Depression is a chronic medical illness involving both the mind and body, affecting how a person thinks, feels and acts, that can lead to an array of physical and emotional concerns. It is often associated with feelings of sadness, despondency, inadequacy and pessimism. While the causes of depression are not completely understood, many factors may be involved, including biochemical imbalances such as can result from certain nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of sufficient magnesium or manganese.
Magnesium Deficiency
In 2000, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reported that one of the possible signs of a magnesium deficiency is depression. According to Dr. George Eby, magnesium deficiency is particularly prevalent in cases of diet-induced or stress-related depression, and rather than a physiological concern is a "fixable biochemical problem." According to Eby, 84 percent of the magnesium in whole wheat is absent in refined flour and magnesium is filtered out of most drinking water supplies. In addition to insufficient dietary magnesium, other sources of a magnesium deficiency may include stress and an excess of dietary calcium in relation to magnesium.
Magnesium Therapy
In 2006, George Eby published a report on magnesium treatment for depression in "Medical Hypotheses." In it, he cited case histories finding that patients with major depression experienced a recovery after less than seven days of taking 125-300 mg of magnesium glycinate and magnesium taurinate with each meal and at bedtime. Other mental illnesses accompanying these case studies, such as suicidal thoughts, irritability, insomnia and drug and alcohol abuse, also appeared to benefit from this treatment. In 2010, George Eby again wrote of magnesium in "Medical Hypotheses," this time of its benefits in treating treatment resistant depression, covering 60 percent of all cases of clinical depression.
Magnesium Deficiency
Manganese is essential in the regulation of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin, both of which are involved in relaxation. Low levels of manganese could result in an imbalance in these neurotransmitters that could contribute to or exacerbate symptoms of depression. Women in the premenstrual phase of their cycle may be particularly prone to mood effects from low manganese levels in their blood. Manganese supplementation has also been found effective in treating postpartum depression.
Magnesium Overload
Dr. Janelle Sinclair also warns, however, than an excess of manganese could be as much of a contributor to depression and anxiety as a manganese deficiency. She explains that while manganese is an essential mineral and antioxidant, it is also a heavy metal that can be toxic in overly large quantities. And she cites a 2011 study reported in "Psychosomatics" that finds manganese toxicity present in cases of depression and psychosis.
References
- George Eby Research Institute; "Depression Treatment: A Cure for Depression using Magnesium?"; George Eby; October 2010
- "Medical Hypotheses"; Rapid Recovery From Major Depression Using Magnesium Treatment; G.A. Eby, et al.; 2006
- "Medical Hypotheses"; Magnesium For Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Review And Hypothesis; G.A. Eby, et al.; April 2010
- Breaking Free From Depression; "Toxic Exposure, Depression And Anxiety"; Janelle Sinclair
- "Psychosomatics"; Manganese Neurotoxicity Presenting With Depression, Psychosis And Catatonia; S. Jain, et al.; 2011
Member Comments