Evidence supporting the use of: Magnesium
For the body system: Cortisol

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Magnesium has been investigated for its relationship with the body's stress response and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which governs cortisol production. Several clinical and preclinical studies suggest that magnesium plays a role in modulating the physiological response to stress. Magnesium deficiency has been associated with increased stress, anxiety, and dysregulation of the HPA axis, potentially leading to elevated or maladaptive cortisol secretion. Furthermore, some clinical trials indicate that magnesium supplementation may help reduce subjective feelings of stress and, in certain cases, attenuate cortisol responses to acute stressors. However, the evidence is not fully consistent, and most studies focus on general stress and anxiety rather than direct, robust measurement of cortisol levels or long-term HPA axis modulation in healthy humans. Nonetheless, mechanistic studies demonstrate that magnesium is involved in GABAergic signaling and can influence neuroendocrine pathways related to stress adaptation. While magnesium is not a direct cortisol-lowering agent, its role in supporting balanced nervous system function provides a plausible rationale for its use in formulas targeting the "cortisol body system." Further large-scale and well-controlled human trials are needed to clarify its efficacy and optimal use in this context.

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