Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Likely Ineffective
Based on 17 Researches
4.8
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 187 Reviews
8.1
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Vegetarian Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Magnesium [as magnesium oxide, citrate, succinate)
500 mg
119%

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.
Read More
9
Magnesium reduces pregnancy leg cramps
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.
Read More
7
Magnesium's potential against cramps
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.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Eliminated leg cramps
421 people found this helpful
I liked Now Foods magnesium 500 mg. The capsules come in good packaging, with 100 capsules at an acceptable price. Taking one capsule daily eliminated my irritability, helped normalise my sleep, and stopped my leg cramps. This effective supplement improved my mood and condition without side effects.
Read More
9
Stopped leg cramps
262 people found this helpful
After taking magnesium, I feel calmer, sleep better, and my leg cramps have ceased. It's essential for our health, especially for pregnant women. I take two capsules after meals or before bed. This magnesium is fantastic for fatigue as well, especially for busy mothers like me.
Read More
9
Cured leg cramps
220 people found this helpful
Following intense training, I suffered from leg cramps. Since I began this supplement, they’ve disappeared within two weeks. I'm very pleased with the results.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Likely Ineffective
Based on 17 Researches
4.8
  • All Researches
9.5
Magnesium's potential in cramps
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.
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.
Read More
9
Magnesium reduces pregnancy leg cramps
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.
Read More
7
Magnesium's potential against cramps
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.
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.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 187 Reviews
8.1
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Eliminated leg cramps
421 people found this helpful
I liked Now Foods magnesium 500 mg. The capsules come in good packaging, with 100 capsules at an acceptable price. Taking one capsule daily eliminated my irritability, helped normalise my sleep, and stopped my leg cramps. This effective supplement improved my mood and condition without side effects.
Read More
9
Stopped leg cramps
262 people found this helpful
After taking magnesium, I feel calmer, sleep better, and my leg cramps have ceased. It's essential for our health, especially for pregnant women. I take two capsules after meals or before bed. This magnesium is fantastic for fatigue as well, especially for busy mothers like me.
Read More
9
Cured leg cramps
220 people found this helpful
Following intense training, I suffered from leg cramps. Since I began this supplement, they’ve disappeared within two weeks. I'm very pleased with the results.
Read More
9
Reduced leg cramps
210 people found this helpful
This magnesium works well for muscle relaxation and stress relief. I noticed the positive effects after one or two hours. It effectively managed my leg cramps quickly, and I recommend consulting with your doctor before taking any supplements.
Read More
7.5
Charged leg cramps
210 people found this helpful
I believe magnesium is essential for our diets as its deficiency disrupts bodily functions. After a week of taking this magnesium, I felt calmer, woke up more refreshed, and my leg cramps disappeared. The anti-stress effect is significant, and I feel much better overall.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Cured leg cramps
220 people found this helpful
Following intense training, I suffered from leg cramps. Since I began this supplement, they’ve disappeared within two weeks. I'm very pleased with the results.
9
Reduced leg cramps
210 people found this helpful
This magnesium works well for muscle relaxation and stress relief. I noticed the positive effects after one or two hours. It effectively managed my leg cramps quickly, and I recommend consulting with your doctor before taking any supplements.
7.5
Charged leg cramps
210 people found this helpful
I believe magnesium is essential for our diets as its deficiency disrupts bodily functions. After a week of taking this magnesium, I felt calmer, woke up more refreshed, and my leg cramps disappeared. The anti-stress effect is significant, and I feel much better overall.
9
Eliminated leg cramps
421 people found this helpful
I liked Now Foods magnesium 500 mg. The capsules come in good packaging, with 100 capsules at an acceptable price. Taking one capsule daily eliminated my irritability, helped normalise my sleep, and stopped my leg cramps. This effective supplement improved my mood and condition without side effects.
9
Cramps eliminated
25 people found this helpful
After turning 30 and being pregnant, I experienced constant magnesium deficiencies and leg cramps. Since I started taking magnesium, I no longer have cramps. It positively impacts bone growth, normalises heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and controls blood sugar levels.
9
Stopped leg cramps
262 people found this helpful
After taking magnesium, I feel calmer, sleep better, and my leg cramps have ceased. It's essential for our health, especially for pregnant women. I take two capsules after meals or before bed. This magnesium is fantastic for fatigue as well, especially for busy mothers like me.
9
Cramps relief
173 people found this helpful
For cardio workouts, this magnesium helps with leg cramps! I take it in the evening and noticed my muscle pain has diminished. My magnesium levels were almost zero, as shown in a hair analysis. This supplement also improves my sleep quality and acts as a laxative. I recommend it for anyone who suffers from muscle cramps during training.
9
Cramps relief
50 people found this helpful
This is the best magnesium, particularly for pregnant women. In my first pregnancy, I faced everyday leg cramps, but now I take one tablet at bedtime and have forgotten what cramps feel like. It's vital for a peaceful night’s sleep.
0
No effect noted
13 people found this helpful
I did not like this magnesium. It caused numerous side effects within a week, including insomnia and nightmares, even though I took it for deficiency. The quality seems poor, as the form of magnesium used is unfortunate. Although the capsules are a convenient size, they failed to alleviate my leg cramps. I've stopped taking it for three days now, and my sleep has just begun to improve. If this review was helpful, please like it. I wish everyone good health.
7.5
Eliminated leg cramps
204 people found this helpful
My favourite magnesium supplement due to its 500 mg dosage, it's excellent for supporting the nervous system and alleviating leg cramps. I take it a few hours before bed, and the packaging lasts over three months. I'm very pleased with the quality and effectiveness.
9
Loss of discomfort
17 people found this helpful
Magnesium works wonderfully! Taking two capsules in the afternoon helps me feel calm, keeps my stomach functioning well, and alleviates my leg cramps without any discomfort. I suggest taking 2 to 4 capsules daily.
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.
2
Magnesium ineffective for leg cramps
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.
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.
We conducted a well-structured clinical trial to explore whether magnesium oxide could effectively reduce nocturnal leg cramps (NLC). Our study was randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, involving a community sample of individuals over 21 years who had documented episodes of NLC.

Participants took capsules of either magnesium oxide or a placebo at bedtime for four weeks. We measured the mean number of NLC episodes per week, along with their severity, duration, and impact on quality of life and sleep quality.

The findings showed that magnesium oxide did not prove to be more effective than the placebo in alleviating NLC. Both groups experienced a reduction in NLC frequency, which suggests that any improvement may be attributed to a placebo effect rather than the magnesium itself. This outcome reflects the ongoing discussion about the use of magnesium supplements for managing leg cramps.

References

  1. 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. 10.1186/s12937-021-00747-9
  2. 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. 10.1016/j.tjog.2021.05.006
  3. 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
  4. Garrison SR, Korownyk CS, Kolber MR, Allan GM, Musini VM, et al. Magnesium for skeletal muscle cramps. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;9:CD009402. 10.1002/14651858.CD009402.pub3
  5. 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. 10.1371/journal.pone.0227497
  6. 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. 10.4414/smw.2019.20048
  7. 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. 10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.9261
  8. 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
  9. 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. 10.1093/fampra/cmt065
  10. Garrison SR, Allan GM, Sekhon RK, Musini VM, Khan KM. Magnesium for skeletal muscle cramps. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;2012:CD009402. 10.1002/14651858.CD009402.pub2
  11. Supakatisant C, Phupong V. Oral magnesium for relief in pregnancy-induced leg cramps: a randomised controlled trial. Matern Child Nutr. 2015;11:139. 10.1111/j.1740-8709.2012.00440.x
  12. 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. 10.1093/gerona/glq232
  13. Uña E. Atypical presentation of acute neurotoxicity secondary to oxaliplatin. J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2010;16:280. 10.1177/1078155209355849
  14. 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.
  15. Young GL, Jewell D. Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
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