Does magnesium help with anxiety?

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    Last Updated: April 23, 2025

    Observational studies show mixed results with respect to the relationship between magnesium levels and anxiety; some studies suggest an association between higher dietary magnesium intake and lower anxiety, but others do not confirm this. Clinical trials indicate a possible but weak effect of magnesium on anxiety, and the overall quality of evidence is low, which necessitates further high-quality research.

    Observational studies have found that serum magnesium concentrations are not different between people with and without generalized anxiety disorder[1] and that serum magnesium concentrations are not correlated with self-reported levels of anxiety.[2][3] Some observational studies have found an association between a greater dietary magnesium intake and lower odds of anxiety,[4] but other studies do not confirm that finding.[5][6]

    Some clinical trials have compared magnesium to magnesium + pyridoxine (vitamin b6) and found a post-trial decrease in self-reported anxiety and/or stress levels in people in the magnesium group.[7][8][9] However, conclusions concerning the direct effect of magnesium cannot be made from studies lacking a control group who did not take magnesium. Fortunately, there are some randomized controlled trials comparing supplementation with magnesium to a placebo. These studies have mixed outcomes that showed a possible, but weak, effect of magnesium on anxiety.[10][11][12][13][14][15] However, the overall quality of the evidence is low, and high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed.[14][15]

    Does magnesium help with anxiety? - Examine