Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Likely Ineffective
Based on 17 Researches
4.8
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 242 Reviews
8.1
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Tablets
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Magnesium (from 2,000 mg magnesiumlysinate glycinate chelate) (Albion®)
200 mg
48%
Top Medical Research Studies
9
Magnesium oxide treats leg cramps
We conducted a study to evaluate how effective magnesium oxide monohydrate (MOMH) is in treating nocturnal leg cramps (NLC). This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving multiple centers in Ukraine, where participants took either MOMH or a placebo nightly for 60 days.
Our focus was on measuring the frequency and duration of cramps, the pain they caused, and how they affected sleep quality and overall life satisfaction. We used thorough statistical methods to compare the results between the two groups.
The findings indicated that MOMH is both effective and safe for individuals dealing with NLC. Participants reported improvements in their symptoms, demonstrating that this magnesium supplement can play a helpful role in managing nocturnal leg cramps.
Our focus was on measuring the frequency and duration of cramps, the pain they caused, and how they affected sleep quality and overall life satisfaction. We used thorough statistical methods to compare the results between the two groups.
The findings indicated that MOMH is both effective and safe for individuals dealing with NLC. Participants reported improvements in their symptoms, demonstrating that this magnesium supplement can play a helpful role in managing nocturnal leg cramps.
Read More
9
We sought to understand the effectiveness of oral magnesium in treating leg cramps experienced by pregnant women. Our study was well-structured, involving a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design. It included 86 healthy pregnant women between 14 to 34 weeks of gestation who encountered leg cramps at least twice a week, and we followed them over a four-week period.
At the end of the study, we discovered that the women taking magnesium bisglycinate chelate (300 mg per day) reported a significant reduction in cramp frequency—86% experienced at least a 50% drop compared to only 60.5% of those taking the placebo. Additionally, those on magnesium also noted a notable decrease in cramp intensity, with 69.8% achieving a similar improvement versus just 48.8% in the placebo group.
Encouragingly, we found no major side effects reported in either group, such as nausea or diarrhea. Our findings suggest that magnesium supplements can effectively reduce both the frequency and severity of leg cramps during pregnancy, offering a potential treatment option for women dealing with this common issue.
At the end of the study, we discovered that the women taking magnesium bisglycinate chelate (300 mg per day) reported a significant reduction in cramp frequency—86% experienced at least a 50% drop compared to only 60.5% of those taking the placebo. Additionally, those on magnesium also noted a notable decrease in cramp intensity, with 69.8% achieving a similar improvement versus just 48.8% in the placebo group.
Encouragingly, we found no major side effects reported in either group, such as nausea or diarrhea. Our findings suggest that magnesium supplements can effectively reduce both the frequency and severity of leg cramps during pregnancy, offering a potential treatment option for women dealing with this common issue.
Read More
7
We set out to investigate whether magnesium citrate could be an effective remedy for those who experience bothersome leg cramps, particularly at night. In our study, we used a randomised, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled design to ensure reliable results. Participants suffering from regular leg cramps were recruited and given either magnesium citrate or a matching placebo over six weeks.
Our findings revealed that those who began the trial with the placebo experienced an average reduction in cramps when taking magnesium, with a median of 5 cramps compared to 9 on the placebo. Moreover, a notable percentage of participants felt that the magnesium treatment had indeed helped them, with 78% reporting benefits, as opposed to 54% who felt the placebo was effective.
While these results suggest that magnesium may have a positive impact, it’s essential to mention that the impact on cramp severity and duration wasn’t significantly different between the two groups. Additionally, some participants did report experiencing diarrhoea as a side effect of magnesium. Overall, we believe magnesium shows promise in alleviating nocturnal leg cramps and recommend further research to fully evaluate its effectiveness.
Our findings revealed that those who began the trial with the placebo experienced an average reduction in cramps when taking magnesium, with a median of 5 cramps compared to 9 on the placebo. Moreover, a notable percentage of participants felt that the magnesium treatment had indeed helped them, with 78% reporting benefits, as opposed to 54% who felt the placebo was effective.
While these results suggest that magnesium may have a positive impact, it’s essential to mention that the impact on cramp severity and duration wasn’t significantly different between the two groups. Additionally, some participants did report experiencing diarrhoea as a side effect of magnesium. Overall, we believe magnesium shows promise in alleviating nocturnal leg cramps and recommend further research to fully evaluate its effectiveness.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
High digestibility
418 people found this helpful
Excellent magnesium with very high digestibility. I take it at night, two hours before bed. It has completely resolved my night leg cramps.
Read More
9
Insomnia relief
346 people found this helpful
It relaxes and soothes! I adore this particular chelated magnesium! No gastrointestinal upset, which is significant to me. It restored my sleep after struggling with insomnia. My reaction to stimuli is calmer now. I occasionally switch magnesium types as they affect me differently, but this one ended my leg cramps, suggesting a significant deficit. I'm very pleased with its energising effect!
Read More
9
Emotional boost
266 people found this helpful
This is one of the best magnesium supplements I’ve found. When combined with vitamin B6, it’s excellent against nervous stress. I recommend taking two pieces daily. It effectively helps with evening cramps caused by magnesium deficiency or my love for strong coffee. My general emotional state has improved significantly.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Likely Ineffective
Based on 17 Researches
4.8
- All Researches
9.5
We explored the effects of magnesium treatment in a unique case involving a 62-year-old woman with stage IV colon cancer undergoing oxaliplatin therapy. Shortly after her first infusion, we observed that she experienced significant neurological symptoms, including right hemibody paresthesia, muscle cramping in her right calf, and dysphonia.
To address these symptoms, she was administered intravenous magnesium sulfate along with calcium gluconate. Remarkably, within three hours, all her symptoms resolved. While this case suggests that magnesium can provide relief from cramps and other neurological side effects, it is important to note that magnesium was used in conjunction with other medications, making it challenging to assess its isolated effectiveness.
For future doses, the oxaliplatin was adjusted by reducing the dose and extending the infusion duration, which minimized her symptoms to occasional mild paresthesia. In summary, while magnesium showed promise in this case, further research is needed to determine its specific impact on leg cramps in a clearer, more controlled manner.
To address these symptoms, she was administered intravenous magnesium sulfate along with calcium gluconate. Remarkably, within three hours, all her symptoms resolved. While this case suggests that magnesium can provide relief from cramps and other neurological side effects, it is important to note that magnesium was used in conjunction with other medications, making it challenging to assess its isolated effectiveness.
For future doses, the oxaliplatin was adjusted by reducing the dose and extending the infusion duration, which minimized her symptoms to occasional mild paresthesia. In summary, while magnesium showed promise in this case, further research is needed to determine its specific impact on leg cramps in a clearer, more controlled manner.
Read More
9
Magnesium oxide treats leg cramps
We conducted a study to evaluate how effective magnesium oxide monohydrate (MOMH) is in treating nocturnal leg cramps (NLC). This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving multiple centers in Ukraine, where participants took either MOMH or a placebo nightly for 60 days.
Our focus was on measuring the frequency and duration of cramps, the pain they caused, and how they affected sleep quality and overall life satisfaction. We used thorough statistical methods to compare the results between the two groups.
The findings indicated that MOMH is both effective and safe for individuals dealing with NLC. Participants reported improvements in their symptoms, demonstrating that this magnesium supplement can play a helpful role in managing nocturnal leg cramps.
Our focus was on measuring the frequency and duration of cramps, the pain they caused, and how they affected sleep quality and overall life satisfaction. We used thorough statistical methods to compare the results between the two groups.
The findings indicated that MOMH is both effective and safe for individuals dealing with NLC. Participants reported improvements in their symptoms, demonstrating that this magnesium supplement can play a helpful role in managing nocturnal leg cramps.
Read More
9
We sought to understand the effectiveness of oral magnesium in treating leg cramps experienced by pregnant women. Our study was well-structured, involving a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design. It included 86 healthy pregnant women between 14 to 34 weeks of gestation who encountered leg cramps at least twice a week, and we followed them over a four-week period.
At the end of the study, we discovered that the women taking magnesium bisglycinate chelate (300 mg per day) reported a significant reduction in cramp frequency—86% experienced at least a 50% drop compared to only 60.5% of those taking the placebo. Additionally, those on magnesium also noted a notable decrease in cramp intensity, with 69.8% achieving a similar improvement versus just 48.8% in the placebo group.
Encouragingly, we found no major side effects reported in either group, such as nausea or diarrhea. Our findings suggest that magnesium supplements can effectively reduce both the frequency and severity of leg cramps during pregnancy, offering a potential treatment option for women dealing with this common issue.
At the end of the study, we discovered that the women taking magnesium bisglycinate chelate (300 mg per day) reported a significant reduction in cramp frequency—86% experienced at least a 50% drop compared to only 60.5% of those taking the placebo. Additionally, those on magnesium also noted a notable decrease in cramp intensity, with 69.8% achieving a similar improvement versus just 48.8% in the placebo group.
Encouragingly, we found no major side effects reported in either group, such as nausea or diarrhea. Our findings suggest that magnesium supplements can effectively reduce both the frequency and severity of leg cramps during pregnancy, offering a potential treatment option for women dealing with this common issue.
Read More
7
We set out to investigate whether magnesium citrate could be an effective remedy for those who experience bothersome leg cramps, particularly at night. In our study, we used a randomised, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled design to ensure reliable results. Participants suffering from regular leg cramps were recruited and given either magnesium citrate or a matching placebo over six weeks.
Our findings revealed that those who began the trial with the placebo experienced an average reduction in cramps when taking magnesium, with a median of 5 cramps compared to 9 on the placebo. Moreover, a notable percentage of participants felt that the magnesium treatment had indeed helped them, with 78% reporting benefits, as opposed to 54% who felt the placebo was effective.
While these results suggest that magnesium may have a positive impact, it’s essential to mention that the impact on cramp severity and duration wasn’t significantly different between the two groups. Additionally, some participants did report experiencing diarrhoea as a side effect of magnesium. Overall, we believe magnesium shows promise in alleviating nocturnal leg cramps and recommend further research to fully evaluate its effectiveness.
Our findings revealed that those who began the trial with the placebo experienced an average reduction in cramps when taking magnesium, with a median of 5 cramps compared to 9 on the placebo. Moreover, a notable percentage of participants felt that the magnesium treatment had indeed helped them, with 78% reporting benefits, as opposed to 54% who felt the placebo was effective.
While these results suggest that magnesium may have a positive impact, it’s essential to mention that the impact on cramp severity and duration wasn’t significantly different between the two groups. Additionally, some participants did report experiencing diarrhoea as a side effect of magnesium. Overall, we believe magnesium shows promise in alleviating nocturnal leg cramps and recommend further research to fully evaluate its effectiveness.
Read More
7
Magnesium shows potential benefits
We explored the effectiveness of magnesium treatment for leg cramps during pregnancy through a review of five randomized trials involving 352 women.
The trials varied in quality, but interestingly, they included comparisons of different treatments such as calcium and sodium chloride against placebos. While the placebo-controlled trial that investigated calcium did not show any significant benefits, there were hints of promise for magnesium.
For those looking for relief from troublesome leg cramps, our analysis indicated that magnesium—specifically in the forms of magnesium lactate or citrate—might help. Taking 5mmol in the morning and 10mmol in the evening seemed to provide the best results.
However, the evidence remains mixed, and we couldn't pinpoint any strong benefits from other combinations or supplements tested. So, while magnesium might be beneficial, it’s essential to approach it as one option among many.
The trials varied in quality, but interestingly, they included comparisons of different treatments such as calcium and sodium chloride against placebos. While the placebo-controlled trial that investigated calcium did not show any significant benefits, there were hints of promise for magnesium.
For those looking for relief from troublesome leg cramps, our analysis indicated that magnesium—specifically in the forms of magnesium lactate or citrate—might help. Taking 5mmol in the morning and 10mmol in the evening seemed to provide the best results.
However, the evidence remains mixed, and we couldn't pinpoint any strong benefits from other combinations or supplements tested. So, while magnesium might be beneficial, it’s essential to approach it as one option among many.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 242 Reviews
8.1
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
High digestibility
418 people found this helpful
Excellent magnesium with very high digestibility. I take it at night, two hours before bed. It has completely resolved my night leg cramps.
Read More
9
Insomnia relief
346 people found this helpful
It relaxes and soothes! I adore this particular chelated magnesium! No gastrointestinal upset, which is significant to me. It restored my sleep after struggling with insomnia. My reaction to stimuli is calmer now. I occasionally switch magnesium types as they affect me differently, but this one ended my leg cramps, suggesting a significant deficit. I'm very pleased with its energising effect!
Read More
9
Emotional boost
266 people found this helpful
This is one of the best magnesium supplements I’ve found. When combined with vitamin B6, it’s excellent against nervous stress. I recommend taking two pieces daily. It effectively helps with evening cramps caused by magnesium deficiency or my love for strong coffee. My general emotional state has improved significantly.
Read More
9
Leg cramps resolved
265 people found this helpful
Magnesium is crucial for the body, supporting the nervous, cardiovascular, muscular, and skeletal systems. In its chelate form, it’s easily absorbed. I take two tablets at night, and my leg cramps are gone alongside improved sleep. The results are evident! I recommend this decent company for good volume and reasonable pricing.
Read More
9
Joint improvement
255 people found this helpful
I appreciate magnesium; its benefits and quality meet expectations. My sleep has strengthened, hormones are balanced, and it has a pleasant taste. My joints no longer ache at night, and I no longer experience muscle cramps. The value for the money is commendable, and the packaging is reliable.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Cramps gone
47 people found this helpful
My mum is thrilled with this magnesium. She used to suffer from leg pain and cramps after work, but after two weeks of use, all her troubles disappeared. The result is fantastic.
9
Increased physical tolerance
54 people found this helpful
I bought magnesium for myself as I participate in swimming and noticed discomfort in my legs, including cramps. After a month of taking it, everything improved; my legs did not cramp, my physical tolerance increased, and my sleep quality improved significantly. I recommend this chelated form of magnesium for its effectiveness!
7.5
Effective for stress
203 people found this helpful
Works and justified my expectations! After a prolonged stressful period, I experienced severe leg cramps, and my eyes began twitching. My doctor prescribed Magne B6 for stress relief. After three packs, my condition improved significantly, although I reverted after stopping. It's become a crucial part of my routine, taking one tablet in the morning; it works excellently against previous symptoms.
9
High digestibility
418 people found this helpful
Excellent magnesium with very high digestibility. I take it at night, two hours before bed. It has completely resolved my night leg cramps.
9
Beneficial for nerves
116 people found this helpful
Doctor's Best Magnesium Chelate is excellent for supporting the nervous system and calcium balance. It's a staple supplement for me, and I prefer chelated forms for better absorption and benefits. I've avoided any unpleasant side effects, and it has significantly helped with night leg cramps caused by magnesium deficiency. My emotional state has improved, and I experience less irritability.
9
Forgot leg cramps
210 people found this helpful
I really liked this chelated magnesium! It did not cause gastrointestinal upset, which is important for me. It helped restore sound sleep and I found myself reacting more calmly to irritants. Occasionally, I experienced leg cramps, but since taking this magnesium, I’ve forgotten about them. I suspect there was a significant deficiency. I am very satisfied with this product.
9
Improved sleep
51 people found this helpful
Perhaps the best magnesium on iHerb. Initially, I worried about stomach issues, but everything's fine. My sleep has improved, and both night calf cramps and eyelid twitches have stopped. I take it morning and evening, and the entire family benefits.
9
Deeper sleep achieved
209 people found this helpful
The right quality for everyone! The ingredients are pure minerals, and the tablets are easy to swallow. The packaging is sturdy. I've noticed benefits before bed; my sleep has become deeper, and my muscles no longer cramp. Magnesium is essential for our bodies, and I find it effective against joint inflammation.
9
Effective supplement
201 people found this helpful
We've long awaited magnesium! The medium-sized tablets can be chewed or swallowed easily. My joints have become more flexible, and muscle cramps have disappeared. Sleep has improved significantly. The standard packaging remained intact and the quality is excellent.
9
Stopped leg cramps
69 people found this helpful
This large jar was prescribed by my doctor, and after completing the course, my leg cramps from sports ceased. I’m very pleased with the results.
9
Emotional boost
266 people found this helpful
This is one of the best magnesium supplements I’ve found. When combined with vitamin B6, it’s excellent against nervous stress. I recommend taking two pieces daily. It effectively helps with evening cramps caused by magnesium deficiency or my love for strong coffee. My general emotional state has improved significantly.
9
Insomnia relief
346 people found this helpful
It relaxes and soothes! I adore this particular chelated magnesium! No gastrointestinal upset, which is significant to me. It restored my sleep after struggling with insomnia. My reaction to stimuli is calmer now. I occasionally switch magnesium types as they affect me differently, but this one ended my leg cramps, suggesting a significant deficit. I'm very pleased with its energising effect!
9
Leg cramps resolved
265 people found this helpful
Magnesium is crucial for the body, supporting the nervous, cardiovascular, muscular, and skeletal systems. In its chelate form, it’s easily absorbed. I take two tablets at night, and my leg cramps are gone alongside improved sleep. The results are evident! I recommend this decent company for good volume and reasonable pricing.
9
Magnesium oxide treats leg cramps
We conducted a study to evaluate how effective magnesium oxide monohydrate (MOMH) is in treating nocturnal leg cramps (NLC). This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving multiple centers in Ukraine, where participants took either MOMH or a placebo nightly for 60 days.
Our focus was on measuring the frequency and duration of cramps, the pain they caused, and how they affected sleep quality and overall life satisfaction. We used thorough statistical methods to compare the results between the two groups.
The findings indicated that MOMH is both effective and safe for individuals dealing with NLC. Participants reported improvements in their symptoms, demonstrating that this magnesium supplement can play a helpful role in managing nocturnal leg cramps.
Our focus was on measuring the frequency and duration of cramps, the pain they caused, and how they affected sleep quality and overall life satisfaction. We used thorough statistical methods to compare the results between the two groups.
The findings indicated that MOMH is both effective and safe for individuals dealing with NLC. Participants reported improvements in their symptoms, demonstrating that this magnesium supplement can play a helpful role in managing nocturnal leg cramps.
2
We examined the effectiveness of magnesium supplements in reducing leg cramps during pregnancy, a common issue that affects up to half of pregnant women. Four randomized controlled trials were included in our analysis, with a total of 332 participants, which compared magnesium treatment to a placebo.
Our findings showed that magnesium supplementation did not significantly decrease the frequency of leg cramps compared to the control group. The weighted mean difference was -0.47, which indicates that while there may be a slight improvement, it was not considered statistically meaningful.
Moreover, magnesium did not help women recover from leg cramps more effectively than the placebo, and there were no significant side effects reported. Overall, we found that oral magnesium supplementation is not effective in treating leg cramps during pregnancy.
Our findings showed that magnesium supplementation did not significantly decrease the frequency of leg cramps compared to the control group. The weighted mean difference was -0.47, which indicates that while there may be a slight improvement, it was not considered statistically meaningful.
Moreover, magnesium did not help women recover from leg cramps more effectively than the placebo, and there were no significant side effects reported. Overall, we found that oral magnesium supplementation is not effective in treating leg cramps during pregnancy.
2
We investigated the effectiveness of oral magnesium supplementation in reducing leg cramps among pregnant women. In a controlled clinical trial with 132 participants, we compared the impact of 300 mg/day of magnesium citrate against a placebo.
Most participants experienced multiple leg cramps each week, and after four weeks, we recorded a notable reduction in leg cramps overall—28.4% across all women. However, when looking closely, we found no significant difference between the magnesium group and the placebo group. The placebo group even reported a slightly higher percentage of reduction in cramps (32.8% versus 27.2% for magnesium).
We also looked at the side effects and found that four women reported mild gastrointestinal issues, but these were not serious. Overall, the results suggest that oral magnesium supplementation does not significantly improve leg cramps during pregnancy, raising questions about its effectiveness for this purpose.
Most participants experienced multiple leg cramps each week, and after four weeks, we recorded a notable reduction in leg cramps overall—28.4% across all women. However, when looking closely, we found no significant difference between the magnesium group and the placebo group. The placebo group even reported a slightly higher percentage of reduction in cramps (32.8% versus 27.2% for magnesium).
We also looked at the side effects and found that four women reported mild gastrointestinal issues, but these were not serious. Overall, the results suggest that oral magnesium supplementation does not significantly improve leg cramps during pregnancy, raising questions about its effectiveness for this purpose.
4
We explored how magnesium might help alleviate leg cramps during pregnancy through a systematic review of six randomized controlled trials, involving 390 women in total. These studies compared magnesium with placebo or no treatment to see if it could reduce the frequency and intensity of these cramps.
Interestingly, the results showed mixed outcomes. While some trials indicated a slight reduction in the number of leg cramps after magnesium treatment, it wasn't consistent across the board. For example, one trial noted that magnesium could lead to a 50% reduction in cramps, while others found no significant difference compared to placebo.
We also observed that the overall quality of the evidence was low, mainly due to small sample sizes and design limitations. The studies did not comprehensively assess the safety of magnesium either, as side effects were only reported for magnesium versus placebo. Additionally, it was worth noting that other interventions like calcium and vitamin B were also tested but did not show a clear advantage over magnesium.
In conclusion, our findings leave us with an unclear picture of magnesium's effectiveness against leg cramps in pregnant women. For a more definitive answer, more rigorous studies are warranted, especially those exploring different methodologies, including non-drug therapies.
Interestingly, the results showed mixed outcomes. While some trials indicated a slight reduction in the number of leg cramps after magnesium treatment, it wasn't consistent across the board. For example, one trial noted that magnesium could lead to a 50% reduction in cramps, while others found no significant difference compared to placebo.
We also observed that the overall quality of the evidence was low, mainly due to small sample sizes and design limitations. The studies did not comprehensively assess the safety of magnesium either, as side effects were only reported for magnesium versus placebo. Additionally, it was worth noting that other interventions like calcium and vitamin B were also tested but did not show a clear advantage over magnesium.
In conclusion, our findings leave us with an unclear picture of magnesium's effectiveness against leg cramps in pregnant women. For a more definitive answer, more rigorous studies are warranted, especially those exploring different methodologies, including non-drug therapies.
3
We examined the effectiveness of magnesium supplementation for preventing skeletal muscle cramps through a systematic review of several studies. Seven trials involving a total of 406 participants were included, with some studies focusing on women experiencing leg cramps during pregnancy and others on adults with idiopathic cramps.
Overall, we found that magnesium supplementation did not offer a significant benefit in reducing the frequency or intensity of cramps for older adults. The data on idiopathic cramps showed only minor changes that weren’t statistically significant. Specifically, the difference in the number of cramps per week between magnesium and placebo groups was negligible, suggesting that it may not provide any clinically meaningful relief.
For pregnant women experiencing leg cramps, the results were mixed, indicating a need for further research. It’s clear from the trials that magnesium might not be the miracle solution that many hope for when it comes to leg cramps. We also noted that any side effects reported were similar to those seen with placebo, reinforcing the idea that magnesium poses little risk.
Overall, we found that magnesium supplementation did not offer a significant benefit in reducing the frequency or intensity of cramps for older adults. The data on idiopathic cramps showed only minor changes that weren’t statistically significant. Specifically, the difference in the number of cramps per week between magnesium and placebo groups was negligible, suggesting that it may not provide any clinically meaningful relief.
For pregnant women experiencing leg cramps, the results were mixed, indicating a need for further research. It’s clear from the trials that magnesium might not be the miracle solution that many hope for when it comes to leg cramps. We also noted that any side effects reported were similar to those seen with placebo, reinforcing the idea that magnesium poses little risk.
4
We explored the effectiveness of magnesium therapy for treating nocturnal leg cramps (NLC) by reviewing various randomized controlled trials. In total, we found seven studies involving 361 participants, all comparing magnesium treatment to a placebo.
Interestingly, while magnesium didn’t show significant benefits for the general population, we discovered a slight positive effect among pregnant women. The difference noted in leg cramps per week between those who received magnesium and those on a placebo was modest, suggesting that while some individuals might benefit, magnesium may not be a powerful solution for everyone.
We also noted that gastrointestinal side effects were slightly more common in those taking magnesium compared to the placebo group. However, the overall strength of the evidence is weak, primarily due to small sample sizes and short follow-up periods in the studies. This indicates that we need more robust research to fully understand magnesium's impact on leg cramps.
Interestingly, while magnesium didn’t show significant benefits for the general population, we discovered a slight positive effect among pregnant women. The difference noted in leg cramps per week between those who received magnesium and those on a placebo was modest, suggesting that while some individuals might benefit, magnesium may not be a powerful solution for everyone.
We also noted that gastrointestinal side effects were slightly more common in those taking magnesium compared to the placebo group. However, the overall strength of the evidence is weak, primarily due to small sample sizes and short follow-up periods in the studies. This indicates that we need more robust research to fully understand magnesium's impact on leg cramps.
References
- Barna O, Lohoida P, Holovchenko Y, Bazylevych A, Velychko V, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study assessing the efficacy of magnesium oxide monohydrate in the treatment of nocturnal leg cramps. Nutr J. 2021;20:90. doi:10.1186/s12937-021-00747-9
- Liu J, Song G, Zhao G, Meng T. Effect of oral magnesium supplementation for relieving leg cramps during pregnancy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2021;60:609. doi:10.1016/j.tjog.2021.05.006
- Luo L, Zhou K, Zhang J, Xu L, Yin W. Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;12:CD010655. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010655.pub3
- Garrison SR, Korownyk CS, Kolber MR, Allan GM, Musini VM, et al. Magnesium for skeletal muscle cramps. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;9:CD009402. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009402.pub3
- Araújo CAL, Lorena SB, Cavalcanti GCS, Leão GLS, Tenório GP, et al. Oral magnesium supplementation for leg cramps in pregnancy-An observational controlled trial. PLoS One. 2020;15:e0227497. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0227497
- Sebo P, Haller D, Cerutti B, Maisonneuve H. A prospective observational study of the main features of nocturnal leg cramps in primary care. Swiss Med Wkly. 2019;149:w20048. doi:10.4414/smw.2019.20048
- Roguin Maor N, Alperin M, Shturman E, Khairaldeen H, Friedman M, et al. Effect of Magnesium Oxide Supplementation on Nocturnal Leg Cramps: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2017;177:617. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.9261
- Zhou K, West HM, Zhang J, Xu L, Li W. Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010655.pub2
- Sebo P, Cerutti B, Haller DM. Effect of magnesium therapy on nocturnal leg cramps: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials with meta-analysis using simulations. Fam Pract. 2014;31:7. doi:10.1093/fampra/cmt065
- Garrison SR, Allan GM, Sekhon RK, Musini VM, Khan KM. Magnesium for skeletal muscle cramps. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;2012:CD009402. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009402.pub2
- Supakatisant C, Phupong V. Oral magnesium for relief in pregnancy-induced leg cramps: a randomised controlled trial. Matern Child Nutr. 2015;11:139. doi:10.1111/j.1740-8709.2012.00440.x
- Garrison SR, Birmingham CL, Koehler BE, McCollom RA, Khan KM. The effect of magnesium infusion on rest cramps: randomized controlled trial. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2011;66:661. doi:10.1093/gerona/glq232
- Uña E. Atypical presentation of acute neurotoxicity secondary to oxaliplatin. J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2010;16:280. doi:10.1177/1078155209355849
- Roffe C, Sills S, Crome P, Jones P. Randomised, cross-over, placebo controlled trial of magnesium citrate in the treatment of chronic persistent leg cramps. Med Sci Monit. 2002;8:CR326.
- Young GL, Jewell D. Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002.
- Frusso R, Zárate M, Augustovski F, Rubinstein A. Magnesium for the treatment of nocturnal leg cramps: a crossover randomized trial. J Fam Pract. 1999;48:868.
- Dahle LO, Berg G, Hammar M, Hurtig M, Larsson L. The effect of oral magnesium substitution on pregnancy-induced leg cramps. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1995;173:175.
