In August 2018 researchers from Canada and Iran published the results of their study to assess the effect of a dietary intake of magnesium on various psychiatric disorders. A total of 3,172 adults, aged between 18-55 years, were included in the study. Information on the dietary intake of magnesium was collected via a food frequency questionnaire. Results showed that an inadequate dietary intake of magnesium was associated with a higher risk of anxiety amongst all women, including normal-weight women. Moreover, a higher dietary magnesium intake was associated with a 39% reduced risk of anxiety in women. In addition, there was a significant association between a low dietary intake of magnesium and a higher risk of depression amongst normal-weight men and overweight women. However, a dietary intake of magnesium did not appear to be associated with psychological distress.
Anjom-Shoae J et al. The association between dietary intake of magnesium and psychiatric disorders among Iranian adults: a cross-sectional study. Br J Nutr. 2018 Aug 2:1-10. [Epub ahead of print]