According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety is a normal reaction provoked by stress. However, for some, this normal reaction, commonly known as "nerves," happens in excess. It becomes an overwhelming and disabling illness. Your body uses magnesium in the production of energy. Magnesium also helps to regulate other vitamins and minerals. Insufficient magnesium may lead to a host of symptoms, including anxiety, agitation, confusion and insomnia. Always check with your doctor regarding supplementation and potential drug interactions.
Magnesium and Your Body
Magnesium is an essential mineral used by your body in the production of teeth and bones. Every organ in the body, in particular the heart, kidneys and muscles, use this mineral. Magnesium activates enzymes that are spread throughout the body to assist in energy production, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Magnesium also helps to regulate other minerals and vitamins such as copper, zinc, calcium and vitamin D.
Magnesium Deficiency
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, most people consume enough magnesium through food sources such as whole grains, nuts and leafy green vegetables. As magnesium is readily available for frequent consumption, it is unlikely you will have a magnesium deficiency unless it is caused by another illness such as diabetes, pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, gastrointestinal diseases and liver disease. You may also experience lower magnesium levels after prolonged stress; profuse sweating; consuming too much alcohol, coffee or soft drinks; or heavy menstruation.
Magnesium Deficiency and Anxiety
Magnesium deficiency can cause anxiety, as well as other symptoms also experienced with anxiety disorder, including nausea, agitation, hyperventilation and insomnia. Nicolas Singewald and collleagues published their research findings in 2004 in the journal "Neuropharmacology," suggesting that magnesium depletion enhances depression- and anxiety-related behavior in mice. Other small studies, such as that published in 2000 by Miriam C. De Souza and colleagues in the "Journal of Women's Health & Gender-Based Medicine," suggest that the use of magnesium and vitamin B-6 may decrease symptoms of anxiety.
Treatment
Under the care of your physician, increase your consumption of dietary sources of magnesium and take a supplement. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking magnesium citrate, magnesium gluconate or magnesium lactate at the recommendation of your doctor, as your body easily absorbs them. It is helpful to take magnesium also with vitamin B-6 complex to aid absorption. Your doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medications in the interim while magnesium levels build in your system. Additionally, your doctor may suggest additional therapies dependent on your symptoms of anxiety. These therapies may include cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy.
References
- "Journal of Women's Health & Gender-Based Medicine"; A Synergistic Effect of a Daily Supplement for One Month of 200 Mg Magnesium Plus 50 Mg Vitamin B-6 for the Relief of Anxiety-Related Premenstrual Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Study; Miriam C. De Souza, et al.; March 2000
- "Neuropharmacology"; Magnesium-Deficient Diet Alters Depression- and Anxiety-Related Behavior in Mice---Influence of Desipramine and Hypericum Perforatum Extract; Nicolas Singewald, et al.; December 2004
- National Institute of Mental Health: Anxiety Disorders
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium
