How to Take Magnesium for Depression

Some people with depression have low levels of magnesium, so researchers have studied whether magnesium supplements can treat depression symptoms. Case studies show that taking high dosages of magnesium may even relieve depression symptoms in fewer than seven days, according to a 2006 article in the journal Medical Hypotheses. Magnesium may be especially effective at treating people with treatment-resistant depression, according to a 2010 Medical Hypotheses study.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your health care provider and make sure magnesium supplements are appropriate for treating your depression. Magnesium could interfere with medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics.

• 2

  Take from 125 to 300 mg of magnesium glycinate or magnesium taurinate four times a day, with each meal and at bedtime. Start off with a smaller amount, and if you do not see improvement in depression symptoms, increase the dosage. You may see results within seven days.

• 3

  Take a B complex vitamin daily. B vitamins may improve magnesium absorption.