Depression is a major worldwide health issue, with the World Health Organization reporting that depression affects about 121 million people. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, around 6.7 percent of the U.S. population experiences depression at any given time, with 30.4 percent of these cases classified as severe depression. Research on depression has identified many possible causes and treatments. In recent years, several studies have focused on the possible effects of magnesium deficiencies on depression.
About Depression
Depression isn't simply a matter of feeling blue or "down in the dumps." While everyone experiences these feelings from time to time, people with clinical depression experience symptoms that cause a serious impact on well-being and everyday functioning. According to the World Health Organization, depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Depression results in feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, a reduced sense of self-esteem, noticeable weight fluctuations, sleep problems, a lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy, relationship problems and many other symptoms that cause physical, mental and social impairments.
Importance of Magnesium
Magnesium is one of the most important minerals for maintaining physical and mental health. It is required for more than 300 biochemical processes, including maintaining proper nerve functioning, regulating blood sugar and blood pressure and assisting in energy metabolism. Deficiencies in magnesium are relatively common. According to 1999-2000 data provided by the Office of Dietary Supplements, a substantial number of adults do not meet the recommended daily allowance of dietary magnesium. Deficiencies can result in a variety of symptoms, including personality changes, seizures, loss of appetite, fatigue and weakness.
Magnesium for Depression
Scientific research appears to support the hypothesis that major depression might stem from magnesium deficiency. A 2006 study published in the journal "Medical Hypotheses" suggests that magnesium deficiency might be one of the leading causes of major depression and other mental health disorders. Another study published in the September 2002 edition of the journal "Frontier Perspectives" showed that nearly 60 percent of depressed study participants were deficient in magnesium.
Dietary Sources of Magnesium
The average adult male requires around 400 mg of magnesium daily, while females require around 300 mg, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Magnesium can be found in foods such as legumes, nuts, fish, certain vegetables and whole grains. High concentrations of magnesium are found in halibut, almonds, cashews and soybeans.
Warning
Inform your doctor if you plan to take an over-the-counter magnesium supplement. Magnesium supplements should be used only under the supervision of your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing, have certain drug allergies, take prescription medication or have a medical condition such as heart disease or kidney problems, according to Mao Clinic.com.
References
- World Health Organization: Depression
- National Institute of Mental Health: Major Depressive Disorder Among Adults
- "Medical Hypotheses"; Rapid Recovery from Major Depression Using Magnesium Treatment; G.A. Eby and K.L. Eby; March 2006
- "Frontier Perspectives"; Intracellular Magnesium Deficiency in Chronic Disease; C. Norman Shealy et al; September 2002
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Magnesium
- MayoClinic.com: Magnesium Supplement (Oral Route, Parenteral Route): Before Using
