3 Participants recovered from major depression in less than seven days of taking 125-300 mg of magnesium glycinate. Magnesium absorbs in the small intestines, then is sent into the bloodstream to be stored in the bones and eventually excreted by the kidneys.
These improvements were seen in just two weeks of supplementation and occurred regardless of whether participants were taking depression medications. Although the results were promising, there were a few limitations to this study.
Dosage and Form
I have found that 125 to 300 mg of magnesium glycinate at meals and a bedtime (four times daily) produces clinically significant benefits in mood. (This form of magnesium is gentle on the digestive tract.)
Generally speaking, you will find that magnesium supplements start to work after one week of using them. After one week of regular magnesium supplementation, individuals may experience benefits such as improved energy levels, reduced muscle cramps, better sleep quality, and reduced anxiety.
It's thought magnesium helps maintain the neurotransmitters in our brain related to moods. American researchers discovered that when people were given 125-300 mg of magnesium with each meal and at bedtime, they reported improved symptoms of major depression in less than seven days.
Stress And Anxiety Relief
Magnesium may be the “chill pill” you need. Magnesium plays a role in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), our stress response system, and deficiencies in the mineral have been shown to induce anxiety and HPA axis dysregulation in an animal model.
Magnesium Glycinate Side Effects
Some of the less severe side effects include stomach upset and other “mild gastrointestinal symptoms,” notes Dr. Nooristani. However, taking too much of the supplement may lead serious symptoms such as: Kidney issues. Nervousness.
How long does it take for magnesium to reduce anxiety? In most cases, magnesium starts working within a week, since it's a fast-acting nutrient.
Taking large or frequent doses of dietary magnesium supplements, including magnesium glycinate, can cause adverse effects, including diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. Extremely high intakes of magnesium can lead to an irregular heartbeat and potentially a cardiac arrest, which can be dangerous.
Higher doses around 400 to 500 milligrams daily are also used to manage anxiety and trouble sleeping, while very high doses around 1,000 milligrams per day are sometimes administered by doctors under supervision. Most authorities state that doses less than 350 milligrams daily is safest for most adults.
Magnesium blocks the actions of glutamate in the NMDA receptors. If your body is magnesium deficient, it means that few of the NMDA receptors are blocked. This may lead to overexcitation and cell damage. Because of this, it is possible that magnesium may be useful in the treatment and prevention of depression.
Magnesium is an important mineral that helps maintain a healthy mood. Low levels of magnesium are associated with fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Research shows that adults, as well as children, don't get enough magnesium and that this may be linked to climbing rates of mood and mental health problems.
Conclusion: Administration of Mg supplement for at least 6 weeks might improve depression symptoms. It can also be considered as a potential adjunct treatment option for MDD patients who are under SSRI treatment.
One study reported magnesium glycinate an effective treatment for major depression. 3 Participants recovered from major depression in less than seven days of taking 125-300 mg of magnesium glycinate.
Taking magnesium supplements can bring a range of side effects, such as drowsiness or fatigue during the day, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, skin flushing or diarrhea, Gurubhagavatula said.
Because magnesium can help relax muscles and the brain, allowing for possibly an easier time getting to sleep. Since it can take up to 30 minutes for magnesium's effects to be seen, it's best to take it at the start of your bedtime routine.
Case histories are presented showing rapid recovery (less than 7 days) from major depression using 125-300 mg of magnesium (as glycinate and taurinate) with each meal and at bedtime. Magnesium was found usually effective for treatment of depression in general use.
I recommend magnesium glycinate or malate. Most adults need approximately 800mg per day. Magnesium prevents excessive cortisol, lowers blood pressure, and lowers blood sugars through insulin control.