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Zarafshan ShirazNew Delhi
July 10, 2024 09:00 PM IST
Magnesium deficiency linked to anxiety: Here’s what you need to know about benefits, dosage and precautions of this vital nutrient as it goes viral
Magnesium has been gaining a lot of attention recently as a potential treatment for anxiety and social media influencers on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Twitter have been flooding the internet with viral reels and posts where they have reported significant improvements in their mental health and the effectiveness of the key nutrient in reducing anxiety symptoms or their positive experiences after taking magnesium supplements. As a natural supplement, magnesium is attracting people looking for non-pharmaceutical options to manage their anxiety and even a 2017 study found that the nutrient has beneficial effects on anxiety, but the quality of evidence was mixed and more research is needed.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Subrata Das, HOD, Department of Internal Medicine and Diabetes, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, explained, “Magnesium is essential for many bodily functions, yet many people lack it in their diets. About 60% of it is stored in the bones and the rest in muscles, tissues and fluids. It supports around 600 metabolic processes, including energy production, protein synthesis, gene maintenance, muscle function and nerve regulation.”
He added, “It reduces stress by regulating cortisol levels, inducing relaxation, and relieving muscle tension. Magnesium deficiency is associated with headaches and poor sleep because it functions in GABA modulation. A 2023 study found that magnesium supplements significantly improved sleep in older adults, highlighting its role in stress management, sleep quality, and metabolic health.”
Dr. Subrata Das warns that supplements may help with migraine frequency and weight control, as it reduces BMI in people who are deficient, “However, excessive intake can have negative effects, so it is important to use supplements under medical supervision. Hypermagnesemia, that is, if magnesium is more than normal, it can cause symptoms such as weakness or exhaustion, confusion and decreased breathing rate or irregular heartbeat.”
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