A Summary of a Magnesium Clinical Study by Tarleton et al. (2017)
Reviewed by Tamberlyn Blinsink, ND, MPH | Research & Development
Overview
The following summary reviews clinical research examining oral magnesium supplementation in the context of depression and anxiety symptoms in adults with mild-to-moderate depression. The authors of this trial noted that, while the association between magnesium intake and depressive symptoms is documented in the literature, few clinical trials had examined the effect of magnesium supplementation on symptom management. The objective of this study was to test whether supplementation with over-the-counter magnesium chloride improves symptoms of depression in a primary care population.
Summary
Role of Magnesium Supplementation in the Treatment of Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Published in: PLOS ONE
Study Design: Open-label, blocked, randomized crossover trial
Participants: 126 adults (mean age 52; 38% male) with mild-to-moderate depression (PHQ-9 scores of 5–19) recruited through outpatient primary care clinics; 112 participants provided analyzable data
Dose: 248 mg of elemental magnesium per day for 6 weeks
Outcome Measures: Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9); Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7); pill count adherence; adverse effects; participant intention to use magnesium in the future
What Was Studied: This 12-week crossover trial was designed to test whether 6 weeks of oral magnesium chloride supplementation would improve symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression in adults enrolled through primary care providers at a single academic medical center. Participants were randomized to begin supplementation immediately or at week 7, with the alternate 6-week period serving as the no-treatment control. Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed at bi-weekly telephone calls using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7. The primary outcome was the net difference in PHQ-9 score change between the active treatment and control periods, analyzed using an intention-to-treat approach with linear regression to control for potential confounders.
About the Reviewer
Name & Title: Tamberlyn Blinsink, Scientific Researcher at Solaray
Credentials: Naturopathic Doctor, Master of Public Health
Bio: Tamberlyn Blinsink, ND, MPH, a licensed naturopath who earned her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University and her Master of Public Health from Purdue University. In addition to her experience in private practice, Dr. Blinsink, ND, MPH is a researcher in the natural products industry. She believes in giving back and has served as a lecturer at continuing education conferences and as a board member at Naturopaths Without Borders and NC Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
References
Tarleton EK, Littenberg B, MacLean CD, Kennedy AG, Daley C. Role of magnesium supplementation in the treatment of depression: A randomized clinical trial. PLOS ONE. 2017;12(6):e0180067. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28654669/