A new research review, published in the journal Nutrients, outlines the scientifically backed effects of magnesium on a number of neurological and psychiatric conditions, concluding the mineral has significant backing for mood support, migraine prevention, and more.
The narrative review by researchers from Semmelweis University, in Budapest, Hungary, involved a literature search covering the period from 2000 to 2025 using four major scientific databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase.
The review concluded that magnesium supplementation offers promising support in the reduction of symptoms of depression and has demonstrated efficacy in preventing migraines, notably in patients experiencing aura.
The science also backs the idea that maintaining adequate magnesium levels can support in the prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, especially in older adults and individuals with metabolic risk factors.
Magnesium front of mind
Mind health benefitting supplements such as magnesium are enjoying revived consumer interest as a result of a multitude of factors, including post Covid-19 anxiety, high-stress lifestyles, poor quality diets and overuse of online platforms.
In fact, new data reveals mind health is becoming one of the most sought-after health benefits. Front Row research indicates Amazon users are frequently searching for supplements with search terms such as ‘memory’, ‘focus’, ‘attention’, and ‘brain fog’.
As a result, a number of nutraceutical brands develop new products containing magnesium, aimed at supporting mind health and sleep.
Mechanisms of action
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions, with particular relevance to maintaining neural homeostasis, modulating neurotransmitter systems, and regulating inflammatory and oxidative stress mechanisms.
Intracellular magnesium exerts its neuroprotective effects through multiple mechanisms: modulation of calcium homeostasis, reduction of oxidative stress, attenuation of neuroinflammation, and enhancement of the ATP production in the mitochondria.
Moreover, magnesium supplementation has been shown to inhibit the activation of the NF-κB pathway, thereby reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production, which is known to contribute to neurodegenerative progression.
Regarding its impact in depression, multiple observational studies have demonstrated a correlation between low serum magnesium levels and depressive symptoms. Magnesium is known to regulate key neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA and also modulate the HPA axis and NMDA receptor activity—mechanisms that are dysregulated in depression.
It is increasingly viewed as a potential adjunctive therapy, especially in patients with documented magnesium deficiency or a poor response to standard antidepressants.
In migraine sufferers, magnesium appears to inhibit cortical spreading depression and stabilize vascular tone, which are both implicated in migraine’s pathophysiology.
In the context of dementia, magnesium is emerging as a key player in cognitive health and neuroprotection. Epidemiological studies have identified a U-shaped relationship between serum magnesium levels and dementia risk: both hypomagnesemia and hypermagnesemia appear to increase the likelihood of cognitive decline.
Preclinical studies further show that magnesium supplementation can improve synaptic plasticity and dendritic spine morphology and reduce tau hyperphosphorylation, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s pathology.
The authors noted that patients with acute neurological conditions may not benefit substantially from magnesium therapy due to its slow cellular uptake, but they suggested chronic neurodegenerative disorders present a more favorable context for sustained magnesium intervention.
They added: “There is also emerging interest in magnesium’s indirect cognitive benefits, such as through improved sleep regulation and anxiolytic effects, both of which influence long-term cognitive resilience.”
Future research
The review noted considerable heterogeneity among studies limiting the generalizability of the findings, in terms of the methodology, the magnesium dosage, the duration of the intervention, and participant characteristics.
Moreover, many studies involved small sample sizes and relatively short follow-up periods, raising concerns about the robustness and long-term sustainability of the observed effects.
The presence of comorbidities and the frequent use of combined therapeutic approaches confound the ability to isolate the specific impact of magnesium further.
Another methodological concern is the predominant reliance on serum magnesium levels, which may not accurately reflect magnesium status at the intracellular level. Plus, there was a lack of consistent reporting of pre-treatment serum magnesium levels.
Finally, many of the outcomes, particularly those related to psychological symptoms, were assessed using self-reported questionnaires which are susceptible to placebo effects and subjective biases.
Therefore, future research should prioritize the implementation of standardized protocols, the authors wrote.
Long-term follow-up studies are essential and comparative analyses across diverse populations would provide valuable insights into demographic or genetic factors that may influence metabolism and the treatment response.
“Additionally, a deeper exploration of the intracellular mechanisms of magnesium’s action is warranted to understand its role at the cellular and molecular levels better. Investigating the potential for personalized magnesium supplementation—based on genetic and epigenetic markers—may offer a path toward optimizing its therapeutic efficacy and tailoring interventions to individual patient profiles,” the authors wrote.
Nutrients
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17132216
“The Role of Magnesium in Depression, Migraine, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Cognitive Health: A Comprehensive Review”
Authors: Varga, P., Lehoczki, A., Fekete, M., Jarecsny, T., Kryczyk-Poprawa, A., Zábó, V., Major, D., Fazekas-Pongor, V., Csípő, T., & Varga, J. T.d molecular levels better. Investigating the potential for personalized magnesium supplementation—based on genetic and epigenetic markers—may offer a path toward optimizing its therapeutic efficacy and tailoring interventions to individual patient profiles.”
Nutrients
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17132216
“The Role of Magnesium in Depression, Migraine, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Cognitive Health: A Comprehensive Review”
Authors: Varga, P., Lehoczki, A., Fekete, M., Jarecsny, T., Kryczyk-Poprawa, A., Zábó, V., Major, D., Fazekas-Pongor, V., Csípő, T., & Varga, J. T.
