, particularly neuronal cells.

Is it always necessary to take a taurine supplement separately?

Given the quantity of acetyl taurine and its high bioavailability, it is not necessary to take taurine separately.

What are the benefits of taurine? What is the link between taurine and the brain ?

Taurine even plays a very important role in the body. First of all, it has neuro-sedative and anxiolytic effects (ligand for GABA receptors).

In addition to its soothing effect, taurine could be useful in the fight against cerebral ageing.

Ageing is associated with increased inflammation and reduced neurogenesis in the hippocampus, which in turn can contribute to cognitive impairment. Taurine also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Unfortunately, taurine still suffers from a bad reputation due to the boom in energy drinks and poor knowledge of taurine, which is wrongly considered to be an excitant. On the contrary, taurine is added to energy drinks for its cardioprotective effects, which help to regulate the heart rate and palpitations caused by the high doses of caffeine present in these drinks.

Moreover, the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), in a report written by a number of scientists, concluded that taurine is safe, even when consumed in high doses in energy drinks.

Taurine is one of the most abundant amino acids in the brain, retina, muscle tissue and organs throughout the body and is a crucial factor in various processes (cardiac and muscular function, digestion of fats, etc.) and in brain development in particular.

Does acetyl-taurine have any benefits other than contributing to the supply of magnesium to the brain? Is it bioactive in its own right ?

Yes, acetyl-taurine has other benefits and is bioactive in its own right. Acetyltaurine is a natural metabolite of taurine, particularly in the brain. Acetyltaurine is not a xenobiotic; it is a physiological metabolite of taurine that is formed in the brain via acetyl coenzyme A. N-acetyltaurine is an endogenous metabolite. In the body, N-acetyltaurine is formed biochemically following the acetylation of taurine. The main substrate for this reaction is acetate.

In the body, there is extracellular taurine, which protects membranes (= calcium inhibitor), and intracellular taurine, which is generally synthesised within the cell (therefore non-exogenous). Taurine in its free « Zwitterion » form has an extracellular physiological role (= calcium inhibitor and membrane stabiliser). On the other hand, N-acetylation replaces the Zwitterionic structure with an anionic molecule; this improves passage through the blood-brain barrier and entry into neuronal cells. In summary, N-acetyl-taurine salts have new properties compared with taurine, in particular increased cell penetration, which enhances the neuromuscular activities of this sulphur amino acid. ATA Mg® is therefore specific, since it is acetyl-taurine that penetrates the cells and therefore has an intracellular action.

What is the best way to take ATA Mg® for optimal absorption? How can I maximise the benefits?

ATA Mg® is a fat-soluble magnesium. It is therefore better absorbed during a meal, like all fat-soluble compounds. The advantage of being fat-soluble is that ATA Mg® crosses cell membranes better, particularly those in the intestine and brain.

Can ATA Mg® cause digestive problems ?

No, ATA Mg® does not cause loose stools. Everyone who takes ATA Mg® confirms that it is very well tolerated and absorbed.

In the intestine, the complexed form of ATA Mg® (chemical amino) is reformed and the stable bonds of ATA Mg® protect the magnesium from chemical reactions that could lead to unabsorbed precipitates, which are seen with most magnesium salts and can lead to osmotic diarrhoea.

Does ATA Mg® have any benefits for the heart (arrhythmia, palpitations, etc.) ?

Yes, ATA Mg® has benefits for the heart. In an animal study, ATA Mg® had a lipid-lowering action and acted as an anti-platelet agent. In addition, ATA Mg® also reduces blood pressure and heart rate, thanks to its observed vasodilatory effect.

Can ATA Mg® play a role in sleep ?

Yes, ATA Mg® could play a role in sleep by reducing neuronal hyperexcitability. Increased NMDA receptor activity and low GABA receptor activity have been linked to insomnia (particularly in the elderly).

Is ATA Mg® indicated for urinary comfort?

Yes, because of its vasculotropic properties, ATA Mg® can be recommended for pelvic congestion and menstrual disorders.

Can pregnant women take ATA Mg®?

Yes, ATA Mg® can be administered to pregnant women. There are no contraindications. The RDA of magnesium for pregnant women is 300 mg of Mg++/day. The recommended optimal dose of ATA Mg® does not exceed this dosage. With regard to taurine, the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), in a report written by numerous scientists, concluded that taurine is safe. ATA Mg® is acetyltaurine, a natural metabolite of taurine, particularly in the brain. Acetyltaurine is not a xenobiotic; it is a physiological metabolite of taurine formed in the brain via acetyl coenzyme A.

Is ATA Mg® a novel food?

ATA Mg® is not a novel food, as it is listed in EC Regulation 1170/2009 Annex II for use in food supplements as magnesium acetyltaurinate.

Is ATA Mg® suitable for food supplements/functional drinkable beverages ?

Yes, because ATA Mg® is easily soluble and has no taste problems.

Note that magnesium acetyltaurinate is authorised in Europe and is listed in Annex II of Regulation EC 1170/2009 for use in food supplements, but is not listed in Annex I for use in food.

Is ATA Mg® a salt or a chelated form?

 L’ATAMg® est en effet une forme chélatée. Le Mg++ est chélaté par les deux charges négatives de l’acide sulfonique : SO3-, 2 acide éthanesulfonique.

How long does the treatment last?

The duration of treatment depends on several parameters and varies according to circumstances.

In cases of cognitive decline, ATA Mg® should be taken on a long-term basis. The ability of brain cells to rapidly form new synapses and eliminate old ones is known as synaptic plasticity. ATA Mg® has been shown to increase this synaptic plasticity.
People with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment experience a more rapid loss of this plasticity. ATA Mg® should therefore be taken on a long-term basis to avoid this loss of plasticity.

In cases of stress and anxiety, a course of treatment lasting a few months may suffice.

In the case of premenstrual syndrome, ATA Mg® must be taken on a long-term basis as it is not a treatment. When treatment is stopped, symptoms may reappear.

In the case of migraine, ATA Mg® should be taken on a long-term basis.

There are no contraindications to long-term use of ATA Mg®.