Clinical trial reveals that magnesium supplementation reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression
BY STEVE BORN
126 participants - 48 men and 78 women; average age 52 - diagnosed with mild-to-moderate depression were involved in a trial conducted earlier this year at the University of Vermont's Larner College of Medicine. Half of the participants received magnesium supplements supplying 248 mg of elemental magnesium (from magnesium chloride) daily for six weeks, followed by a six-week period with no magnesium supplementation. The other half of the participants followed a protocol where they received no magnesium supplements for the first six weeks, followed by the same 248 mg dose of elemental magnesium for the remaining six weeks. Study participants' anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed at the beginning of the study, and via questionnaires and phone interviews every two weeks during the 12-week period.
The results for both groups showed that magnesium supplementation significantly reduced anxiety and depression scores, with beneficial effects occurring within the first two weeks. Scores for both anxiety and depression did not improve for either group during the six-week period of no supplementation. Researchers also noted that magnesium supplements alleviated headaches as compared to no supplementation.
The results for both groups showed that magnesium supplementation significantly reduced anxiety and depression scores, with beneficial effects occurring within the first two weeks. Scores for both anxiety and depression did not improve for either group during the six-week period of no supplementation. Researchers also noted that magnesium supplements alleviated headaches as compared to no supplementation.
The study's conclusion: Magnesium is effective for mild-to-moderate depression in adults. It works quickly and is well tolerated without the need for close monitoring for toxicity.
Lead study author, Emily K. Tarleton, states: This is the first randomized clinical trial looking at the effect of magnesium supplementation on symptoms of depression in U.S. adults. The results are very encouraging, given the great need for additional treatment options for depression, and our finding that magnesium supplementation provides a safe, fast and inexpensive approach to controlling depressive symptoms."
Dr. Paul Hrkal writes, Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical processes in the body. One of its most important functions is that it plays a key role in producing energy; this makes it vitally important for all cellular functions and processes. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm regular, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Its wide range of health benefits and biological activity make it effective in addressing a number of common diseases and conditions including fibromyalgia, chronic pain, diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and headaches.
This new study confirms magnesium also plays a significant role in mental health as well.
Hammer Nutrition's Essential Mg contains five well-absorbed forms of magnesium, with each capsule supplying 100 mg of elemental magnesium. One of the forms included in the Essential Mg formula is magnesium bisglycinate, which is magnesium chelated (bonded) to the amino acid glycine, regarded as a calming amino acid. Because both magnesium and glycine have a calming and relaxing effect, this combination may be even better in alleviating anxiety and symptoms of depression than the magnesium chloride used in the study.
REFERENCES:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28654669
