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Magnesium & Manganese for Depression

Deficiencies in magnesium or manganese have been linked to depression. You can have your doctor check your blood levels to determine a deficiency or simply try adding these supplements to your diet for a period of time.

  1. Deficiency vs. Excess

    • If you are deficient in these minerals, they may help. However, if you are not deficient, taking these supplements should not make a difference. An excess of these minerals does not result in elevated mood and may cause complications.

    Importance of Magnesium

    • Magnesium is essential for nerve impulse transmission, muscle relaxation and converting food into energy. Deficiency can cause a wide array of health problems besides depression, many of which could cause depression themselves.

    Magnesium Dosage

    • The "Recommended Daily Allowance" for magnesium in the United States is 400 mg per day for men and 300 mg per day for women.

    Importance of Manganese

    • Manganese is important for amino-acid formation, and a deficiency could result in low levels of serotonin and norepinephrin, directly causing depression. It also maintains blood sugar levels, which can stop hypoglycemic mood swings.

    Manganese Dosage

    • There is currently no "Recommended Daily Allowance" for manganese, but five mg is considered a safe amount to take on a daily basis.

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