Magnesium Supplementation Benefits Depression: Meta-Analysis

Does magnesium help depression?

Yes. Magnesium supplementation significantly reduces depression symptoms in adults with depressive disorders. A meta-analysis of 7 randomized clinical trials with 325 participants shows that magnesium produces approximately 40-45% greater improvement in depression scores compared to placebo.

Magnesium works by balancing brain chemicals, blocking NMDA receptors that can contribute to depression, and supporting brain-derived neurotrophic factor production - similar mechanisms to some antidepressant medications.

What the data show:

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Role of Magnesium Supplementation in Depression Treatment: RCT

Does magnesium help depression?

Yes. Magnesium supplementation produces approximately 40-50% improvement in depression symptoms within 2 weeks, with similar benefits for anxiety. A randomized crossover trial of 112 adults with mild-to-moderate depression found clinically significant improvements that were maintained throughout treatment.

Magnesium works by regulating neurotransmitter function and blocking calcium channels in neurons, helping restore normal brain signaling that’s disrupted in depression.

What the data show:

• Effectiveness: Approximately 40-50% improvement in depression symptoms and similar benefits for anxiety
• Speed of response: Benefits appear within 2 weeks of starting supplementation
• Study scope: Randomized crossover trial of 112 adults with mild-to-moderate depression
• Tolerability: Well-tolerated with 83% adherence and 61% of participants reporting they would use magnesium in the future

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