Why you can trust Nutri Advanced  Every article on our site is researched thoroughly by our team of highly qualified nutritionists. Find out more about our editorial process.

Depression affects 350 million people worldwide and is predicted to be the leading cause of disease burden by 2030. Current treatment options with anti-depressant medications are limited by efficacy, cost, side effects, and acceptability to patients. There is an urgent need to develop newer strategies that are effective and with fewer or no side effects.

Can you take magnesium for depression?

A clinical trial carried out by researchers from the University of Vermont in the U.S. and published in the journal, PLOS One, has found magnesium to be an effective treatment for depression.

Study details:

A total of 126 men and women diagnosed with, and currently experiencing, mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression, were recruited for the open-label, randomized, crossover trial. The study participants were divided into two groups.  Over the course of 12 weeks, both groups received 6 weeks of active treatment (4 x 500mg tablets of magnesium chloride providing a total of 248mg elemental magnesium per day) and 6 weeks of control (no treatment).

Depressive symptoms were assessed throughout the study via bi-weekly phone calls and the standard medical questionnaires Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) & Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).

The researchers found that consumption of 248mg magnesium improved depression scores by statistically and clinically significant levels. Symptoms of anxiety also improved, and other benefits such as decreased headaches, constipation, muscle aches and cramps and increased energy were also noted by many participants. Supplements were well tolerated and similar effects were observed regardless of baseline severity of symptoms, age, gender, baseline magnesium level or use of antidepressant treatments.

The study concluded, “Magnesium supplementation provides a safe, fast and inexpensive approach to controlling depressive symptoms. Most patients who experience improvement do so within two weeks of starting supplements". This trial showed magnesium supplements may be a fast, safe, and easily accessible alternative, or adjunct, to starting or increasing the dose of antidepressant medications.

Which form of magnesium is best for depression?

When considering magnesium supplements for depression, it’s worth noting that magnesium glycinate is often recommended due to its high bioavailability and gentle effect on the stomach. This form ensures that you receive the most benefit from your supplement, and could provide mood support.

References:
Tarleton EK, Littenberg B, MacLean CD et al. Role of magnesium supplementation in the treatment of depression: A randomized clinical trial.  PLOS One June 27 2017. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0180067 

This website and its content is copyright of Nutri Advanced ©. All rights reserved. See our terms & conditions for more detail.

Nutri Advanced has a thorough research process and for any references included, each source is scrutinised beforehand. We aim to use the highest value source where possible, referencing peer-reviewed journals and official guidelines in the first instance before alternatives. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate at time of publication on our editorial policy.