Varga Péter, Lehoczki Andrea, Fekete Mónika, Jarecsny Tamás, Kryczyk-Poprawa Agata, Zábó Virág, Major Dávid, Fazekas-Pongor Vince, Csípő Tamás, Varga János Tamás
Institute of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary.
Health Sciences Division, Doctoral College, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary.
Nutrients. 2025 Jul 4;17(13):2216. doi: 10.3390/nu17132216.
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions, with particular relevance to maintaining neural homeostasis, modulating neurotransmitter systems, and regulating inflammatory and oxidative stress mechanisms. This comprehensive review aims to evaluate the potential role of magnesium in the pathophysiology and treatment of three prevalent neurological and psychiatric disorders-depression, migraine, and Alzheimer's disease-as well as its broader implications for cognitive health. Current research suggests that magnesium deficiency is associated with the development of depression, as magnesium influences glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission, as well as the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, both of which play critical roles in stress responses and mood regulation. Additionally, magnesium's anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to the alleviation of depressive symptoms. In the context of migraine's pathophysiology, magnesium plays a role in regulating cerebral vascular tone, modulating the trigeminovascular system, and reducing neuronal hyperexcitability, which may explain the observed correlation between magnesium levels and the incidence of migraines. Regarding Alzheimer's disease, preclinical and epidemiological studies suggest that magnesium may contribute to modulating neurodegenerative processes and preserving cognitive function; however, due to the heterogeneity of the current findings, further longitudinal and interventional studies are necessary to determine its precise clinical relevance. This review aims to enhance the understanding of the relationship between magnesium and these disorders through a narrative review of relevant clinical studies. The findings may provide insights into the potential therapeutic applications of magnesium and guide the future directions of the research into the prevention and treatment of depression, migraine, and Alzheimer's disease and overall cognitive health.
镁是一种必需矿物质，参与数百种生化反应，对维持神经稳态、调节神经递质系统以及调控炎症和氧化应激机制尤为重要。本综述旨在评估镁在三种常见神经和精神疾病（抑郁症、偏头痛和阿尔茨海默病）的病理生理学和治疗中的潜在作用，以及其对认知健康的更广泛影响。目前的研究表明，镁缺乏与抑郁症的发生有关，因为镁会影响谷氨酸能和γ-氨基丁酸能神经传递，以及下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺（HPA）轴的活性，这两者在应激反应和情绪调节中都起着关键作用。此外，镁的抗炎特性可能有助于缓解抑郁症状。在偏头痛的病理生理学背景下，镁在调节脑血管张力、调节三叉神经血管系统以及降低神经元兴奋性方面发挥作用，这可能解释了观察到的镁水平与偏头痛发病率之间的相关性。关于阿尔茨海默病，临床前和流行病学研究表明，镁可能有助于调节神经退行性过程并维持认知功能；然而，由于目前研究结果的异质性，需要进一步的纵向和干预性研究来确定其确切的临床相关性。本综述旨在通过对相关临床研究的叙述性综述，加深对镁与这些疾病之间关系的理解。这些发现可能为镁的潜在治疗应用提供见解，并指导抑郁症、偏头痛和阿尔茨海默病以及整体认知健康的预防和治疗研究的未来方向。
