Many medications—such as medications for ADHD—deplete magnesium. So does the intake of alcohol, caffeine and soft drinks.
Magnesium for Relaxation and Sleep
Healthy levels of magnesium in the blood can help relax individuals with ADHD. Some small studies8 have shown that adding magnesium supplements decreases some symptoms of ADHD.
Stimulant drugs like Adderall and Vyvanse may help to relieve feelings of sadness or overwhelm, but they can also deplete stores of magnesium in the body. Magnesium is a key element for maintaining your mental health, so this can be problematic.
Hypomagnesemia occurs with both loop diuretics (furosemide, bumetanide, torsemide, and ethacrynic acid) and thiazide diuretics (chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, and metolazone).
Magnesium L Threonate (or magnesium citrate in those who can only take gummies) are the preparations that has been most studied and show the highest benefit for ADHD, cognition, mood, and anxiety.
People with ADHD often lack magnesium and zinc and supplement of these vitamins may improve hyperactivity, impulsivity, attention and memory. Several studies have shown that, at large, people with ADHD have less magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) in their bodies than the control groups that don't have ADHD.
Magnesium deficiency in healthy people is rare but it can be caused by: a poor diet (especially in elderly people or those who don't have enough to eat) type 2 diabetes. digestive problems such as Crohn's disease.
Phytates in the diet bind to magnesium and impair its absorption. However the quantities present in normal diet do not affect magnesium absorption. Other dietary factors that are thought to affect magnesium absorption are oxalate, phosphate, proteins, potassium and zinc.
Since citric and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), in either supplements, juices, or foods can prevent absorption of ADHD stimulant medication, try taking the medication on an empty stomach, and avoid vitamin C an hour before and after taking medication.
Magnesium Improves ADHD Behaviors
In one study, after eight weeks of Vitamin D and magnesium supplementation, the blood levels of these nutrients increased significantly, which resulted in a significant decrease in conduct problems, social problems, and anxiety and shy scores.
A lack of vitamins B12 and B6 can lead to hyperactivity. Supplementing with B vitamins helps improve ADHD symptoms in children who are deficient.
Although children with ADHD may be more likely to have lower levels of vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, and iron, it cannot be stated that these lower levels caused ADHD. However, supplementing areas of deficiency may be a safe and justified intervention.
People with ADHD have higher chances of being nutrient deficient than the average person. People with ADHD are twice as likely to suffer iron-deficiency anemia compared to members of the general population. 78.4% of children with ADHD are deficient in vitamin D compared to 48% of children without ADHD.
Chronic magnesium deficiency is often associated with normal serum magnesium despite deficiency in cells and in bone; the response to oral supplementation is slow and may take up to 40 weeks to reach a steady state.
Vitamin D and calcium
The active form of vitamin D (calcitriol) may slightly increase intestinal absorption of magnesium (6).
Mg is essential in the metabolism of vitamin D, and taking large doses of vitamin D can induce severe depletion of Mg. Adequate magnesium supplementation should be considered as an important aspect of vitamin D therapy.
Supplementing with magnesium is shown to reverse low red blood cell magnesium and improved energy, emotional state, and pain levels in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. These changes can occur in a few as six weeks of supplementation.
While stimulants are not known to deplete magnesium directly, the body's reliance on a good balance of all necessary vitamins and minerals for optimal absorption increases the risk of hypomagnesemia.
amphetamine magnesium oxide
Using these medications together can increase the absorption of amphetamine and may increase its effects.
Magnesium decreases the intensity of some drug-induced dependences (e.g. opiates, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamine, ethanol, etc.). The main mechanism involved is a decreasing activity of central glutamatergic synapses, especially those involved in the reward system.