Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Magnesium citrate is sometimes used as a supplement to support mood and potentially help with depression, based on emerging but limited scientific evidence. Magnesium plays a key role in numerous biochemical reactions in the brain and body, including those involved in neurotransmitter function, stress response, and neuroplasticity. Several observational studies have found that individuals with depression often have lower magnesium levels compared to healthy controls. Some small clinical trials and randomized controlled studies suggest that magnesium supplementation, including magnesium citrate, may result in modest improvements in depressive symptoms, particularly in individuals with magnesium deficiency or in those with mild-to-moderate depression. For instance, a 2017 randomized trial found that over six weeks, magnesium supplementation improved depressive symptoms compared to placebo. However, these studies are limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and variable quality. Most clinical guidelines do not recommend magnesium as a primary or stand-alone treatment for depression due to insufficient high-quality evidence. Magnesium citrate is considered safe for most people, but its use for depression should be seen as adjunctive, not as replacement for established therapies. Ongoing research may clarify its role, but at present, the scientific evidence is promising but not robust or conclusive.

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