Magnesium - References

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Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral to the human body. It is needed for bone, protein, and fatty acid formation, making new cells, activating B vitamins, relaxing muscles, clotting blood, and forming adenosine triphosphate (ATP; the energy the body runs on). The secretion and action of insulin also require magnesium.

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:


Used for AmountWhy
Cardiac Arrhythmia
384 mg daily3 stars Supplementing with magnesium may help reduce the number of arrhythmic episodes.

3 stars Cardiac Arrhythmia

384 mg daily

A double-blind trial investigated the effect of oral magnesium supplementation on arrhythmic episodes in people with congestive heart failure. Those people taking 3.2 grams per day of magnesium chloride (equivalent to 384 mg per day of elemental magnesium) had between 23% and 52% fewer occurrences of specific types of arrhythmia during the six-week study, compared with those taking placebo.1 Lower serum concentrations of magnesium were found to be associated with a higher incidence of arrhythmia in a large population study.2 The anti-arrhythmic properties of magnesium appear to be specific. For example, magnesium is clearly able to prevent a drug-induced arrhythmia called torsade de pointes,3 but it does not appear to prevent atrial fibrillation.4 A doctor should supervise any use of magnesium for cardiac arrhythmia.


Used for AmountWhy
Congestive Heart Failure
300 mg daily with a doctor's supervision 3 stars Supplementing with this essential mineral can prevent a deficiency that can lead to heart arrhythmias.

3 stars Congestive Heart Failure

300 mg daily with a doctor's supervision

Magnesium deficiency frequently occurs in people with CHF, and such a deficiency may lead to heart arrhythmias. Magnesium supplements have reduced the risk of these arrhythmias.5 People with CHF are often given drugs that deplete both magnesium and potassium; a deficiency of either of these minerals may lead to an arrhythmia.6 Many doctors suggest magnesium supplements of 300 mg per day.


Used for AmountWhy
Dysmenorrhea
360 mg daily3 stars Supplementing with magnesium may help keep uterine muscles relaxed.

3 stars Dysmenorrhea

360 mg daily

Magnesium plays a role in controlling muscle tone and could be important in preventing menstrual cramps.7, 8 Magnesium supplements have been reported in preliminary and double-blind European research to reduce symptoms of dysmenorrhea.9, 10, 11 In one of these double-blind trials, women took 360 mg per day of magnesium for three days beginning on the day before menses began.12


Used for AmountWhy
Gestational Hypertension
300 mg daily3 stars Taking magnesium may prevent gestational hypertension or reduce its severity.

3 stars Gestational Hypertension

300 mg daily

Magnesium deficiency has also been implicated as a possible cause of GH.13, 14, 15 Dietary intake of magnesium is below recommended levels for many women during pregnancy.16, 17 Magnesium supplementation has been reported to reduce the incidence of GH in preliminary18 and many double-blind trials.19, 20 In addition to preventing GH, magnesium supplementation has also been reported to reduce the severity of established GH in one study.21 Amounts used in studies on GH range from 165 to 365 mg of supplemental magnesium per day.


Used for AmountWhy
Migraine Headache
360 to 600 mg daily3 stars Compared with healthy people, migraine sufferers have been found to have lower magnesium levels. Supplementing with magnesium may reduce migraine frequency and relieve symptoms.

3 stars Migraine Headache

360 to 600 mg daily

Compared with healthy people, people with migraines have been found to have lower blood and brain levels of magnesium.22 , 23 , 24 , 25 Preliminary research in a group of women (mostly premenopausal) showed that supplementing with magnesium (usually 200 mg per day) reduced the frequency of migraines in 80% of those treated.26 In a double-blind trial of 81 people with migraines, 600 mg of magnesium per day was significantly more effective than placebo at reducing the frequency of migraines.27 Another double-blind trial found that taking 360 mg of magnesium per day decreased the number of days on which premenstrual migraines occurred.28 One double-blind trial found no benefit from 486 mg of magnesium per day for three months. However, that study defined improvement according to extremely strict criteria, and even some known anti-migraine drugs have failed to show benefit when tested using those criteria.29 Intravenous magnesium has been reported to produce marked and sometimes complete symptom relief during acute migraines, usually within 15 minutes or less.30


Used for AmountWhy
Mitral Valve Prolapse
If deficient: 500 mg daily3 stars Magnesium deficiency may be one cause of the symptoms that occur in association with MVP. In one study, people taking magnesium experienced a significant reduction in weakness, chest pain, anxiety, shortness of breath, and palpitations.

3 stars Mitral Valve Prolapse

If deficient: 500 mg daily

Magnesium deficiency has been proposed as one cause of the symptoms that occur in association with MVP.31 In a study of people with severe MVP symptoms, blood levels of magnesium were low in 60% of cases. Those people with low magnesium levels participated in a double-blind trial, in which they received a placebo or magnesium (500 mg per day for one week, then about 335 mg per day for four weeks). People receiving magnesium experienced a significant reduction in symptoms of weakness, chest pain, anxiety, shortness of breath, and palpitations.32


Used for AmountWhy
Type 1 Diabetes
200 to 600 mg daily3 stars People with type 1 diabetes tend to have low magnesium levels, supplementing with the mineral may reduce the risk of deficiency-related problems, such as eye damage and neuropathy.

3 stars Type 1 Diabetes

200 to 600 mg daily

People with type 1 diabetes tend to have low magnesium levels, and magnesium given orally or by injection partially overcomes the reduction in magnesium levels.33 In one preliminary trial, insulin requirements were lower in people with type 1 diabetes who were given magnesium.34 Diabetes-induced damage to the eyes is more likely to occur in magnesium-deficient people with type 1 diabetes.35 In magnesium-deficient pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, the lack of magnesium may even account for the high rate of spontaneous abortion and birth defects associated with type 1 diabetes.36 A double-blind trial found that giving 300 mg per day of magnesium to magnesium-deficient type 1 diabetics for five years slowed the development of diabetic nerve damage (neuropathy). The American Diabetes Association acknowledges strong associations between magnesium deficiency and insulin resistance but has not said magnesium deficiency is a risk factor.37 Many doctors, however, recommend that adults with diabetes and normal kidney function supplement with 200 to 600 mg of magnesium per day (those amounts would be lower for children).

Used for AmountWhy
Type 2 Diabetes
200 to 600 mg daily3 stars People with type 2 diabetes tend to have low magnesium levels, supplementing with the mineral may restore levels and improve insulin production.

3 stars Type 2 Diabetes

200 to 600 mg daily

People with type 2 diabetes tend to have low magnesium levels.38 Double-blind research indicates that supplementing with magnesium overcomes this problem.39 Magnesium supplementation has improved insulin production in elderly people with type 2 diabetes.40 However, one double-blind trial found no effect from 500 mg magnesium per day in people with type 2 diabetes, although twice that amount led to some improvement.41 Elders without diabetes can also produce more insulin as a result of magnesium supplements, according to some,42 but not all, trials.43 However, in people with type 2 diabetes who nonetheless require insulin, Dutch researchers have reported no improvement in blood sugar levels from magnesium supplementation.44 The American Diabetes Association acknowledges strong associations between magnesium deficiency and insulin resistance but has not said magnesium deficiency is a risk factor45 Many doctors, however, recommend that people with diabetes and normal kidney function supplement with 200 to 600 mg of magnesium per day.

Diabetes-induced damage to the eyes is more likely to occur in magnesium-deficient people with type 1 diabetes.46 In magnesium-deficient pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, the lack of magnesium may even account for the high rate of spontaneous abortion and birth defects associated with type 1 diabetes.47 The American Diabetes Association admits “strong associations...between magnesium deficiency and insulin resistance” but will not say magnesium deficiency is a risk factor.48 Many doctors, however, recommend that people with diabetes and normal kidney function supplement with 200–600 mg of magnesium per day.


Used for AmountWhy
Urinary Incontinence
(urge incontinence )

150 mg twice daily

3 stars In a double blind study, women with urge incontinence reported improvement after supplementing with magnesium.

3 stars Urinary Incontinence

150 mg twice daily

In a double blind study, women with urge incontinence took approximately 150 mg of magnesum twice daily for one month, and reported improvement, including fewer episodes of urge incontinence, less frequent urination, and fewer awakenings at night to urinate.49 This confirmed an earlier double-blind study showing that a similar amount of magnesium reduced symptoms of urge incontinence.50

Used for AmountWhy
Angina
365 mg twice per day2 stars Taking magnesium may reduce the risk of exercise-induced chest pain.

2 stars Angina

365 mg twice per day

Magnesium deficiency may be a contributing factor for spasms that occur in coronary arteries, particularly in variant angina.51, 52 While studies have used injected magnesium to stop such attacks effectively,53, 54 it is unclear whether oral magnesium would be effective in preventing or treating blood vessel spasms. One double-blind study of patients with exercise-induced angina, however, showed that oral magnesium supplementation (365 mg twice a day) for 6 months significantly reduced the incidence of exercise-induced chest pain, compared with a placebo.55


Used for AmountWhy
Asthma
300 to 400 mg daily2 stars People with asthma frequently have low magnesium levels. Supplementing with the mineral might help prevent asthma attacks because magnesium can prevent bronchial spasms.

2 stars Asthma

300 to 400 mg daily

Magnesium levels are frequently low in asthmatics.56 Current evidence suggests that high dietary magnesium intake may be associated with better lung function and reduced bronchial reactivity. Intravenous injection of magnesium has been reported in most,57, 58, 59, 60 but not all,61 double-blind trials to rapidly halt acute asthma attacks. Magnesium supplements might help prevent asthma attacks because magnesium can prevent spasms of the bronchial passages. In a preliminary trial, 18 adults with asthma took 300 mg of magnesium per day for 30 days and experienced decreased bronchial reactivity.62 However, a double-blind trial investigated the effects of 400 mg per day for three weeks and found a significant improvement in symptoms, but not in objective measures of airflow or airway reactivity.63 The amount of magnesium used in these trials was 300 to 400 mg per day. Children usually take proportionately less based on their body weight, but one study of asthmatic children between the ages of 17 and 19 used 300 mg of magnesium per day.64


Used for AmountWhy
Attention Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder
If deficient: 200 mg daily 2 stars Some children with ADHD have low magnesium levels. In one trial, children with ADHD and low magnesium status who were given magnesium had a significant decrease in hyperactive behavior.

2 stars Attention Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder

If deficient: 200 mg daily

Some children with ADHD have lowered levels of magnesium. In a preliminary, controlled trial, children with ADHD and low magnesium status were given 200 mg of magnesium per day for six months.65 Compared with 25 other magnesium-deficient ADHD children, those given magnesium supplementation had a significant decrease in hyperactive behavior.


Used for AmountWhy
Celiac Disease and Magnesium Deficiency
Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner2 stars The malabsorption that occurs in celiac disease can lead to multiple nutritional deficiencies. Supplementing with magnesium may correct a deficiency.

2 stars Celiac Disease and Magnesium Deficiency

Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner

The malabsorption that occurs in celiac disease can lead to multiple nutritional deficiencies. The most common nutritional problems in people with celiac disease include deficiencies of essential fatty acids, iron, vitamin D, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, and folic acid.66 Zinc malabsorption also occurs frequently in celiac disease67 and may result in zinc deficiency, even in people who are otherwise in remission.68 People with newly diagnosed celiac disease should be assessed for nutritional deficiencies by a doctor. Celiac patients who have not yet completely recovered should supplement with a high-potency multivitamin-mineral. Some patients may require even higher amounts of some of these vitamins and minerals—an issue that should be discussed with their healthcare practitioner. Evidence of a nutrient deficiency in a celiac patient is a clear indication for supplementation with that nutrient.

After commencement of a gluten-free diet, overall nutritional status gradually improves. However, deficiencies of some nutrients may persist, even in people who are strictly avoiding gluten. For example, magnesium deficiency was found in 8 of 23 adults with celiac disease who had been following a gluten-free diet and were symptom-free. When these adults were supplemented with magnesium for two years, their bone mineral density increased significantly.69


Used for AmountWhy
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Refer to label instructions 2 stars Some researchers have reported that magnesium deficiency is common in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Supplementing can help make up for a deficiency.

2 stars Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) helps make ATP, the energy source the body runs on. In a double-blind trial, people with CFS received 10 mg of NADH or a placebo each day for four weeks.70 Of those receiving NADH, 31% reported improvements in fatigue, decreases in other symptoms, and improved overall quality of life, compared with only 8% of those in the placebo group. Further double-blind research is needed to confirm these findings.

Magnesium levels have been reported to be low in CFS sufferers. In a double-blind trial, injections with magnesium improved symptoms for most people.71 Oral magnesium supplementation has improved symptoms in those people with CFS who previously had low magnesium levels, according to a preliminary report, although magnesium injections were sometimes necessary.72 These researchers report that magnesium deficiency appears to be very common in people with CFS. Nonetheless, several other researchers report no evidence of magnesium deficiency in people with CFS.73, 74, 75 The reason for this discrepancy remains unclear. If people with CFS do consider magnesium supplementation, they should have their magnesium status checked by a doctor before undertaking supplementation. It appears that only people with magnesium deficiency benefit from this therapy.


Used for AmountWhy
Osteoporosis
Adults: 250 mg up to 750 mg daily; for girls: 150 mg daily2 stars Supplementing with magnesium has been shown to stop bone loss or increased bone mass in people with osteoporosis.

2 stars Osteoporosis

Adults: 250 mg up to 750 mg daily; for girls: 150 mg daily

In a preliminary study, people with osteoporosis were reported to be at high risk for magnesium malabsorption.76 Both bone77 and blood78 levels of magnesium have been reported to be low in people with osteoporosis. Supplemental magnesium has reduced markers of bone loss in men.79 Supplementing with 250 mg up to 750 mg per day of magnesium arrested bone loss or increased bone mass in 87% of people with osteoporosis in a two-year, preliminary trial.80 Supplementing with magnesium (150 mg per day for one year) also increased bone mass in pre-adolescent and adolescent girls in a double-blind study.81 Some doctors recommend that people with osteoporosis supplement with 350 mg of magnesium per day.

One trial studying postmenopausal women combined hormone replacement therapy with magnesium (600 mg per day), calcium (500 mg per day), vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin D, zinc, copper, manganese, boron, and other nutrients for an eight- to nine-month period.82 In addition, participants were told to avoid processed foods, limit protein intake, emphasize vegetable over animal protein, and limit consumption of salt, sugar, alcohol, coffee, tea, chocolate, and tobacco. Bone density increased a remarkable 11%, compared to only 0.7% in women receiving hormone replacement alone.


Used for AmountWhy
Premenstrual Syndrome
200 to 400 mg daily 2 stars Supplementing with magnesium may help reduce the risk of mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and other symptoms.

2 stars Premenstrual Syndrome

200 to 400 mg daily

Women with PMS have been reported to be at increased risk of magnesium deficiency.83 , 84 Supplementing with magnesium may help reduce symptoms.85 , 86 In one double-blind trial using only 200 mg per day for two months, a significant reduction was reported for several symptoms related to PMS (fluid retention, weight gain, swelling of extremities, breast tenderness, and abdominal bloating).87 Magnesium has also been reported to be effective in reducing the symptoms of menstrual migraine headaches.88 While the ideal amount of magnesium has yet to be determined, some doctors recommend 400 mg per day.89 Effects of magnesium may begin to appear after two to three months.


Used for AmountWhy
Thalassemia
7.2 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight daily2 stars Magnesium has been reported to be low in thalassemia patients. One study reported that magnesium supplements improved some red blood cell abnormalities in thalassemia patients.

2 stars Thalassemia

7.2 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight daily

Test tube studies have shown that propionyl-L-carnitine (a form of L-carnitine) protects red blood cells of people with thalassemia against free radical damage.90 In a preliminary study, children with beta thalassemia major who took 100 mg of L-carnitine per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day for three months had a significantly decreased need for blood transfusions.91 Some studies have found people with thalassemia to be frequently deficient in folic acid, vitamin B12,92 and zinc.93 , 94 Researchers have reported improved growth rates in zinc-deficient thalassemic children who were given zinc supplements of 22.5 to 90 mg per day, depending on age.95 , 96 Magnesium has been reported to be low in thalassemia patients in some,97 , 98 but not all,99 studies. A small, preliminary study reported that oral supplements of magnesium, 7.2 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day, improved some red blood cell abnormalities in thalassemia patients.100


Used for AmountWhy
Alcohol Withdrawal
Refer to label instructions 1 star Alcoholics are sometimes deficient in magnesium, and some researchers believe that symptoms of withdrawal may result in part from this deficiency.

1 star Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcoholics are sometimes deficient in magnesium, and some researchers believe that symptoms of withdrawal may result in part from this deficiency.101 Nonetheless, a double-blind trial reported that magnesium injections did not reduce symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.102


Used for AmountWhy
Anxiety
Refer to label instructions 1 star Many years ago, magnesium was reported to be relaxing for people with mild anxiety. Some doctors recommend soaking in a hot bathtub containing magnesium sulfate crystals (Epsom salts).

1 star Anxiety

Many years ago, magnesium was reported to be relaxing for people with mild anxiety.103 Typically, 200 to 300 mg of magnesium are taken two to three times per day. Some doctors recommend soaking in a hot tub containing 1–2 cups of magnesium sulfate crystals (Epsom salts) for 15 to 20 minutes, though support for this approach remains anecdotal.


Used for AmountWhy
Athletic Performance
Refer to label instructions 1 star Magnesium deficiency can reduce exercise performance and contribute to muscle cramps. Studies suggest that taking magnesium might improve performance, although possibly only for those who are deficient or who are not highly trained athletes.

1 star Athletic Performance

Magnesium deficiency can reduce exercise performance and contribute to muscle cramps, but sub-optimal intake does not appear to be a problem among most groups of athletes.104, 105 Controlled trials suggest that magnesium supplementation might improve some aspects of physiology important to sports performance in some athletes,106, 107 but controlled and double-blind trials focusing on performance benefits of 212 to 500 mg per day of magnesium have been inconsistent.108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113 It is possible that magnesium supplementation benefits only those who are deficient or who are not highly trained athletes. 114, 115

Used for AmountWhy
Autism
Refer to label instructions 1 star Some researchers have added magnesium to vitamin B6, reporting that taking both nutrients may have better effects than B6 alone. Doctors will often try this combination for at least three months to see whether these nutrients help autistic children.

1 star Autism

Some researchers have added magnesium to vitamin B6, reporting that taking both nutrients may have better effects than taking B6 alone.116 The amount of magnesium—10 to 15 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight—is high enough to cause diarrhea in some people and should be administered by a doctor. Doctors will often try vitamin B6 or the combination of B6 and magnesium for at least three months to see whether these nutrients help autistic children. In a preliminary trial, one group of researchers found that relatively small daily amounts of magnesium (6 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight) and vitamin B6 (0.6 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight) improved symptoms by about 50% in children with autism or a related condition (pervasive developmental disorder).117


Used for AmountWhy
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Refer to label instructions 1 star Magnesium is needed for normal function, supplementing with it can make up for the magnesium deficiency commonly caused by prescription drugs taken by people with COPD.

1 star Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Many prescription drugs commonly taken by people with COPD have been linked to magnesium deficiency, a potential problem because magnesium is needed for normal lung function.118 One group of researchers reported that 47% of people with COPD had a magnesium deficiency.119 In this study, magnesium deficiency was also linked to increased hospital stays. Thus, it appears that many people with COPD may be magnesium deficient, a problem that might worsen their condition; moreover, the deficiency is not easily diagnosed.

Intravenous magnesium has improved breathing capacity in people experiencing an acute exacerbation of COPD.120 In this double-blind study, the need for hospitalization also was reduced in the magnesium group (28% versus 42% with placebo), but this difference was not statistically significant. Intravenous magnesium is known to be a powerful bronchodilator.121 The effect of oral magnesium supplementation in people with COPD has yet to be investigated.


Used for AmountWhy
Cluster Headache
Refer to label instructions 1 star People who suffer from cluster headaches often have low blood levels of magnesium, magnesium injections have been shown to bring relief.

1 star Cluster Headache

People who suffer from cluster headaches often have low blood levels of magnesium, and preliminary trials122 , 123 show that intravenous magnesium injections may relieve a cluster headache episode. However, no trials have investigated the effects of oral magnesium supplementation on cluster headaches.


Used for AmountWhy
Fibromyalgia
Refer to label instructions 1 star A preliminary trial found that a combination of magnesium and malic acid might lessen muscle pain in people with fibromyalgia.

1 star Fibromyalgia

A preliminary trial found that a combination of magnesium and malic acid might lessen muscle pain in people with fibromyalgia.124 The amounts used in this trial were 300–600 mg of elemental magnesium and 1,200–2,400 mg of malic acid per day, taken for eight weeks. A double-blind trial by the same research group using 300 mg magnesium and 1,200 mg malic acid per day found no reduction in symptoms, however.125 Though these researchers claimed that magnesium and malic acid appeared to have some effect at higher levels (up to 600 mg magnesium and 2,400 mg malic acid), the positive effects were not demonstrated under blinded study conditions. Therefore, the evidence supporting the use of these supplements for people with fibromyalgia remains weak and inconclusive.


Used for AmountWhy
Glaucoma
Refer to label instructions 1 star In one study, supplementing with magnesium improved vision in people with glaucoma, apparently by enhancing blood flow to the eyes.

1 star Glaucoma

Magnesium can dilate blood vessels. One study looked at whether magnesium might improve vision in people with glaucoma by enhancing blood flow to the eyes. In that trial, participants were given 245 mg of magnesium per day. Improvement in vision was noted after four weeks, but the change did not reach statistical significance.126


Used for AmountWhy
High Cholesterol
Refer to label instructions 1 star In a preliminary study, magnesium supplementation lowered total cholesterol and increased HDL ("good") cholesterol levels.

1 star High Cholesterol

Magnesium is needed by the heart to function properly. Although the mechanism is unclear, magnesium supplements (430 mg per day) lowered cholesterol in a preliminary trial.127 Another preliminary study reported that magnesium deficiency is associated with a low HDL cholesterol level.128 Intravenous magnesium has reduced death following heart attacks in some, but not all, clinical trials.129 Though these outcomes would suggest that people with high cholesterol levels should take magnesium supplements, an isolated double-blind trial reported that people with a history of heart disease assigned to magnesium supplementation experienced an increased number of heart attacks.130 More information is necessary before the scientific community can clearly evaluate the role magnesium should play for people with elevated cholesterol.

Used for AmountWhy
Hypoglycemia
Refer to label instructions 1 star Research has shown that supplementing with or magnesium can prevent blood sugar levels from falling excessively in people with hypoglycemia.

1 star Hypoglycemia

Research has shown that supplementing with chromium (200 mcg per day)131 or magnesium (340 mg per day)132 can prevent blood sugar levels from falling excessively in people with hypoglycemia. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) has also been found to be helpful for hypoglycemic people.133 Other nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, manganese, and vitamin B6, may help control blood sugar levels in diabetics.134 Since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, these nutrients might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well, although the amounts needed for that purpose are not known.


Used for AmountWhy
Insomnia
Refer to label instructions 1 star People with period limb movements during sleep or restless legs syndrome often have sleep problems. In one trial, insomniacs with these conditions slept better after supplementing with magnesium.

1 star Insomnia

Some people have difficulty sleeping because of a problem known as period limb movements during sleep (PLMS) or another condition called restless legs syndrome (RLS). In a preliminary trial, people with PLMS or RLS who suffered from insomnia had a significant improvement in sleep efficiency after supplementing with magnesium (about 300 mg each evening for four to six weeks).135


Used for AmountWhy
Insulin Resistance Syndrome
Refer to label instructions 1 star Magnesium deficiency can reduce insulin sensitivity, and low magnesium levels have been associated with greater insulin resistance in nondiabetic people, leading some doctors to believe that supplementing with magnesium may improve IRS.

1 star Insulin Resistance Syndrome

Magnesium deficiency can reduce insulin sensitivity,136 and low dietary intake137 and low blood levels138 of magnesium have been associated with greater insulin resistance in nondiabetic people. However, no studies of magnesium supplementation in people with IRS have been done.


Used for AmountWhy
Intermittent Claudication
Refer to label instructions 1 star Magnesium may increase blood flow by helping to dilate blood vessels. One trial found that taking magnesium may increase walking distance in people with intermittent claudication.

1 star Intermittent Claudication

Magnesium may increase blood flow by helping to dilate blood vessels. A preliminary trial found that magnesium supplementation may increase walking distance in people with intermittent claudication.139 Many doctors suggest that people with atherosclerosis, including those with intermittent claudication, take approximately 250 to 400 mg of magnesium per day.

In a preliminary trial, supplementing with evening primrose oil (approximately 1,600 mg per day) led to a 10% increase in exercise tolerance in people with intermittent claudication.140


Used for AmountWhy
Multiple Sclerosis
Refer to label instructions 1 star Magnesium levels have been reported to be low in people with MS. In one trial, a combination of magnesium, cod liver oil, and calcium helped reduce the number of MS attacks.

1 star Multiple Sclerosis

In a small preliminary trial, people with MS were given 20 grams of cod liver oil, as well as approximately 680 mg of magnesium and 1,100 mg of calcium per day in the form of dolomite tablets.141 After one year, the average number of MS attacks decreased significantly for each person. Unlike fish oil capsules, the cod liver oil in this trial contained not only eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), but 5,000 IU of vitamin D. Therefore, it is not known whether the vitamin D or fatty acids were responsible for the cod liver oil’s effects. (One preliminary study found that giving vitamin D-like drugs to animals with MS was helpful.)142 It is also possible that the magnesium and/or calcium given to these people reduced MS attacks. Magnesium143 and calcium144 levels have been reported to be lower in the nerve tissue of people with MS compared with healthy people.


Used for AmountWhy
Preeclampsia
Refer to label instructions 1 star Magnesium supplementation has been shown to reduce the incidence of preeclampsia in high-risk women in one trial.

1 star Preeclampsia

Magnesium deficiency has been implicated as a possible cause of preeclampsia.145, 146, 147, 148, 149 Magnesium supplementation has been shown to reduce the incidence of preeclampsia in high-risk women in one trial,150 but not in another double-blind trial.151


Used for AmountWhy
Raynaud’s Disease
Refer to label instructions 1 star Abnormalities of magnesium metabolism have been reported in people with Raynaud’s disease. Magnesium deficiency results in blood-vessel spasm, which may be helped with supplementation.

1 star Raynaud’s Disease

Abnormalities of magnesium metabolism have been reported in people with Raynaud’s disease.152 Symptoms similar to those seen with Raynaud’s disease occur in people with magnesium deficiency,153 probably because a deficiency of this mineral results in spasm of blood vessels.154 Some doctors recommend that people with Raynaud’s disease supplement with 200–600 mg of magnesium per day, although no clinical trials support this treatment.


Used for AmountWhy
Restless Legs Syndrome
Refer to label instructions 1 star Supplementing with magnesium may help relieve insomnia in people with restless leg syndrome.

1 star Restless Legs Syndrome

In a preliminary trial, people with period limb movements during sleep (PLMS) or RLS who suffered from insomnia had a significant improvement in sleep efficiency after supplementing with magnesium (about 300 mg each evening for four to six weeks).155


Used for AmountWhy
Retinopathy
Refer to label instructions 1 star Low magnesium levels have been found to be a risk factor for retinopathy in white people with diabetes. Supplementing with magnesium may improve blood levels of the mineral.

1 star Retinopathy

Low blood levels of magnesium have been found to be a risk factor for retinopathy in white people with diabetes,156 , 157 but not in black people with diabetes.158 So far, no studies have determined whether supplementing with magnesium would help prevent the development of retinopathy.


Used for AmountWhy
Sickle Cell Anemia
Refer to label instructions 1 star In one trial, supplementing with magnesium dramatically reduced the number of painful days for people with sickle cell anemia.

1 star Sickle Cell Anemia

Low concentrations of red blood cell magnesium have been noted in patients with sickle cell anemia.159 , 160 Low magnesium, in turn, is thought to contribute to red blood cell dehydration and a concomitant increase in symptoms. In a preliminary trial, administration of 540 mg of magnesium per day for six months to sickle cell anemia patients reversed some of the characteristic red blood cell abnormalities and dramatically reduced the number of painful days for these patients.161 The form of magnesium used in this trial, magnesium pidolate, is not supplied by most magnesium supplements; it is unknown whether other forms of magnesium would produce similar results.


Used for AmountWhy
Stroke
Refer to label instructions 1 star Magnesium appears to reduce high blood pressure, which may in turn reduce stroke risk.

1 star Stroke

Researchers have found an association between diets low in magnesium and increased risk of stroke, an effect explained partially, but not completely, by the ability of magnesium to reduce high blood pressure.162 Protection from stroke associated with drinking water high in magnesium has also been reported.163 Intravenous magnesium given immediately after a stroke has been proposed as a treatment for reducing stroke deaths,164 but results so far have been inconclusive.165

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  • magnesium
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Last Review: 05-11-2011

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