Magnesium for Anxiety and Stress: What's Known

Magnesium is involved in the body’s stress-response systems, which goes some way to explaining why it’s become such a popular supplement for anxiety. The research is suggestive rather than settled. In a systematic review of clinical trials, five of the seven studies that measured anxiety reported improvements in self-reported symptoms. But the studies were small, they varied widely in design and dose, and the overall certainty is low.

A fair reading: some people feel a bit more settled on magnesium, the effect is gentle where it exists, and better trials are still needed. If you want to try it, a well-absorbed form like magnesium glycinate is the usual choice.

Sources: systematic review of supplemental magnesium on self-reported anxiety and sleep (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11136869/)

This article is general information, not medical advice. This topic can be sensitive; if you’re struggling, please reach out to a professional or someone you trust.