Depression can be in varring degrees, and duration. For what ever reason a person may be depressed, it is important that it be resolved. At least 60% of magnesium is stored in bone. Bone forms our most important stocks of magnesium and the body can call on two thirds of these stores (as 45% of the total reserves) if need be. 40% migrates into soft tissue, principally muscles and organs. Magnesium is the second most frequently occurring intracellular cation and is found mainly in the cells.

Magnesium deficiency is well known to produce neuropathologies, yet the depressed individual have no idea. Only 16% of the magnesium found in whole wheat remains in refined flour, and magnesium has been removed from most drinking water supplies, setting a stage for human magnesium deficiency. Magnesium ions regulate calcium ion flow in neuronal calcium channels, helping to regulate neuronal nitric oxide production. In magnesium deficiency, neuronal requirements for magnesium may not be met, causing neuronal damage which could manifest as depression.

Magnesium treatment is hypothesized to be effective in treating major depression resulting from intraneuronal magnesium deficits. These magnesium ion neuronal deficits may be induced by stress hormones, excessive dietary calcium as well as dietary deficiencies of magnesium.  Deficiency in zinc, magnesium and selenium can leave one depressed or with depression symptoms. Magnesium deficiency can lead to memory loss, restlessness and poor attention. Iron supplements are ideal for depression resulting from anemia.

With the increased consumption of refined and/or processed foods, dietary magnesium intake in the United States appears to have decreased over the years (Marier, 1986). Total magnesium intake is usually dependent on caloric intake, which explains the higher intake levels seen in the young and in adult males and the lower levels seen in women and in the elderly.