In this study, we evaluated the neurotrophic effects of magnesium fructose 1, 6-diphosphate (FDP-Mg) on cortical neurons. The results demonstrated that FDP-Mg promoted dendrite outgrowth and neuronal survival in a dose-dependent manner. In order to investigate the associated mechanisms, we determined adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression in cortical neurons. Treatment with FDP-Mg significantly increased ATP levels and BDNF mRNA expression in cortical neurons. These data suggest that FDP-Mg can exert neurotrophic effects on cortical neurons. The increases in BDNF mRNA expression and cellular ATP levels are involved in the neurotrophic effects produced by FDP-Mg.