Evidence supporting the use of: Magnesium
For the health condition: Depression

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Synopsis

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

Magnesium has been investigated as a potential adjunctive treatment for depression, with a growing body of evidence linking magnesium deficiency to mood disorders. Several observational studies have documented that individuals with low serum magnesium levels are more likely to experience symptoms of depression. Some small-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and open-label studies suggest that magnesium supplementation may have a modest antidepressant effect, particularly in individuals with mild-to-moderate depression or in those who are deficient in magnesium. For example, a 2017 open-label trial published in PLOS ONE found that magnesium chloride supplementation resulted in significant improvements in depression and anxiety scores compared to baseline.

The proposed mechanisms include magnesium’s role in modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, supporting neurotransmitter function (such as serotonin), and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the overall quality of evidence is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity in study design, short durations, and lack of blinding in some trials. Reviews and meta-analyses indicate that while there is biological plausibility and some positive clinical data, larger and more rigorous RCTs are needed to firmly establish efficacy and determine optimal dosing and populations who may benefit most. Thus, while magnesium is not considered a first-line treatment for depression, its use is scientifically plausible and supported by moderate evidence, especially as an adjunct in those with documented deficiency.

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algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
amino acids
anchovies
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
basil
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacterium longum
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Indian frankincense
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caffeine
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chamomile
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choline
citicoline
clove
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
curcumin
damiana
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
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eleuthero
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fish oil
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flavonols
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gardenia
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ginseng
gotu kola
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hemp oil
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inositol
jujube
krill oil
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L-theanine
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l-tyrosine
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
lion's mane
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liquid liver fractions
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maca
mackerel
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magnolia
Marine lipid
matcha
melatonin
moringa
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
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Products containing Magnesium

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.