The Association between Serum Magnesium Levels and Depression in an Adult Primary Care Population

Tarleton, Emily K.; Kennedy, Amanda G.; Rose, Gail L.; Crocker, Abigail; Littenberg, Benjamin

doi:10.3390/nu11071475

Cited by 27 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 45 publications

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“…Finally, we identified two studies conducted on healthy populations, evaluating the correlation between magnesium levels and depressive symptoms. Specifically, Tarleton et al (2019) [ 64 ] considered Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) scores in a large cohort of 3604 healthy adults and showed a significant relationship between serum magnesium and symptoms. Similarly, Salehi-Pourmehr et al (2019) [ 65 ], who conducted a study on overweight pregnant women, also reported a positive significant correlation.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Interestingly, the research carried out on depression highlighted the linked between the development of this disabling illness and reduced plasmatic levels of magnesium, evidence that is line with previous reviews and meta-analyses [ 25 ]. In the light of these results, several studies [ 54 , 56 , 64 ] suggested that, for adults seen in primary care, lower serum magnesium levels were associated with depressive symptoms, ultimately supporting the use of supplemental magnesium as a therapy. For this reason, magnesium could be considered a hallmark of pathology or could represent a biomarker of response to drug treatment in patients with mood disorders, as also reported by a previous review [ 79 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Role and the Effect of Magnesium in Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review

et al. 2020

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Introduction: Magnesium is an essential cation involved in many functions within the central nervous system, including transmission and intracellular signal transduction. Several studies have shown its usefulness in neurological and psychiatric diseases. Furthermore, it seems that magnesium levels are lowered in the course of several mental disorders, especially depression. Objectives: In this study, we wish to evaluate the presence of a relationship between the levels of magnesium and the presence of psychiatric pathology as well as the effectiveness of magnesium as a therapeutic supplementation. Methods: A systematic search of scientific records concerning magnesium in psychiatric disorders published from 2010 up to March 2020 was performed. We collected a total of 32 articles: 18 on Depressive Disorders (DD), four on Anxiety Disorders (AD), four on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), three on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), one on Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD), one on Schizophrenia (SCZ) and one on Eating Disorders (ED). Results: Twelve studies highlighted mainly positive results in depressive symptoms. Seven showed a significant correlation between reduced plasma magnesium values and depression measured with psychometric scales. Two papers reported improved depressive symptoms after magnesium intake, two in association with antidepressants, compared to controls. No significant association between magnesium serum levels and panic or Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) patients, in two distinct papers, was found. In two other papers, a reduced Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) score in depressed patients correlated with higher levels of magnesium and beneficial levels of magnesium in stressed patients was found. Two papers reported low levels of magnesium in association with ADHD. Only one of three papers showed lower levels of magnesium in ASD. ED and SCZ reported a variation in magnesium levels in some aspects of the disease. Conclusion: The results are not univocal, both in terms of the plasma levels and of therapeutic effects. However, from the available evidence, it emerged that supplementation with magnesium could be beneficial. Therefore, it is necessary to design ad hoc clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of magnesium alone or together with other drugs (antidepressants) in order to establish the correct use of this cation with potential therapeutic effects.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role and the Effect of Magnesium in Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review

et al. 2020

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“…According to meta-analyses, both insufficient dietary magnesium intakes [182,183] and low magnesium biological status [184] are associated with a higher risk of depression. For example, a recent study in 3600 subjects with a mean age of 62 years observed that those with a high serum magnesium were less likely to be depressed [185]. In a review of observational studies comparing magnesium status in a total of 559 subjects suffering from Alzheimer disease, a lower magnesium concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid was found, when compared with 381 healthy matched controls [186].…”

Section: Intake or Status In Vitamin C Iron Magnesium And Zinc And mentioning

confidence: 99%

Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence

et al. 2020

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Vitamins and minerals are essential to humans as they play essential roles in a variety of basic metabolic pathways that support fundamental cellular functions. In particular, their involvement in energy-yielding metabolism, DNA synthesis, oxygen transport, and neuronal functions makes them critical for brain and muscular function. These, in turn, translate into effects on cognitive and psychological processes, including mental and physical fatigue. This review is focused on B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B9 and B12), vitamin C, iron, magnesium and zinc, which have recognized roles in these outcomes. It summarizes the biochemical bases and actions of these micronutrients at both the molecular and cellular levels and connects them with cognitive and psychological symptoms, as well as manifestations of fatigue that may occur when status or supplies of these micronutrients are not adequate.

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“…In human studies, there is some evidence for Mg 2+ deficiency occurring more commonly in MDD patients. However, the effects are heterogeneous ( Serefko et al, 2013 ; Yary et al, 2016 ; Wang et al, 2018 ; Górska et al, 2019 ; Sun et al, 2019 ; Tarleton et al, 2019 ). On the other hand, chronic Mg 2+ supplementation appears to improve MDD symptoms even without a prior diagnosis of Mg 2+ deficiency ( Tarleton et al, 2017 ).…”

Section: Trace Minerals and Mdd-riskmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Way to a Human’s Brain Goes Through Their Stomach: Dietary Factors in Major Depressive Disorder

Aly

Engmann

2020

Front. Neurosci.

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Globally, more than 250 million people are affected by depression (major depressive disorder; MDD), a serious and debilitating mental disorder. Currently available treatment options can have substantial side effects and take weeks to be fully effective. Therefore, it is important to find safe alternatives, which act more rapidly and in a larger number of patients. While much research on MDD focuses on chronic stress as a main risk factor, we here make a point of exploring dietary factors as a somewhat overlooked, yet highly promising approach towards novel antidepressant pathways. Deficiencies in various groups of nutrients often occur in patients with mental disorders. These include vitamins, especially members of the B-complex (B6, B9, B12). Moreover, an imbalance of fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, or an insufficient supply with minerals, including magnesium and zinc, are related to MDD. While some of them are relevant for the synthesis of monoamines, others play a crucial role in inflammation, neuroprotection and the synthesis of growth factors. Evidence suggests that when deficiencies return to normal, changes in mood and behavior can be, at least in some cases, achieved. Furthermore, supplementation with dietary factors (so called “nutraceuticals”) may improve MDD symptoms even in the absence of a deficiency. Non-vital dietary factors may affect MDD symptoms as well. For instance, the most commonly consumed psychostimulant caffeine may improve behavioral and molecular markers of MDD. The molecular structure of most dietary factors is well known. Hence, dietary factors may provide important molecular tools to study and potentially help treat MDD symptoms. Within this review, we will discuss the role of dietary factors in MDD risk and symptomology, and critically discuss how they might serve as auxiliary treatments or preventative options for MDD.

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The Association between Serum Magnesium Levels and Depression in an Adult Primary Care Population

Cited by 27 publications

References 45 publications

The Role and the Effect of Magnesium in Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review

The Role and the Effect of Magnesium in Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review

Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence

The Way to a Human’s Brain Goes Through Their Stomach: Dietary Factors in Major Depressive Disorder

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