Can Magnesium Really Treat Anxiety?
Magnesium is one of the most common minerals in the body, and given its role in functions ranging from energy levels to homeostasis to brain health, it’s perhaps not surprising that mineral deficiencies have been linked to mental health issues. Researchers have found that people with depression and other mental illnesses are more likely to have lower magnesium levels.
One reason magnesium may be beneficial is that it enhances brain function and affects cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a hormone associated with stress, so lowering its levels in the body may have some impact on anxiety relief.
Some studies have suggested that taking magnesium supplements may help alleviate the symptoms of different types of anxiety.
What are the types of magnesium?
♦Magnesium Citrate: this type of magnesium is combined with citric acid. It is the most common type in supplements and there is evidence that it is easily absorbed by the body through the digestive tract. This type also has a laxative effect and is therefore sometimes used to treat constipation symptoms.
♦Magnesium Glycinate: this type of magnesium contains glycine, an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and affects functions such as appetite, mood, cognition, and sleep. Some evidence suggests that supplementing with glycine may also help improve sleep quality. This may also have some beneficial effects on anxiety levels.
♦Magnesium Malate: this type is made by combining magnesium with malic acid, a substance found in many different types of fruit. It is also linked to energy production in the body, so it may affect symptoms of fatigue.
♦Magnesium taurate: this type is a combination of magnesium and taurine, an important amino acid with anti-inflammatory properties.
♦Magnesium threonate: this type contains threonate, which is a compound produced by the breakdown of vitamin C. This type is readily absorbed and increases magnesium levels in the brain. Animal studies also suggest that it may have neuroprotective properties.
How does Magnesium threonate treat anxiety?
Magnesium threonate‘s role in the treatment of anxiety disorders is primarily based on its unique biological properties. As a highly bioavailable magnesium supplement, Magnesium threonate easily crosses cell membranes, including the blood-brain barrier, allowing magnesium ions to act directly inside the brain.
Anxiety disorders are often associated with an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly those associated with the stress response, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Magnesium ions play an important regulatory role in the nervous system and can help balance neurotransmitters and reduce anxiety symptoms. By supplementing with magnesium threonate, you can increase the concentration of magnesium ions in the brain, thus helping to relieve anxiety.
image from pexels.com
In addition, magnesium threonate can promote energy metabolism and signaling in nerve cells, improving cognitive function and emotional state of the brain. This further enhances its potential in treating anxiety disorders.
While magnesium threonate can be used as an aid in relieving anxiety, treating anxiety disorders usually requires a comprehensive approach that includes psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. Therefore, when using magnesium sulphate to treat anxiety, patients are advised to do so under the supervision of a doctor or healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.
