Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in numerous biochemical processes in the body, including neurotransmitter synthesis and neuronal function. Scientific interest in magnesium’s impact on the dopamine system stems from its role as a cofactor in enzymes related to neurotransmitter production, and its influence on neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. Some preclinical and clinical studies suggest that magnesium deficiency may contribute to neurological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive dysfunction, possibly through effects on dopamine and other monoamine systems.

For example, research has shown that magnesium can modulate NMDA receptors, which indirectly influence dopamine signaling pathways. Additionally, animal studies have indicated that magnesium supplementation can affect dopamine concentrations in certain brain regions. In humans, low magnesium levels have been associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms, and some small trials have explored magnesium supplementation in mood disorders, with mixed results.

However, direct clinical evidence demonstrating that magnesium supplementation specifically enhances dopamine function in healthy individuals or in clinical populations is limited and not robust. Most available data are correlational or derived from animal models. Thus, while there is a plausible biological rationale and some supporting evidence, the use of magnesium to support the dopamine system is only modestly substantiated by current scientific research.