What happens to the body when you take excessive magnesium supplements?

We have said it earlier, and we repeat: Anything you see on social media must be taken with a pinch of salt. So when we chanced upon a claim suggesting that 125-300 mg of magnesium per meal can help “reverse” depression in a week, we immediately dialed an expert to verify the tall claim. In a post on X, Carnivore Aurelius wrote, “Why is nobody talking about how just 125 – 300mg of magnesium per meal reversed depression in just 7 DAYS? Magnesium deficiency causes neuronal damage that can manifest as depression and over 50% of people are deficient. Magnesium is incredibly cheap and has little to no side effects.”Find out what we learned.
Dr Pooja Anand, associate consultant, neurology, Paras Health, Gurugram said magnesium is an essential mineral for numerous bodily functions, including nerve transmission, muscle function, and mood regulation. “Increasing attention has been given to its potential role in alleviating depression, with studies suggesting that low magnesium levels may be linked to an increased risk of depression and anxiety,” said Dr Anand.
Dr Manisha Arora, director, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi shared that magnesium plays a supportive role in managing depression regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and improve sleep quality. However, according to Dr Arora, it is not a stand-alone treatment for depression.
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Notably, magnesium is known as nature’s relaxant. Dr Saroj Kumar Yadav, consultant, internal medicine, Aakash Healthcare said it plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s stress response supporting the production of neurotransmitters that promote relaxation and calmness. “Additionally, magnesium helps balance melatonin levels, the hormone responsible for sleep, there improving sleep quality,” said Dr Yadav.
“The effectiveness of magnesium, typically in doses ranging from 125 mg to 300 mg, varies based on the individual’s specific condition and needs. Depression is a complex condition influenced numerous factors, including its severity and type. Therefore, while magnesium may contribute positively, it should be combined with other therapeutic approaches tailored to the individual’s situation,” said Dr Arora.

Agreeing, Dr Anand said that while supplementation with magnesium may have shown promise in improving depressive symptoms, especially in individuals with magnesium deficiency, (with small-scale studies suggesting it can positively influence mood regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin), which play a key role in emotional well-being, “larger clinical trials are needed to solidify magnesium’s efficacy as a treatment for depression”.
Do you have magnesium in your diet? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Dr Anand also cautioned against magnesium supplements and noted that “excessive intake can lead to side effects such as diarrhea and nausea“.Story continues below this ad
Effective treatment usually involves a comprehensive approach that includes psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and possibly medication, said Dr Arora. Individual responses to magnesium and other treatments can differ, emphasising the importance of a personalised treatment plan, he added.
*DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.*