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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Magnesium vs Saffron: they're closely matched on evidence (8.5 vs 7.5/10); they're alternatives for support mood — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
Magnesium and Saffron are closely matched across evidence, studies, and safety.
Verdict
Likely helps
11 of 15 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
7 of 7 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
200-350mg elemental magnesium daily
Evening for sleep/relaxation (glycinate), Morning for energy (malate), Anytime (citrate)
Depends on goal - see notes
28-30mg daily
Morning or split AM/PM
Affron® standardized extract
and 4 more not shown
1-2 weeks
1-2 weeks
1 week
Immediate
4-8 weeks
4-8 weeks
2 menstrual cycles
Magnesium supplementation in pregnancy
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2014) · Meta analysis · n=9090
Women receiving magnesium were significantly less likely to require hospitalisation during pregnancy (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.86; three trials, 1158 women).Of the 10 trials included in the review, only two were judged to be of high quality overall.
Magnesium Supplementation and Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Hypertension (2025) · Meta analysis · n=2709
38 RCTs with 2709 participants analyzed
Magnesium and Potassium Supplementation for Systolic Blood Pressure Reduction in the General Normotensive Population: A Systematic Review and Subgroup Meta-Analysis for Optimal Dosage and Treatment Length
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis
Both supplements demonstrated greater reductions in SBP for the general population at lower dosages and longer treatment durations.
Comparative efficacy and tolerability of nutraceuticals for depressive disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Psychological medicine (2025) · Meta analysis · n=17437
Adjunctive nutraceuticals consistently showed better efficacy than antidepressants (ADT) alone in outcomes including SMD, remission, and response.
Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Plant Extracts on Cognitive Function and Quality of Life in Stroke Patients
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2025) · Meta analysis
John's Wort extract (SUCRA 71.2%) was the most effective in reducing NIHSS scores, Berberine (SUCRA 84.1%) was most effective in reducing mRS scores, and St.
New horizons for the study of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its active ingredients in the management of neurological and psychiatric disorders: A systematic review of clinical evidence and mechanisms
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2024) · Systematic review
A random-effects or fixed-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect sizes.
Based on meta-analysis of 38 RCTs with 2709 participants showing -7.68 mmHg reduction in hypertensive individuals. Effects are greatest in those with hypomagnesemia. Limited evidence in normotensive populations.
Based on meta-analysis of 11 RCTs (n=531) showing significant antidepressant effects vs placebo with large effect size (Hedges g = 0.99). 30mg daily was most commonly effective dose. Conservative effectiveness estimates given study heterogeneity and modest sample sizes in individual trials.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Both Magnesium and Saffron are closely matched — the best choice depends on your specific health goals.
For support mood, Saffron has a higher relevance score (90 vs 60).
No known interactions between Magnesium and Saffron have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.
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The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.