Depression Symptoms Improved With Magnesium Supplementation

Over-the-counter magnesium supplements may be an effective alternative for patients with mild-to-moderate depression, according to a recent trial.¹

The open-label randomized trial included 126 adult patients from primary care clinics who were diagnosed and currently experiencing symptoms of depression. The mean age of participants was 52 years, and 38% of the patients were male. For 6 weeks, participants received either 248 mg of elemental magnesium per day, or no treatment. Biweekly phone calls were used to assess depression symptoms. The primary outcome was the net difference in change in depression symptoms from baseline to the end of the treatment period, and secondary outcomes included changes in anxiety symptoms, adherence, adverse effects, and intention to continue using magnesium in the future.
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A total of 112 participants provided analyzable data at the end of the study period.

Overall, the consumptions of magnesium chloride resulted in clinically significant net improvement in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores and net improvement in Generalized Anxiety Disorders-7 scores. The average adherence to magnesium was 83%, which was determined by pill count, and the supplements were well tolerated.

Positive effects were observed within 2 weeks after initiating treatment, and were similar for all patients regardless of age, gender, baseline severity of depression, baseline magnesium level, or use of antidepressant treatments.

In addition, 61% of participants reported they would use magnesium in the future. 

"This is the first randomized clinical trial looking at the effect of magnesium supplementation on symptoms of depression in US adults," the researchers concluded. "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."²

—Melissa Weiss

Reference:

1) Tarleton EK, Littenberg B, MacLean CD, Kennedy AG, Daley C. Role of magnesium supplementation in the treatment of depression: A randomized clinical trial [published online June 27, 2017]. PLoS One. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0180067

2) Nachbur J. Tarleton study finds magnesium is effective and safe treatment for depression [press release]. Burlington, VT: University of Vermont; June 27, 2017. http://www.med.uvm.edu/com/news/2017/06/27/studyfindsmagnesiumtreatmentfordepression. Accessed June 28, 2017.