We examined the benefits of calcium dobesilate for patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), particularly focusing on how it impacts symptoms like leg cramps. In a systematic evaluation of ten different clinical trials involving 778 patients, we compared the effects of calcium dobesilate to a placebo.
Our analysis found that calcium dobesilate significantly reduced night cramps, helping patients nearly twice as much as those who received a placebo. The number needed to treat for this relief was calculated to be 8, indicating that for every eight patients treated with calcium dobesilate, one experienced noticeable improvement.
Moreover, patients also reported less discomfort, with a number needed to treat of 4 for that symptom. Interestingly, we noted that those with more severe symptoms experienced even greater relief, suggesting that calcium dobesilate is particularly effective for patients with advanced CVI. However, both doses tested—1,000 mg and 1,500 mg—proved equally effective, which is good news as it suggests that a lower dose might suffice.
Additionally, we found that adverse events were not significantly different from the placebo group, indicating a favorable safety profile. While calcium dobesilate shows promise, we acknowledge the need for further studies to solidify these findings and explore its efficacy in various CVI stages.
We assessed the effectiveness of calcium in alleviating leg cramps, a common issue faced by many women in the later stages of pregnancy. Through a review of three randomized trials involving 217 women, we found promising results regarding calcium's impact on leg cramps.
The trials were of moderate quality and specifically measured the frequency of cramps compared to a placebo. Our findings showed that calcium significantly reduced leg cramps, with an odds ratio of 0.29, suggesting a much lower likelihood of cramps occurring among those taking calcium.
It's important to note that there was also substantial variability in the results from different studies. Additionally, a trial that compared sodium chloride with placebo indicated even more drastic reductions in cramps, presenting an odds ratio of 0.08.
However, the comparison between calcium and sodium chloride did not reveal a notable difference. While both treatments appear beneficial, the relevance of the sodium chloride results may be diminished due to changes in dietary patterns over time. Thus, calcium stands out as a practical option for those looking to manage leg cramps during pregnancy.
We explored the effects of calcium supplements on leg cramps experienced during pregnancy by analyzing studies that compared calcium treatment to no treatment. The research included one trial with 43 women, evaluating how well calcium helped alleviate leg cramps.
The findings suggested that women taking calcium were more likely to experience fewer leg cramps after treatment compared to those who didn't receive any treatment. Specifically, a higher proportion of women reported having no leg cramps at all after taking calcium. However, the evidence was classified as very low quality, making it difficult to draw strong conclusions.
Overall, while calcium appeared to offer some benefit in reducing leg cramps, the lack of rigorous studies and clear outcomes means we should approach these findings with caution. Further research is needed to confirm these effects and establish a clearer understanding of how calcium works for pregnant women dealing with leg cramps.
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Most Useful Reviews
9
Pain relief
8 people found this helpful
Helped me 👌 During my second trimester, I experienced aching pains in my teeth and legs. I ordered this particular calcium based on reviews and my appreciation for other vitamins from this brand. After 1.5 weeks, the symptoms subsided, indicating the tablets' effectiveness for me.
Read More
7.5
Cramps resolved
4 people found this helpful
Very good calcium! After recovering from the flu, I suffered from leg cramps. I began taking magnesium alongside this calcium, and the cramps disappeared in a few days. Ensure you restore your vitamin D3 levels before taking calcium, as the dosage in these tablets may be insufficient if you are deficient.
Read More
8.5
Cramps alleviated
3 people found this helpful
Great calcium tablets! This organic calcium contains over 20 types of fruits and vegetables, plus D3 and K2 to strengthen bones and reduce osteoporosis risk. It includes organic algae for better calcium absorption, making it ideal for pregnant women or the elderly. Many women experience leg cramps due to calcium deficiency; this supplement can help.
We observed an interesting case regarding the effects of calcium treatment on leg cramps related to a chemotherapy drug called oxaliplatin. In this case, a 62-year-old woman undergoing palliative treatment for stage IV colon cancer experienced acute neurotoxicity symptoms. Notably, thirty minutes after her first infusion of oxaliplatin, which she received in her left arm, she developed cramps and paresthesia in her right leg.
As part of her treatment for these symptoms, intravenous calcium gluconate was administered alongside magnesium sulfate. This combination helped alleviate her leg cramping and associated symptoms within three hours. However, while calcium was part of the treatment regimen, it is important to note that its isolated effectiveness on leg cramps is unclear due to its concurrent administration with magnesium.
Consequently, while we saw improvement in the patient's symptoms, it is difficult to attribute these results solely to calcium. Instead, it suggests that magnesium might be playing a significant role as well. Future investigations could help clarify the specific contributions of calcium in treating leg cramps related to neurotoxicity and other conditions.
Read More
9
Calcium dobesilate reduces leg cramps
Calcium dobesilate for chronic venous insufficiency: a systematic review.
We examined the benefits of calcium dobesilate for patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), particularly focusing on how it impacts symptoms like leg cramps. In a systematic evaluation of ten different clinical trials involving 778 patients, we compared the effects of calcium dobesilate to a placebo.
Our analysis found that calcium dobesilate significantly reduced night cramps, helping patients nearly twice as much as those who received a placebo. The number needed to treat for this relief was calculated to be 8, indicating that for every eight patients treated with calcium dobesilate, one experienced noticeable improvement.
Moreover, patients also reported less discomfort, with a number needed to treat of 4 for that symptom. Interestingly, we noted that those with more severe symptoms experienced even greater relief, suggesting that calcium dobesilate is particularly effective for patients with advanced CVI. However, both doses tested—1,000 mg and 1,500 mg—proved equally effective, which is good news as it suggests that a lower dose might suffice.
Additionally, we found that adverse events were not significantly different from the placebo group, indicating a favorable safety profile. While calcium dobesilate shows promise, we acknowledge the need for further studies to solidify these findings and explore its efficacy in various CVI stages.
Read More
8
Calcium relief for leg cramps uncertain
Growth Hormone Deficiency in an Adolescent With Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type 1B.
We explored the impact of calcium treatment on leg cramps in an adolescent diagnosed with pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1B. The patient experienced symptoms such as muscle cramps and leg pain during activities, with laboratory tests revealing hypocalcemia and an elevated parathyroid hormone level.
While calcium treatment was part of a combined therapy that included other medications, we observed that the muscle cramps and hypocalcemia resolved after administering calcium carbonate, ergocalciferol, and calcitriol. However, due to the combination of treatments, it is challenging to determine the isolated effect of calcium on the leg cramps specifically.
Ultimately, while calcium contributed to symptom relief, our study does not provide conclusive evidence on its effectiveness alone for alleviating leg cramps. This highlights the need for further investigation into how calcium might individually influence leg cramp symptoms in such patients.
We assessed the effectiveness of calcium in alleviating leg cramps, a common issue faced by many women in the later stages of pregnancy. Through a review of three randomized trials involving 217 women, we found promising results regarding calcium's impact on leg cramps.
The trials were of moderate quality and specifically measured the frequency of cramps compared to a placebo. Our findings showed that calcium significantly reduced leg cramps, with an odds ratio of 0.29, suggesting a much lower likelihood of cramps occurring among those taking calcium.
It's important to note that there was also substantial variability in the results from different studies. Additionally, a trial that compared sodium chloride with placebo indicated even more drastic reductions in cramps, presenting an odds ratio of 0.08.
However, the comparison between calcium and sodium chloride did not reveal a notable difference. While both treatments appear beneficial, the relevance of the sodium chloride results may be diminished due to changes in dietary patterns over time. Thus, calcium stands out as a practical option for those looking to manage leg cramps during pregnancy.
We explored the effects of calcium supplements on leg cramps experienced during pregnancy by analyzing studies that compared calcium treatment to no treatment. The research included one trial with 43 women, evaluating how well calcium helped alleviate leg cramps.
The findings suggested that women taking calcium were more likely to experience fewer leg cramps after treatment compared to those who didn't receive any treatment. Specifically, a higher proportion of women reported having no leg cramps at all after taking calcium. However, the evidence was classified as very low quality, making it difficult to draw strong conclusions.
Overall, while calcium appeared to offer some benefit in reducing leg cramps, the lack of rigorous studies and clear outcomes means we should approach these findings with caution. Further research is needed to confirm these effects and establish a clearer understanding of how calcium works for pregnant women dealing with leg cramps.
Helped me 👌 During my second trimester, I experienced aching pains in my teeth and legs. I ordered this particular calcium based on reviews and my appreciation for other vitamins from this brand. After 1.5 weeks, the symptoms subsided, indicating the tablets' effectiveness for me.
Read More
7.5
Cramps resolved
4 people found this helpful
Very good calcium! After recovering from the flu, I suffered from leg cramps. I began taking magnesium alongside this calcium, and the cramps disappeared in a few days. Ensure you restore your vitamin D3 levels before taking calcium, as the dosage in these tablets may be insufficient if you are deficient.
Read More
8.5
Cramps alleviated
3 people found this helpful
Great calcium tablets! This organic calcium contains over 20 types of fruits and vegetables, plus D3 and K2 to strengthen bones and reduce osteoporosis risk. It includes organic algae for better calcium absorption, making it ideal for pregnant women or the elderly. Many women experience leg cramps due to calcium deficiency; this supplement can help.
Read More
9
Cramps diminished
1 people found this helpful
Fine! I took it during pregnancy, and my leg cramps disappeared.
Read More
9
No cramps
1 people found this helpful
This is the best calcium supplement I've tried. I've been using it since I was 20 weeks pregnant, and I'm pleased to say I've had no leg cramps so far. The results have made me very happy.
Leg cramps, often referred to as "charley horses," are sudden, involuntary contractions of one or more muscles in the leg. They typically occur in the calf muscles but can also affect the thighs and feet. These cramps can be quite painful and may last from a few seconds to several minutes. While the exact cause of leg cramps is not always clear, they can be triggered by factors such as dehydration, prolonged sitting or standing, electrolyte imbalances, or physical activity, especially in those who are not used to vigorous exercise.
Treatment for leg cramps often involves stretching the affected muscle gently, applying heat or cold to the area, and ensuring adequate hydration. For some, dietary adjustments to include more potassium, magnesium, and calcium may help prevent future occurrences. If cramps are frequent or severely debilitating, it may be beneficial to consult a healthcare provider for a more tailored approach. Understanding the underlying causes of leg cramps can lead to more effective management strategies, improving overall comfort and mobility.
Calcium is a chemical element represented by the symbol Ca and atomic number 20. It is an essential mineral in the body, playing a critical role in various physiological processes. As one of the most abundant elements in nature, calcium is particularly vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth, where about 99% of the body's calcium is stored. Beyond its structural function, calcium is crucial in muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve transmission, making it a key player in overall health.
Dietary sources of calcium include dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, as well as leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fortified foods. The recommended daily intake of calcium varies by age and sex, but generally, adults should aim for approximately 1,000 mg per day. For those who may struggle to meet their needs through diet alone, calcium supplements are available but should be taken with caution. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen to avoid potential side effects or interactions with medications.
Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including muscle contraction and nerve signaling. While there is some evidence suggesting that adequate calcium levels can help prevent muscle cramps, particularly in conditions of deficiency, the relationship isn't entirely straightforward. Many people experience leg cramps due to factors such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or prolonged sitting or standing, rather than solely a lack of calcium.
If you find yourself experiencing frequent leg cramps, it's important to consider a holistic approach that includes maintaining proper hydration, stretching before and after physical activities, and ensuring a balanced intake of essential nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and calcium. If cramps persist, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable to rule out underlying conditions or deficiencies. Ultimately, while calcium can contribute to overall muscle function, it may not be the sole solution for preventing leg cramps.
Based on user reviews, it appears that individuals may start to notice improvements in leg cramps within a few days to a couple of weeks after beginning supplementation. For instance, one user reported experiencing alleviation of symptoms after just 1.5 weeks of using the calcium supplement during their second trimester (Read Review). Another user mentioned that their leg cramps disappeared in merely a few days when they combined magnesium with calcium after recovering from the flu (Read Review).
Overall, many users have expressed satisfaction with the effectiveness of this supplement in reducing leg cramps, particularly within similar time frames. Pregnant women and elderly individuals have notably found relief through consistent use of these calcium tablets (Read Review, Read Review, Read Review). Thus, if you're starting on this supplement for leg cramps, observing results within a week or two seems plausible.
When it comes to the efficacy of calcium supplements for leg cramps, the scientific research is somewhat mixed. Several studies, particularly focusing on pregnant women, have evaluated calcium's impact on alleviating leg cramps. For instance, a systematic review found that in a controlled setting, calcium did not produce significant benefits in reducing leg cramps, suggesting any perceived effects may be due to placebo rather than the supplement itself [7]. Similarly, a different analysis emphasized that while some trials hinted at potential benefits from calcium, overall evidence remains inconclusive and calls for caution [2].
On the other hand, research looking specifically at calcium dobesilate illustrated a more promising outlook. This study reported a substantial reduction in night cramps among patients with chronic venous insufficiency, indicating that this particular formulation of calcium may provide more discernible relief [6]. However, for those interested in general calcium supplementation to aid leg cramps, the evidence does not seem robust enough to claim definitive support. It’s evident that more rigorous studies are needed to fully understand the effects of calcium in various contexts, especially when viewed against other potential remedies like magnesium [7].
Based on user reviews, many individuals have reported significant improvements in their symptoms associated with leg cramps and general discomfort after using this calcium supplement. For example, one user indicated that after just 1.5 weeks of taking the supplement, their aching pains, including leg cramps, had subsided during their second trimester of pregnancy (Read Review). Another user noted that combining magnesium with the calcium led to relief from leg cramps in just a few days after recovering from the flu (Read Review).
Additional anecdotes highlight the effectiveness of this supplement across different demographics. An elderly user reported strengthened bones and a reduction in leg cramps, illustrating the positive impact of this supplement on older individuals (Read Review). Moreover, a pregnant user experienced the complete disappearance of leg cramps (Read Review). While results may vary individually, these testimonials suggest that many have found noticeable relief in leg cramps and related discomfort, particularly within the first few weeks of use.
Based on user reviews, several individuals reported positive outcomes when combining this calcium supplement with other vitamins and minerals, particularly magnesium. One user highlighted that after recovering from the flu, they started taking magnesium alongside the calcium, which resulted in the disappearance of their leg cramps within a few days (Read Review). This suggests that the synergistic effect of these supplements may enhance their effectiveness in alleviating leg cramps.
Moreover, users have noted the importance of ensuring sufficient vitamin D3 levels prior to calcium supplementation, as one user cautioned that the dosage in the tablets might be inadequate for those who are vitamin D deficient. This suggests a more comprehensive approach to managing leg cramps may include not only calcium and magnesium but also monitoring and possibly supplementing vitamin D3 levels for optimal results (Read Review). Overall, while combining supplements appears beneficial, individual results may vary and should be tailored according to personal health needs.
Based on user reviews, there's a consensus that proper dosing of calcium can significantly alleviate leg cramps, particularly for specific groups such as pregnant women and the elderly. For instance, one user noted that they experienced a reduction in leg cramps after taking two calcium tablets daily, suggesting this as a potentially effective dose for some individuals Read Review. Another user shared similar outcomes, stating that after beginning their calcium regimen, their cramps disappeared in a matter of days Read Review.
However, some users also indicated that personal adjustments might be necessary depending on individual health needs. For example, one review highlights the importance of ensuring adequate vitamin D3 levels when taking calcium, hinting that this could affect the overall efficacy of the supplementation Read Review. Another user reiterated that even a half pack led to a noticeable decrease in their leg pain, which implies that smaller doses can also produce benefits Read Review. Overall, while the recommended dose may vary, early results indicate that regular consumption can lead to positive outcomes for leg cramps.
9
Pain relief
8 people found this helpful
Helped me 👌 During my second trimester, I experienced aching pains in my teeth and legs. I ordered this particular calcium based on reviews and my appreciation for other vitamins from this brand. After 1.5 weeks, the symptoms subsided, indicating the tablets' effectiveness for me.
7.5
Cramps resolved
4 people found this helpful
Very good calcium! After recovering from the flu, I suffered from leg cramps. I began taking magnesium alongside this calcium, and the cramps disappeared in a few days. Ensure you restore your vitamin D3 levels before taking calcium, as the dosage in these tablets may be insufficient if you are deficient.
9
Cramps diminished
1 people found this helpful
Fine! I took it during pregnancy, and my leg cramps disappeared.
7.5
Stronger bones
1 people found this helpful
As an elderly person, this calcium tablet has strengthened my bones and teeth, as well as reduced my leg cramps.
7.5
Cramps improved
I take two Plant Calcium capsules per time, and I've found that my leg cramps during sleep have improved.
7.5
Aching reduced
My mum only consumed half a pack, but she noticed a decrease in her leg pain and the crunching sounds in her joints disappeared.
We evaluated the effectiveness of calcium treatment for leg cramps experienced during pregnancy. In our exploration, we focused on five clinical trials involving 352 women, which were considered to be of moderate quality.
The results showed that calcium did not provide any significant benefit in reducing leg cramps. In fact, the only placebo-controlled trial specifically testing calcium revealed no evidence that it alleviated this common discomfort. This suggests that any perceived benefits might primarily stem from placebo effects rather than the calcium itself.
Additionally, when comparing calcium to sodium chloride, or even looking at multivitamins and magnesium treatment, the evidence remained inconclusive. While some trials hinted at potential benefits from other supplements, particularly magnesium, our results emphasize that calcium alone is unlikely to be a solution for managing leg cramps in pregnant women.
If cramping is bothersome, options like magnesium lactate or citrate are better supported by the evidence.
We looked into how calcium treatment might relieve leg cramps during pregnancy. The findings were derived from trials that compared women taking calcium to those who received a placebo or no intervention.
The evidence surrounding calcium's effectiveness was unclear. One small study suggested that calcium could potentially lower the frequency of leg cramps, indicating some benefit, but the certainty of this finding was very low. Another study hinted at a higher likelihood of not experiencing leg cramps at all with calcium treatment, although this lack of clarity in the evidence makes it challenging to draw definite conclusions.
Overall, while some research points to calcium possibly helping with cramps, the inconsistency and uncertainty in the findings mean we should tread carefully. Ultimately, we found that more robust and thorough studies are needed to truly understand calcium's impact on leg cramps.
9
Calcium dobesilate reduces leg cramps
Calcium dobesilate for chronic venous insufficiency: a systematic review.
We examined the benefits of calcium dobesilate for patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), particularly focusing on how it impacts symptoms like leg cramps. In a systematic evaluation of ten different clinical trials involving 778 patients, we compared the effects of calcium dobesilate to a placebo.
Our analysis found that calcium dobesilate significantly reduced night cramps, helping patients nearly twice as much as those who received a placebo. The number needed to treat for this relief was calculated to be 8, indicating that for every eight patients treated with calcium dobesilate, one experienced noticeable improvement.
Moreover, patients also reported less discomfort, with a number needed to treat of 4 for that symptom. Interestingly, we noted that those with more severe symptoms experienced even greater relief, suggesting that calcium dobesilate is particularly effective for patients with advanced CVI. However, both doses tested—1,000 mg and 1,500 mg—proved equally effective, which is good news as it suggests that a lower dose might suffice.
Additionally, we found that adverse events were not significantly different from the placebo group, indicating a favorable safety profile. While calcium dobesilate shows promise, we acknowledge the need for further studies to solidify these findings and explore its efficacy in various CVI stages.
References
Sasidharan Pillai S, Reyes M, Jüppner H, Topor LS. Growth Hormone Deficiency in an Adolescent With Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type 1B. JCEM Case Rep. 2024;2:luae152. 10.1210/jcemcr/luae152
Luo L, Zhou K, Zhang J, Xu L, Yin W. Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;12:CD010655. 10.1002/14651858.CD010655.pub3
Mansouri A, Mirghafourvand M, Charandabi SMA, Najafi M. The effect of Vitamin D and calcium plus Vitamin D on leg cramps in pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial. J Res Med Sci. 2017;22:24. 10.4103/1735-1995.200271
Zhou K, West HM, Zhang J, Xu L, Li W. Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015. 10.1002/14651858.CD010655.pub2
Uña E. Atypical presentation of acute neurotoxicity secondary to oxaliplatin. J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2010;16:280. 10.1177/1078155209355849