Life Extension Foundation, Fort Lauderdale, FL, is sponsoring a study with the research division at the University of Miami entitled A double blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study of an IV infusion of Magnesium Sulfate vs. 5% Dextrose in a crossover design in male and female volunteers with treatment resistant depression. This clinical trial will assess the effectiveness of an intravenous magnesium sulfate infusion in participants who display symptoms of treatment resistant mild and moderate depression. Each of the 20 subjects will be randomized in a double-blinded fashion to receive either an intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate or placebo containing 5% dextrose. This will be followed by a washout period and then crossover to receive the product that was not initially received.

“The magnesium deficient status will be determined via assessment of the magnesium level in the blood and urine before and after each infusion,” says Dr. Steven Hirsh, director of clinical research at Life Extension. “The effectiveness of the infusion will be determined through scores attained on a rating scale for depression as well as a patient health questionnaire for depression.” A correlation will then be conducted with levels of magnesium and these scores.