Magnesium aspartate, a compound formed by the combination of the mineral magnesium and the amino acid aspartic acid, has several unique properties that contribute to its enhanced bioavailability and potential therapeutic applications. The primary mechanism of action of magnesium aspartate is related to the role of magnesium in the body. Magnesium is an essential mineral that is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body.[1]

• Improved Absorption and Bioavailability

The structure of magnesium aspartate, with the aspartate moiety acting as a chelating agent, facilitates the efficient absorption and utilization of magnesium by the body.[2] 
The water-soluble nature of the compound further enhances its bioavailability compared to other magnesium salts, such as magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate.[3]

• Cellular Uptake and Utilization

Once absorbed, the magnesium ions from magnesium aspartate can be readily transported across cell membranes and into the bloodstream, where they can be distributed to various tissues and organs.[4] This improved cellular uptake and distribution of magnesium is a key advantage of using magnesium aspartate as a supplement.

• Enzymatic and Metabolic Roles

Magnesium is an essential cofactor for numerous enzymatic reactions and metabolic processes in the body. For example, magnesium is required for the activity of isocitrate dehydrogenase, an enzyme involved in the Krebs cycle, which is a crucial pathway for energy production.[5] Magnesium aspartate can help ensure adequate magnesium levels to support these vital metabolic functions.

• Neurological and Cognitive Benefits

Magnesium aspartate may have neuroprotective effects and may play a role in supporting cognitive function and neurological health. The improved bioavailability of magnesium from this compound may contribute to these potential benefits, although more research is needed to fully understand its impact in this area.[4, 5]
In summary, the enhanced bioavailability, water solubility, and efficient cellular uptake of magnesium aspartate contribute to its potential therapeutic applications, particularly in areas such as cardiovascular health, diabetes management, and neurological function. The unique properties of this magnesium compound make it a valuable option for individuals seeking to optimize their magnesium intake and support various aspects of their health.

• Energy  Production

Magnesium is a cofactor for enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the cell [6]. Magnesium is a critical cofactor for numerous enzymes involved in the metabolic pathways that convert carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell.

In carbohydrate metabolism, magnesium is required as a cofactor for enzymes involved in glycolysis, the process that breaks down glucose to produce pyruvate and generate a small amount of ATP. Specifically, magnesium is needed for the activity of enzymes like hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, and pyruvate kinase, which catalyze key steps in the glycolytic pathway[1, 6]

In fat metabolism, magnesium is required as a cofactor for enzymes like fatty acyl-CoA synthetase, which activates fatty acids for entry into the beta-oxidation pathway. Magnesium also plays a role in the activity of enzymes like citrate synthase and isocitrate dehydrogenase, which are involved in the citric acid cycle, a crucial pathway for the complete oxidation of fatty acids to produce ATP[7, 8].

Reference:

1. Jahnen-Dechent, W., & Ketteler, M. (2012). Magnesium basics. Clinical Kidney Journal, 5(Suppl 1), i3-i14., Magnesium basics. (2012).
2. Ranade, V.V., & Somberg, J. C. (2001). Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of magnesium after administration of magnesium salts to humans. The American journal of therapeutics, 8(5), 345-357, Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of magnesium after administration of magnesium salts to humans. (2001).
3. Mühlbauer, B., Schwenk, M., Coram, W. M., Antonin, K. H., Etienne, P., Bieck, P. R., & Douglas, F. L. (1991). Magnesium-L-aspartate-HCl and magnesium-oxide: bioavailability in healthy volunteers. European journal of clinical pharmacology, 40(4), 437-438., Magnesium-L-aspartate-HCl and magnesium-oxide: bioavailability in healthy volunteers. (1991). .
4. Gröber, U., Schmidt, J., & Kisters, K. (2015). Magnesium in prevention and therapy. Nutrients, 7(9), 8199-8226, Magnesium in prevention and therapy. (2015).
5. Castiglioni, S., Cazzaniga, A., Albisetti, W., & Maier, J. A. (2013). Magnesium and osteoporosis: current state of knowledge and future research directions. Nutrients, 5(8), 3022-3033., Magnesium and osteoporosis: current state of knowledge and future research directions. . (2013).
6. Romani, A.M.M.i.h.a.d.M.I.i.L.S., 13, 49-79., Magnesium in health and disease. 2013).
7. Rude, R.K., & Shils, M. E. (2006). Magnesium. In M. E. Shils, J. A. Olson, M. Shike, & A. C. Ross (Eds.), Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease (10th ed., pp. 223-247). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Magnesium. In M. E. Shils, J. A. Olson, M. Shike, & A. C. Ross (Eds.), Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease (2006).
8. Saris, N.E., Mervaala, E., Karppanen, H., Khawaja, J. A., & Lewenstam, A. (2000). Magnesium. An update on physiological, clinical and analytical aspects. Clinica Chimica Acta, 294(1-2), 1-26., An update on physiological, clinical and analytical aspects. Clinica Chimica Acta. (2000).