Magnesium found to be effective for mild-to-moderate depression symptoms

Magnesium is effective for mild-to-moderate depression in adults, research has found.

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Depression affects 350 million people worldwide and is predicted to be the leading cause of disease burden by 2030.

With initial antidepressant trials resulting in around 50% of patients achieving remission, there is a need for additional treatment options.

This study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, recruited 126 adults diagnosed with and currently experiencing mild-to-moderate symptoms.  It aimed to test whether supplementation with over-the-counter magnesium chloride improves symptoms of depression (magnesium chloride was selected because of its high bioavailability and tolerability compared to other forms).

Participants undertook six weeks of active magnesium treatment compared to six weeks of no treatment with results showing supplements were well tolerated and 61% of participants reported they would use magnesium in the future.

With current treatment options for depression limited by cost, side effects and acceptability to patients, the study showed magnesium supplements may be a fast, safe and easily accessible alternative.

Natural health company BetterYou delivers the most naturally pure source of Zechstein Inside® magnesium chloride through their transdermal magnesium products.

Supplementing magnesium transdermally (through the skin) is a superior way to absorb this mineral and has been proven to work five times faster than tablets.  As it is absorbed through the skin, it bypasses the digestive system straight into the body tissue providing a fast and effective dose.

Andrew Thomas, founder and managing director of BetterYou, said:

This study is really exciting and helps strengthen our understanding of the importance of this powerful mineral.

Seven in ten of us suffer from low levels of magnesium.  And because we don’t get enough from our daily diet, a supplement that gets straight to where it is needed is the way to recharge our systems.

Depression affects many individuals and magnesium can deliver a natural relief for some of the symptoms of depression.  We’re partnered with men’s mental health platform Mantality to help raise awareness of this debilitating disease.

Stevie Ward, founder and Editor-in-Chief of mental health magazine Mantality, said:

Having personally suffered with depression I know that magnesium helps to regulate serotonin and melatonin levels, which are key for boosting your mood and helping you sleep, so I welcome studies like this that highlight the benefits of this essential mineral to improve overall health and wellbeing.

Maintaining my own magnesium levels through daily transdermal application has had such a positive impact on my wellbeing that I would no longer be without it.

The BetterYou transdermal magnesium range is available at Holland and Barratt, all good health stores and online at www.betteryou.com.