MAGNESIUM: AS EFFECTIVE AS ANTIDEPRESSANTS?

I’m always interested in learning how supplements can improve health, and lately I’ve been researching magnesium. 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. But this study is pretty compelling on its own.

Researchers at the University of Vermont had 126 depressed adults take 248 milligrams of magnesium every day for six weeks. At the end, 112 of them reported significant improvement in their symptoms. The relief came quickly, too, at two weeks.

112 out of of 126 is a huge result.

Magnesium plays a role in fighting inflammation, which comes up over and over in depression research. It also helps the body metabolize Vitamin D, which helps with depression. Low magnesium levels can mean low energy.

You can, of course, get magnesium from food, though most of people aren’t getting enough. Try for a diet higher in fiber if you want to increase your intake. Eat lots of legumes, whole grains, vegetables, seeds, and nuts.

If you’re suffering from depression, come on in. Let’s talk about what supplements can help you.