Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Likely Ineffective
Based on 17 Researches
4.8
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 19 Reviews
8.2

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
Improved magnesium levels
21 people found this helpful
Good for making magnesium oil. Until now, I have only used Epsom salt for magnesium intake, but I've seen videos showing how to use magnesium chloride to create magnesium oil. It’s sprayed onto the skin, and I am pleased with the results. They advised it would boost magnesium levels quickly, and I believe it. I was experiencing leg cramps and had very stiff muscles in my legs, signs of magnesium deficiency. This has truly made a difference; since my hip surgery, my leg stiffness is improving.
Read More
9
Alleviated leg cramps
10 people found this helpful
A huge clear plastic jar with high-quality natural magnesium. A bath of magnesium flakes is beneficial for leg cramps, fatigue, irritability, detoxification, and blood circulation. Transdermal use replenishes magnesium deficiency more rapidly. Adding baking soda to the magnesium sulfate bath enhances the beneficial effects.
Read More
9
Ease leg cramps
10 people found this helpful
Excellent quality; I bought it to make magnesium oil. Magnesium chloride, absorbed through the skin, increases magnesium levels and helps with spasms and leg cramps. It’s ideal for those who find magnesium sulfate irritating. Evidence suggests external application helps those with digestive issues to absorb magnesium better. I recommend the oil for daily use.
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 19 Reviews
8.2
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Improved magnesium levels
21 people found this helpful
Good for making magnesium oil. Until now, I have only used Epsom salt for magnesium intake, but I've seen videos showing how to use magnesium chloride to create magnesium oil. It’s sprayed onto the skin, and I am pleased with the results. They advised it would boost magnesium levels quickly, and I believe it. I was experiencing leg cramps and had very stiff muscles in my legs, signs of magnesium deficiency. This has truly made a difference; since my hip surgery, my leg stiffness is improving.
Read More
9
Alleviated leg cramps
10 people found this helpful
A huge clear plastic jar with high-quality natural magnesium. A bath of magnesium flakes is beneficial for leg cramps, fatigue, irritability, detoxification, and blood circulation. Transdermal use replenishes magnesium deficiency more rapidly. Adding baking soda to the magnesium sulfate bath enhances the beneficial effects.
Read More
9
Ease leg cramps
10 people found this helpful
Excellent quality; I bought it to make magnesium oil. Magnesium chloride, absorbed through the skin, increases magnesium levels and helps with spasms and leg cramps. It’s ideal for those who find magnesium sulfate irritating. Evidence suggests external application helps those with digestive issues to absorb magnesium better. I recommend the oil for daily use.
Read More
7.5
Relaxed muscles
8 people found this helpful
I use magnesium flakes in two ways: as bath salt and for foot baths. Bathing yields expansive benefits, but be cautious of the high consumption; I recommend a smaller amount of water. A foot bath provides great relaxation, especially after a long day, and notably reduces frequent leg cramps. Magnesium is excellent for such concerns, and I will certainly repurchase.
Read More
7.5
Effective spray oil
5 people found this helpful
This works well for achy muscles and cramps in my legs. I make my own magnesium spray oil, which is cost-effective. I apply it to my legs at night to prevent Charlie horse cramps. It definitely outperforms taking a supplement. Just spray and rub it in.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Relieves leg cramps
2 people found this helpful
A friend recommended this to me during a bout of dreadful cramps. Even with the summer heat, I found that after using it, my cramps ceased. In winter, it’s brilliant to add to my bath for warmth.
6
Minimal improvement
After experiencing leg cramps during exercise, I decided to purchase this. I believe it has had some positive effect. Using it in the bath is convenient since it dissolves quickly.
9
Alleviated leg cramps
10 people found this helpful
A huge clear plastic jar with high-quality natural magnesium. A bath of magnesium flakes is beneficial for leg cramps, fatigue, irritability, detoxification, and blood circulation. Transdermal use replenishes magnesium deficiency more rapidly. Adding baking soda to the magnesium sulfate bath enhances the beneficial effects.
9
Fights leg cramps
4 people found this helpful
This magnesium chloride is bioavailable and natural. Baths with it help me relax and fight insomnia. Regular use has addressed my issues with calf cramps effectively.
7.5
Reduced leg cramps
11 people found this helpful
It was cramped and effective for stiff shoulders. I bought it at a low price. Magnesium seems to be more efficiently absorbed, so I make magnesium oil (1:1 with purified water) for application on my shoulders and calves daily. After a month, I no longer experience frequent leg cramps, and my shoulders feel much softer.
9
Improved magnesium levels
21 people found this helpful
Good for making magnesium oil. Until now, I have only used Epsom salt for magnesium intake, but I've seen videos showing how to use magnesium chloride to create magnesium oil. It’s sprayed onto the skin, and I am pleased with the results. They advised it would boost magnesium levels quickly, and I believe it. I was experiencing leg cramps and had very stiff muscles in my legs, signs of magnesium deficiency. This has truly made a difference; since my hip surgery, my leg stiffness is improving.
7.5
Improves cramps significantly
I bought this magnesium for daily family baths. I’ve noticed an improvement in periodic leg cramps experienced during sleep. After a satisfying experience with the small size, I purchased a large size to continue using it confidently.
7.5
Alleviates leg cramps
I add a cup or two to warm water during my tub soaks. The magnesium in the flakes relaxes my tight hamstrings, calves, and toes that often cramp at night. It also helps me drift into sleep, making the bath water feel buoyant.
7.5
Prevents leg cramps
1 people found this helpful
Soaking my feet with these magnesium flakes and hot water is excellent for absorbing magnesium. This method prevents overabsorption and avoids leg cramps, making it very suitable for the elderly.
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 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.
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.
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.

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.
image