Taking probiotics (beneficial living microbes) and magnesium together is considered safe and may help with inflammation, depression, and stress coping. Some studies support these effects, but research is ongoing, so recommendations about combination use remain unclear.

1. Less Inflammation

In one study, 74 people were given a probiotic and a 125-milligram (mg) magnesium chloride supplement or a placebo (inactive supplement) for nine weeks.

The probiotic contained 1.8×10^10 colony-forming units (CFUs) of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis Lactis. This was a single, relatively small study, so the results may not apply to everyone.

Participants in the study who received the supplements had lower C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at the end of the nine weeks. A high CRP level could mean there’s tissue damage or inflammation, such as that caused by an infection or an immune-mediated condition. However, the effect was observed only during the study, and further research is needed to confirm it.

There were no other effects on the subjects’ weight, mood, or gut health. The authors aren’t clear on why CRP was affected.

What Are Colony Forming Units (CFUs)?

The amount of bacteria in a probiotic supplement is measured as colony-forming units (CFU). Higher CFUs in a product aren’t always “better” or more effective than lower ones. Various bacterial strains are considered probiotic, and researchers are still learning which strains, at what CFU levels, are helpful for which conditions.

It’s important to consult a healthcare provider to understand the strains and dosage of a probiotic supplement and whether it may have health benefits.

2. Treating Major Depressive Disorder

Another double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial included 120 people with major depressive disorder (MDD). Subjects received either a placebo or a combination of a probiotic, magnesium orotate (1600 mg), and coenzyme Q10 (150 mg) for eight weeks.

The probiotic contained 2 × 10^10 CFUs of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Streptococcus thermophilus. This study was brief and included multiple supplements simultaneously, making it difficult to determine which ingredient caused which effect.

At the end of the eight weeks, fewer people who took the probiotic, magnesium, and coenzyme Q10 had MDD. But after not taking the supplement for eight weeks, the number of people with MDD increased. The authors noted that improvements did not last after stopping the supplements, and the study wasn’t long enough to understand any ongoing effects.

The authors think the probiotics were the main driver behind the effect. It is important to know that a supplement manufacturer funded this study. This doesn’t mean the results are invalid, but more studies are needed to confirm the effect.

3. Reduced Effects of Stress

A study of 74 people with higher body mass index (BMI) examined how supplements might affect stress and quality of life. Participants were given either a placebo or a combination of magnesium and a probiotic.

The people receiving the probiotic and magnesium combination had more energy (the study called this increased vitality). These people also had better mental health and felt that stress impacted them less. Not that they had less stress, but that they felt more resilient.

There were no differences between the placebo and the supplement group as far as depression, anxiety, and stress levels.

Probiotics and Digestive Symptoms

Probiotics may cause gas or other stomach symptoms, especially when starting a new supplement. These problems usually improve within a few days. If not, it may help to start with a lower probiotic dosage and increase it gradually.

4. Improved Gut Microbiome

Probiotics change the makeup of the gut microbiome (the community of microbes in the gut). A probiotic supplement may help the digestive system better absorb vitamins and minerals. This could be due to reduced inflammation, increased motility (movement), or increased production of beneficial compounds called short-chain fatty acids in the gut.

When the gut contains more beneficial bacterial strains, magnesium (and other vitamins and minerals) may be better absorbed. Some of the research is on mice and rats, and the results don’t always translate well to humans. Studies are ongoing, and more information is needed to understand which probiotics are most helpful.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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  2. National Cancer Institute. C-reactive protein.

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  4. Strodl E, Bambling M, Parnam S, Ritchie G, Cramb S, Vitetta L. Probiotics and magnesium orotate for the treatment of major depressive disorder: a randomised double blind controlled trial. Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):20841. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-71093-z

  5. Ghasvarian M, Mahboobi S, Sadeghi R, et al. Effects of probiotics and magnesium co-supplementation on stress levels and quality of life in obese patients with depressed mood: a randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial. Current Functional Foods. 2025;3:e221023222518. doi:10.2174/0126668629257875230920091340

  6. National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements. Probiotics. fact sheet for consumers. 

  7. Varvara RA, Vodnar DC. Probiotic-driven advancement: exploring the intricacies of mineral absorption in the human body. Food Chem X. 2023;21:101067. doi:10.1016/j.fochx.2023.101067

Amber J. Tresca

By Amber J. Tresca

Tresca is a writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16.

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