Magnesium involvement in social behavior and in the treatment of some psychological disorders. A review

Background

Social behavior is generally defined as all behavior that influences, or is influenced by, other members of the same species. This behavior is essential for social life and the evolution of society. Numerous factors influence this behavior. One of the factors that are important for social behavior and that modulates many of the neural mechanisms involved in the production of social behavior is formed by magnesium (Mg) and other bivalent cations in the brain.

Methods

In this review, the results of some articles included in the international databases were used.

Results

Mg has an essential modulating role for a large part of the elements that are part of social behavior such as: aggression, memory and cognition, eating behavior, addictions and others. Memory disorders, cognition, all forms of addiction are important psychiatric diseases, but they also have a strong impact on social behavior. The main mechanisms by which Mg is involved in social behavior are: the modulation of the presynaptic release of some brain neurotransmitters, synaptic neuroplasticity, the modification of the affinity of some neuronal receptors for their agonists, the transduction of the biological signal after stimulating the receptors, the activity of some neuronal enzymes. Magnesium decreases intraspecific and interspecific aggression, improves memory and eating behavior, reduces the intensity of addictions and the vulnerability of people at risk of becoming addicted, improves attention deficit in children and reduces anxiety.

Conclusions

Correcting the high frequency of chronic Mg deficiency in today's society is strictly necessary and must be done as soon as possible. This normalization of the Mg level improves many of the elements of social behavior. Prevention and correction of Mg deficiency reduce the risk of developing serious diseases such as depression, addictions,memory disordres, anxiety states and other. The association of Mg with the drugs used to treat these diseases can be beneficial.