Published on April 23 2018
Magnesium for depression has attracted attention following clinical research investigating whether magnesium supplementation may help reduce symptoms of depression. A randomized clinical trial conducted at the University of Vermont examined the effects of oral magnesium chloride in adults experiencing mild-to-moderate depression.
What Did the Study Investigate?
The clinical trial involved 126 adults with mild-to-moderate depression. Participants received 248 mg of elemental magnesium per day in the form of magnesium chloride for six weeks. During another six-week period, participants received no magnesium supplementation.
The researchers assessed changes in depression symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). They also measured anxiety symptoms using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7).
What Did the Researchers Find?
Magnesium for depression produced promising results in this particular study. Among the 112 participants whose data were available for analysis, depression scores improved during the six-week magnesium treatment period, while substantially less change occurred during the control period.
After adjustment for potential confounding factors, the researchers reported a net improvement of 6 points in PHQ-9 depression scores. They also reported an improvement in anxiety symptoms. The researchers observed changes within two weeks of supplementation.
These findings suggest that magnesium supplementation may warrant further investigation as an option for managing symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression.
However, the study needs to be understood within its limitations. It was an open-label trial without a placebo group, meaning participants and researchers knew when magnesium was being taken. The researchers stated that larger clinical trials would be useful to confirm the findings and evaluate longer-term effects.
Magnesium and Mental Wellbeing
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in many normal functions throughout the body, including normal nervous system function and normal energy-yielding metabolism.
Magnesium can be obtained from foods such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains. Maintaining a varied and balanced diet is an important part of overall nutritional wellbeing.
Research into magnesium for depression does not mean that magnesium should replace prescribed depression treatment. Depression is a serious health condition, and anyone experiencing persistent symptoms should seek advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Could Magnesium Be Part of a Wider Approach?
Nutrition is one component of a broader approach to wellbeing. Adequate sleep, regular physical activity, social connection, a balanced diet and appropriate professional support may all form part of an individual's overall approach to mental health.
People considering magnesium supplementation should also consider their individual circumstances, including existing health conditions, medications and dietary intake.
My Mag Essentials offers a range of topical magnesium products, including Magnesium Oil Sprays, Magnesium Body Lotions and Magnesium Bath Flakes. These products are designed for external use and should be used according to their individual product directions.
It is important to distinguish topical magnesium products from the oral magnesium supplementation used in the clinical trial discussed above. The University of Vermont study investigated oral magnesium chloride tablets rather than topical magnesium products.
Understanding the Research
Magnesium for depression remains an area of ongoing research. The University of Vermont trial provides encouraging evidence that magnesium supplementation may reduce symptoms in adults with mild-to-moderate depression, but it does not establish that magnesium is superior to antidepressant medication.
If you are experiencing depression, anxiety or persistent changes in mood, speak with a qualified healthcare professional for appropriate assessment and treatment.
Explore the My Mag Essentials range of topical magnesium products as part of your everyday personal-care routine while maintaining a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
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