Magnesium Supplementation for Depression: Systematic Review and 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: