Magnesium supplementation has been linked to improvements in symptoms of major depression,8 premenstrual symptoms,9 postpartum depression,8 and chronic fatigue syndrome. Low magnesium status has been associated with increased depressive symptoms in several different age groups and ethnic populations.
Research suggests that while not all people with depression have low magnesium, those that do might be more likely to see symptom improvement with magnesium supplements. This may also suggest that getting enough magnesium in your diet can possibly help to prevent depression.
Case histories are presented showing rapid recovery (less than 7 days) from major depression using 125-300 mg of magnesium (as glycinate and taurinate) with each meal and at bedtime. Magnesium was found usually effective for treatment of depression in general use.
Magnesium reduces stress hormones in the brain to lessen anxiety, restlessness, mood swings, memory loss, depression, insomnia, and a host of other mental health issues. Magnesium limits the release of cortisol, which is the primary stress hormone, and prevents it from reaching the brain.
Generally speaking, you will find that magnesium supplements start to work after one week of using them. After one week of regular magnesium supplementation, individuals may experience benefits such as improved energy levels, reduced muscle cramps, better sleep quality, and reduced anxiety.
In addition, there is some evidence magnesium can potentially benefit mental health by acting as a mood booster, muscle relaxer, stress reducer, and sleep aid.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that is critical for health. It plays a role in a wide variety of body functions including the formation of DNA, bone formation, and the regulation of nerve and muscle function. Low levels have also been linked to the development of depression.
Magnesium is an important mineral that helps maintain a healthy mood. Low levels of magnesium are associated with fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Research shows that adults, as well as children, don't get enough magnesium and that this may be linked to climbing rates of mood and mental health problems.
Magnesium might help. If you find yourself irritable, stressed or downright depressed, this critical mineral may help you get out of your funk. Studies suggest adequate magnesium intake can calm stress, improve mood and enhance sleep.
Conclusion: Administration of Mg supplement for at least 6 weeks might improve depression symptoms. It can also be considered as a potential adjunct treatment option for MDD patients who are under SSRI treatment.
Magnesium deficiency symptoms include: Fatigue. Leg cramping or twitching. Unexplained muscle weakness.
"Serotonin and melatonin are crucial in determining your mood. Magnesium works as an important co-factor required for conversion of tryptophan (from proteins we get from food) to serotonin and melatonin, both of which help in falling asleep."
But when should they be taken? Ideally, you should take magnesium at the same time every day, whether that's in the morning with your cup of coffee or in the evening right before you go to bed. The time of day doesn't matter so much—it's the consistency of taking magnesium daily that matters most.
The good news is that some studies (study links, a and b) have identified how magnesium may ease certain symptoms of stress and anxiety. Here are the facts: Magnesium may help to control the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the brain, resulting in a calming effect on the body.
When taken in very large amounts (greater than 350 mg daily), magnesium is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Large doses might cause too much magnesium to build up in the body, causing serious side effects including an irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, confusion, slowed breathing, coma, and death.
Answer From Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D. Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins play a role in producing brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins such as vitamin B-6 and folate may be linked to depression.
One way magnesium counters stress is by binding to and stimulating GABA receptors in the brain. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, one that slows brain activity. When GABA is low, your brain gets stuck in the “on” position and it becomes very hard to relax.
—Magnesium helps maintain the activity of stimulating neurotransmitters like glutamate and binds to calming receptors in the brain, helping increase GABA activity (the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain), promoting relaxed feelings and a more peaceful mental state.
Overall, if you are looking for a magnesium option that may provide the most calming and restful effect in the evening or using it for overall mood support, a magnesium glycinate may be your better option. In addition, you may see some anti-inflammatory support from the glycinate form as an added bonus!
According to a review conducted in 2017, one way magnesium helps reduce anxiety is by enhancing brain functions. This same research also suggested that magnesium helps regulate natural brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters. Simply put, these chemicals send messages to the body via nerve cells.