Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels and Cognitive Function in Patients With Depression Receiving Fluoxetine Therapy

Depression is associated with persistent cognitive impairment, including deficits in attention, memory, and executive function, which may not fully improve with standard antidepressant treatment. These cognitive deficits contribute to functional disability and reduced quality of life. Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is widely used as first-line therapy for depression. However, its effects on cognitive function are inconsistent, and additional strategies are needed to enhance cognitive recovery.

Magnesium plays an important role in neurobiological processes, including modulation of NMDA receptors and synaptic plasticity, and has been proposed as an adjunctive treatment in depression. It may influence neuroplasticity-related pathways, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

This study is a randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial with a pretest-posttest design conducted in adult patients with depression receiving fluoxetine therapy. Participants are allocated into two parallel groups: an intervention group receiving oral magnesium supplementation (350 mg/day) in addition to fluoxetine, and a control group receiving fluoxetine alone.

Cognitive function is evaluated using a standardized cognitive assessment tool, and serum BDNF levels are measured using laboratory-based assays at baseline and after a 6-week intervention period.

This study aims to explore the potential role of magnesium as an adjunctive therapy to enhance neurocognitive outcomes and to provide insight into the relationship between neuroplasticity biomarkers and cognitive improvement in patients with depression.