Question 245 of 433
Magnesium: who needs it?
The short answer
Meet your magnesium needs through food when possible. Supplement for a reason, rather than assuming that everyone with insomnia or cramps is deficient.
Nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, and leafy greens are useful sources. Some people have inadequate intake or increased losses. A low dietary estimate is not identical to a clinically established deficiency.
Supplements may help particular indications, including some forms of constipation. Trials for routine muscle cramps and insomnia are inconsistent or small; those benefits should not be promised. Any blood-pressure effect is generally modest and does not replace indicated treatment.
If supplementation is appropriate, check the amount of elemental magnesium, not merely the weight of the compound. Diarrhea is common at higher doses. Kidney impairment can make magnesium accumulation dangerous, and medication timing may need adjustment.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
MIXED HUMAN TRIALS — Magnesium: treat inadequate intake or deficiency; sleep and cramp claims are less certain.Evidence grade (draft mapping)BLimited or small human studiesPart 17, Q245 · Sources: R17
Sources cited
- R17 Garrison SR et al. Magnesium for skeletal muscle cramps. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2020;9:CD009402. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009402.pub3. PubMed 32956536DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD009402.pub3✓ Verified
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.