Effect of Magnesium Supplementation on Depression and Anxiety
Tarleton EK, Littenberg B, MacLean CD, Kennedy AG
Published in PLOS ONE
Abstract
Clinical trial showing magnesium supplementation improves mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety in adults with low magnesium status.
Methodology
Open-label, blocked, randomised crossover trial in outpatient adults with mild-to-moderate depression; 248 mg elemental magnesium daily (magnesium chloride) for 6 weeks versus 6 weeks of no treatment; primary outcome PHQ-9, secondary GAD-7.
Key Findings
Magnesium produced a clinically meaningful net improvement of 6.0 points on the PHQ-9 depression scale and 4.5 points on the GAD-7 anxiety scale compared with the control period (both p<0.001). Effects appeared within two weeks, were consistent across age, sex, baseline severity and antidepressant use, and 61% of participants said they would continue magnesium.
Conclusions
Six weeks of over-the-counter magnesium chloride improved depression and anxiety symptoms in adults with mild-to-moderate depression, with rapid onset and good tolerability.
Limitations
Open-label with no placebo, so expectation effects are likely inflating the effect size; crossover without washout risks carryover; self-reported outcomes; single-centre and modest sample; results need confirmation in a blinded placebo-controlled trial.
Supplements Studied
Magnesium is effective for mild-to-moderate depression in adults. It works quickly and is well tolerated without the need for close monitoring for toxicity.
Outcomes Measured
Magnesium supplementation significantly improves symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety in adults, particularly those with low baseline magnesium levels.
Magnesium supplementation improved depression and anxiety symptom scores in a randomized clinical trial
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.