Research suggests that supplementing with magnesium may help to increase serotonin levels. In fact, low serotonin levels have been observed in patients with a magnesium deficiency. The study that discussed raising serotonin with magnesium reported success.
However, magnesium inhibits dopamine release. Therefore, magnesium may inhibit calcium-dependent brain function through dopaminergic neurons, and consequently reduce the effect of calcium on ethanol activity.
With respect to mechanisms of action, Mg affects a number of neurotransmitter systems. It inhibits the release of excitatory neuro- transmitters and also acts as a voltage-gated antagonist at the glutamate, N-methyl-D- aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Mg also antagonizes calcium entry via voltage-gated channels of all types.
Conclusion. This study enlarges on previous research that found a relationship between magnesium intake and depression. Although very low magnesium intake seemed to be protective against depression among seniors, it was associated with higher rates of depression in younger adults.
People who had been taking an antidepressant saw a bigger jump, which the researchers argue suggests that the magnesium boosted its effect. If your current antidepressant isn't working well enough, their research suggests you might add magnesium rather than increasing the dose or adding a second drug.
4 The study also found that the participants who were taking an antidepressant experienced stronger benefits when taking magnesium, which suggests that it might be useful when used in conjunction with antidepressant medications.
“Magnesium is essential for brain function and acts on NMDA receptors in the brain which help brain development, learning and memory. It also helps with fatigue, tension, anxiety, mood, sleep and healthy functioning of the entire nervous system”.
Studies suggest adequate magnesium intake can calm stress, improve mood and enhance sleep. Here's how it works: Stress and anxiety: Magnesium plays an important role in regulating the body's response to stress.
Among micronutrients, magnesium (Mg2+) plays a critical role in brain function and mood since it is essential for optimal nerve transmission and it is involved in the formation of membrane phospholipids.
From a neurological standpoint, magnesium plays an essential role in nerve transmission and neuromuscular conduction. It also functions in a protective role against excessive excitation that can lead to neuronal cell death (excitotoxicity), and has been implicated in multiple neurological disorders.
It blocks the activity of more stimulating neurotransmitters and binds to calming receptors, resulting in a more peaceful, resting state. It helps to regulate the release of stress hormones like cortisol, acting like the brake on your body's nervous system.
Medical research has linked magnesium to reduced anxiety. Magnesium helps you to relax by stimulating the production of melatonin and serotonin which boost your mood and help you sleep. Magnesium also reduces the production of cytokines and cortisol, which lead to increased inflammation and stress.
Remember magnesium will help lower cortisol, if you do not have adequate levels of magnesium your body cannot relax and remove excess cortisol. Start by taking some at diner and before bed.
Having low magnesium levels may negatively affect brain health. Supplementing with magnesium may help reduce certain symptoms of brain fog.
It turns out one study shows the supplement can be as effective as SSRIs in treating mild to moderate depression. The FDA hasn't yet rated magnesium as an effective treatment for depression; they need to see more studies before they'll take that step.
Examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft). These drugs are effective for increasing serotonin and can treat symptoms of depression.
The claimed benefits of magnesium supplementation range from boosts in everyday wellness — better sleep, increased energy levels and improved mood — to specific health benefits, such as lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease and improvement in migraines.
Serotonin helps regulate the body's internal clock, including the ability to feel sleepy, remain asleep, enter rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and wake in the morning. People with chronic insomnia, unusual sleep patterns, chronic fatigue, or consistently vivid dreams may have serotonin deficiency.
Other research from 2017, appearing in the journal PLoS One , found that a 6-week course of magnesium chloride led to a significant reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms.
Research shows that supplemental magnesium can be helpful in stabilizing the mood. It may aid in reducing the symptoms people experience when they have mild-to-moderate depression or when they have mild-to-moderate anxiety. Serotonin needs magnesium.