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Magnesium

What does the research say about Magnesium?

2 health outcomes synthesised

Magnesium has been studied for 2 health outcomes, with the strongest evidence focusing on reduced depression symptoms based on 3 studies. The research primarily examines effects in adults with coronary artery disease and depressive symptoms, with small effect sizes reported. No consistent effective dose ranges were identified across the available studies.

Strongest evidence: Neither outcome has high or moderate evidence strength; both are rated low.

Mixed or weaker evidence: For Reduced Depression Symptoms, all 3 studies (a meta-analysis, systematic review, and review) reported beneficial but small effects, primarily in adults with coronary artery disease and depressive symptoms. For Reduced C-Reactive Protein Levels, 2 of 3 studies found beneficial small-to-moderate effects in people with metabolic syndrome or overweight/obesity, while 1 study found neutral results. The median study duration for CRP outcomes was approximately 12 weeks.

Effective dose patterns: No consistent dose ranges emerged across outcomes; effective dose data were insufficient or not reported in most studies.

Population insights: Beneficial effects on depression were observed specifically in a clinical population (adults with coronary artery disease and depressive symptoms). CRP reductions were noted in metabolic syndrome and overweight/obese populations.

Notable caveats: Both evidence bases are small (only 3 studies each), warranting preliminary conclusions. For depression, publication bias is a concern as null-result studies are less likely to be published. For CRP, some trials tested magnesium in combination with L-carnitine or vitamin D, making it unclear whether magnesium alone is responsible. Dose and form data were missing for most studies, limiting practical recommendations.

Frequently asked

  • What is Magnesium good for according to research?
    Research on magnesium has focused on two outcomes: reducing depression symptoms and reducing C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. For depression, all 3 available studies reported small beneficial effects in adults with coronary artery disease. For CRP, 2 of 3 studies found small-to-moderate reductions in people with metabolic syndrome or overweight/obesity, with 1 study showing neutral results.
  • What dose of Magnesium is typically used in studies?
    No consistent effective dose was identified across the studies. The synthesis for depression and CRP outcomes both noted that dose and form data were missing or insufficiently reported for most studies, preventing generalizable dose recommendations.
  • Who benefits most from Magnesium?
    For depression, the research specifically examined adults with coronary artery disease and depressive symptoms, all of whom showed small beneficial effects. For CRP reduction, benefits were observed in people with metabolic syndrome or overweight/obesity. No evidence is available for other populations such as healthy adults or those with severe deficiencies.
  • Are there caveats or limitations in the research on Magnesium?
    Yes, important caveats include the small evidence base for both outcomes (only 3 studies each), meaning conclusions are preliminary. For depression, publication bias is a concern—null-result studies are less likely to be published. For CRP, two studies combined magnesium with vitamin D or L-carnitine, making it unclear whether magnesium alone is responsible for the effects.
  • Does Magnesium help with reduced depression symptoms?
    Three studies—a meta-analysis, systematic review, and review—all reported small beneficial effects of magnesium on reducing depression symptoms. The evidence is limited to adults with coronary artery disease and depressive symptoms, and effect sizes were small. Due to potential publication bias, these results should be considered preliminary.
  • Does Magnesium help with reducing C-reactive protein levels?
    Two of 3 studies found that magnesium was associated with small-to-moderate reductions in C-reactive protein levels, a marker of inflammation. One study found neutral results. Beneficial effects were seen in people with metabolic syndrome or overweight/obesity, but confounders like co-administered vitamin D or L-carnitine in some trials weaken the evidence for magnesium alone.

Most-studied combinations with Magnesium

most supplement research is combination research
Also studied with:Potassium (4), Calcium (3), Zinc (6), Vitamin D (6), Vitamin E (2)

  • Magnesium Asporotate

    By Solaray

    4.8 (1.8K reviews)
    In Stock
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    Amazon
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    iHerb
    $13.15
    		In
    Vitacost
    $13.15
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    Vitamin Shoppe
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  • Magnesium Glycinate

    By Nature's Craft

    4.6 (64 reviews)
    In Stock
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    iHerb
    $19.55
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  • Magnesium Glycinate

    By The Vitamin Shoppe

    4.5 (19 reviews)
    Out of Stock
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    iHerb
    $22.99
    		In
    Vitacost
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    $22.99
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  • Optimal Multivitamin Plus

    By Seeking Health

    5 (10 reviews)
    In Stock
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    iHerb
    $75.95
    		In
    Vitacost
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  • EsophaCool

    By Life Extension

    4.5 (90 reviews)
    In Stock
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    iHerb
    $9.00
    		In
    Vitacost
    $8.99
    		In
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    $-
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  • Chelated Multiminerals

    By Bluebonnet Nutrition

    4.6 (1.5K reviews)
    Out of Stock
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    Amazon
    $26.00
    		In
    iHerb
    $26.00
    		In
    Vitacost
    $25.99
    		In
    Vitamin Shoppe
    $-
    		Out
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