MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS: AN UPDATED REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Magnesium ion (Mg²⁺) is an important intracellular cation regulating neuronal excitability, neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity and stress response. Dysregulation in magnesium metabolism has been implicated in various neuropsychiatric disorders, however evidences remain inconsistent across the literature, limiting confirmation of its clinical utility.

Objectives: This review provides updated evidence on the therapeutic potential of magnesium in mental health disorders with emphasis on observational, interventional, experimental studies and randomized controlled trials as well as mechanistic insights, limitations and future research considerations.

Methodology: The methodology involved a comprehensive search of studies published between 1979-2025 (41 unique publications) across major scientific databases and repositories, to examine the relationship between magnesium homeostasis and mental health outcomes.

Results: Magnesium supplementation either alone or adjunct to pharmacological treatment, demonstrates therapeutic benefits, particularly in depression and anxiety. However, findings in schizophrenia, ADHD, autism and dementia remain inconsistent, largely due to heterogeneous study design, patient variability and inadequate randomized controlled trials.

Conclusion: Magnesium supplementation represents a promising, cost-effective and safe adjunct in the management of mental health disorders. However to establish its clinical relevance, well-designed, large-scale and randomized controlled trials, particularly those incorporating standardized formulations, outcome measures and mechanistic assessments are necessary.