Magnesium Glycinate & Anxiety

Magnesium is a crucial mineral for maintaining optimal levels of physical and mental health. It is present naturally in a number of foods, and commercially available as a dietary supplement in various forms, such as glycinate or taurinate. Some research has shown that magnesium deficiencies may lead to anxiety and related symptoms. Using a magnesium glycinate supplement may help combat these symptoms. Consult your doctor before using any dietary supplement.

Magnesium Glycinate

Magnesium glycinate is an altered form of magnesium in which magnesium ions are chemically bound to glycine. This form of magnesium is thought to be more easily absorbed by the body, according to scientist and educator Karen DeFelice. While magnesium is naturally present in foods such as certain types of fish, nuts and green leafy vegetables, most Americans do not get enough magnesium from dietary sources. Low levels of magnesium can lead to anxiety and related symptoms, including depression and insomnia, says clinical nutritionist Krispin Sullivan.

Anxiety

Anxiety affects everyone during times of stress and fear. However, anxiety disorders may develop when anxious feelings persist despite the lack of an easily identifiable stressor. Symptoms may include feelings of nervousness, tension, insomnia, heart palpitations, breathing problems, aches and pains, and constant worry. The exact causes aren't completely understood; however, a number of factors, including biological, social and environmental influences, may play a role in the development of anxiety disorders. Some research has shown that anxiety-like symptoms may stem from a magnesium deficiency. Additionally, using an easily absorbed magnesium supplement, such as magnesium glycinate, may help alleviate some of these symptoms.

Clinical Evidence

College students experiencing high levels of anxiety were found to have significant urinary magnesium loss, according to a study published in the June 2006 issue of "Magnesium Research." Researchers state that during times of stress, the body excretes phosphates, which also leads to reduced magnesium levels. Another study, published in 2006 in the journal "Medical Hypotheses," examined the effects of magnesium supplementation in the form of glycinate and taurinate on patients suffering from depression. Not only did depression levels decrease among patients who received magnesium supplementation, accompanying symptoms of anxiety, irritability and insomnia were also lowered. However, more clinical studies are needed to fully examine the benefits of magnesium glycinate on specific symptoms of anxiety.

Considerations

While magnesium glycinate may help ease some of the symptoms of anxiety, you should never rely on a dietary supplement to alleviate your condition. Anxiety disorders can become worse if not properly treated. If you think you have an anxiety disorder, consult your doctor. As with any dietary supplement, inform your doctor if you choose to use magnesium glycinate. Magnesium may cause certain mild yet unpleasant side effects such as nausea and diarrhea and can interact with certain medications.

Magnesium Glycinate & Anxiety