Magnesium
- Kevin Keane
- Aug 13, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 15, 2024
Magnesium for ADHD, Cognitive Function, Mood, & Anxiety
Choosing the correct form of magnesium is crucial, as it can significantly impact its effectiveness in addressing depression, anxiety, cognition, and focus.
Dosing:
For patients aged 15 and under, the initial dose is 1 capsule nightly. Patients aged 16 and older should start with 2 capsules nightly.
After one week, if there are no gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, excessive fatigue, or other adverse reactions, increase the dose by 1 pill. This means patients aged 15 and under would take 2 capsules at bedtime, while patients aged 16 and older would take 3 capsules at bedtime.
For children aged 8 and under who prefer gummies, the recommended dose is 2 gummies nightly.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of magnesium for depression, anxiety, cognitive function, and focus. Its proposed mechanism involves enhancing neuronal transmission. Positive effects have been noted within two weeks of use. Magnesium is fast-acting, well-tolerated, and generally does not require close monitoring for toxicity. However, it is essential to ensure proper absorption by taking it correctly.
Magnesium L-threonate (or magnesium citrate for those preferring gummies) are the most extensively studied preparations and have shown the greatest benefits for ADHD, cognitive function, mood, and anxiety.
It is advisable to avoid magnesium glutamate or magnesium aspartate, as they can be stimulating. Additionally, magnesium oxalate should be avoided because it is poorly absorbed.
Note that magnesium may cause some loosening of stools or diarrhea. If this occurs, discontinue supplementation for a few days and then restart on an every-other-day basis initially
For patients aged 9 and above, please refer to this link (dosing info below):
For patients aged 8 and below, please refer to this link (dose is 2 gummies at bedtime):
Written by:
Joseph Gagnon Jr.