Magnesium
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View all Magnesium products → Best Magnesium rankings →Evidence Summary
Magnesium is an essential mineral with significant associations between circulating or dietary levels and various systemic health outcomes. Research indicates that adequate magnesium levels are linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and fractures, though evidence for specific acute uses like muscle cramps is lacking.
Evidence by Condition
Higher dietary and circulating magnesium levels are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (PMID: 23719551).
There is a significant association between circulating magnesium and clinically relevant outcomes in patients with CKD (PMID: 33419615).
Cochrane reviews indicate insufficient evidence to support magnesium for the prevention of skeletal muscle cramps (PMID: 32956536).
Higher serum magnesium levels are associated with a decreased risk of fractures (PMID: 36986033).
Inhaled or nebulized magnesium sulfate has been studied as a treatment for acute asthma in adults and children (PMID: 29182799, 38782483).
Magnesium intake and blood levels are associated with the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (PMID: 40431407).
Effective Doses
Specific oral dosing ranges for supplementation are not explicitly detailed in the provided top studies, though studies focus on serum and dietary intake levels.
Key Findings
- Higher dietary and circulating magnesium levels are linked to lower cardiovascular disease risk (PMID: 23719551).
- Serum magnesium levels are associated with fracture risk (PMID: 36986033).
- Magnesium supplementation does not show significant benefit for skeletal muscle cramps (PMID: 32956536).
- Magnesium levels are associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome (PMID: 40431407).
Limitations
Much of the evidence is derived from observational meta-analyses, which can identify associations but cannot definitively establish causation. There is a notable lack of high-quality evidence for magnesium in treating muscle cramps.
Safety & Interactions
The provided research does not explicitly list specific contraindications or drug interactions for magnesium supplementation.
AI-generated summary from 422 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Dietary Reference Intakes
Source: IOM/NAM Dietary Reference Intakes · Dietary Reference Intakes: Magnesium
Drug-Supplement Interactions
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrient | 100% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| All Other | 100% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 100% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
🏛️ NIH ODS Factsheet
Research by Topic
⚠️ FDA Safety Data
Research Evidence (423)
**Leenders et al., 2021** | Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis Leenders Nicoline H J, Vermeulen Emma A, ... Vervloet Marc G. The association between circulating magnesium and clinically relevant outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease: A systematic r...
**Arsenault et al., 2013** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Arsenault Kyle A, Yusuf Arif M, ... Whitlock Richard P. Interventions for preventing post-operative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing heart surgery. Cochrane Database Sy...
BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscle cramps are common and often occur in association with pregnancy, advanced age, exercise or motor neuron disorders (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Typically, such cramps have no obvious underlying pathology, and so...
BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscle cramps are common and often presented to physicians in association with pregnancy, advanced age, exercise or disorders of the motor neuron (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Magnesium supplements are marketed for the...
**Dominguez et al., 2023** | Nutrients | Meta Analysis Dominguez Ligia J, Veronese Nicola, ... Barbagallo Mario. Association between Serum Magnesium and Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Nutrients. 2023-Mar-07...
**Martins et al., 2024** | J Dairy Sci | Meta Analysis Martins L F, Cueva S F, ... Hristov A N. A meta-analysis of methane-mitigation potential of feed additives evaluated in vitro. J Dairy Sci. 2024-Jan;107(1):288-300. doi:10.1016/S0022-0302(23)0081...
**Bensaaud et al., 2025** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Bensaaud Abdelsalam, Seery Suzanne, ... Sultan Sherif Ah. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Cochr...
**Del et al., 2013** | Am J Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis Del Gobbo Liana C, Imamura Fumiaki, ... Mozaffarian Dariush. Circulating and dietary magnesium and risk of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Am ...
**Knightly et al., 2017** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Knightly Rachel, Milan Stephen J, ... Powell Colin. Inhaled magnesium sulfate in the treatment of acute asthma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017-Nov-28;11(11):CD003898. doi:10.100...
**Baandrup et al., 2018** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Baandrup Lone, Ebdrup Bjørn H, ... Glenthøj Birte Y. Pharmacological interventions for benzodiazepine discontinuation in chronic benzodiazepine users. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. ...
**Kumar et al., 2024** | BMJ Paediatr Open | Meta Analysis Kumar Jogender, Kumar Prawin, ... Gupta Atul. Role of nebulised magnesium sulfate in treating acute asthma in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Paediatr Open. 2024-May-23;8...
**Kukendrarajah et al., 2024** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Kukendrarajah Kishore, Ahmad Mahmood, ... Providencia Rui. External electrical and pharmacological cardioversion for atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter or atrial tachyca...
**Johansen et al., 2014** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Johansen Helle Krogh, Gøtzsche Peter C. Amphotericin B lipid soluble formulations versus amphotericin B in cancer patients with neutropenia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014-Sep-0...
**Kim et al., 2025** | Nutrients | Meta Analysis Kim Youngyo, Je Youjin. Intake or Blood Levels of Magnesium and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Nutrients. 2025-May-14;17(10). doi:10.3390/nu17101667 BACKGROUND/OB...
**Ferraro et al., 2025** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Ferraro Michael C, Cashin Aidan G, ... McAuley James H. Ketamine and other NMDA receptor antagonists for chronic pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2025-Aug-18;8(8):CD015373. doi:10...
To date, there has been inconclusive evidence regarding the effect of magnesium supplements on blood pressure (BP). This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effect of magnesium supplementation on BP and to establish the characteristics of trial...
**Dibaba et al., 2014** | Eur J Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis Dibaba D T, Xun P, He K. Dietary magnesium intake is inversely associated with serum C-reactive protein levels: meta-analysis and systematic review. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014-Apr;68(4):510-6. doi:...
**Zheng et al., 2014** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Zheng Guo Hua, Yang Liu, ... Mei Lijuan. Aloe vera for prevention and treatment of infusion phlebitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014-Jun-04;2014(6):CD009162. doi:10.1002/14651858....
**Johansen et al., 2014** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Johansen Helle Krogh, Gøtzsche Peter C. Amphotericin B versus fluconazole for controlling fungal infections in neutropenic cancer patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014-Sep-04...
**Thompson et al., 2015** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Thompson Kara, Pohlmann-Eden Bernhard, ... Abel Hannah. Pharmacological treatments for preventing epilepsy following traumatic head injury. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015-Aug-10...
Background: To our knowledge, the effect of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure (BP) in individuals with preclinical or noncommunicable diseases has not been previously investigated in a meta-analysis, and the findings from randomized control...
**Bampoe et al., 2017** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Bampoe Sohail, Odor Peter M, ... Burdett Edward. Perioperative administration of buffered versus non-buffered crystalloid intravenous fluid to improve outcomes following adult s...
**Candy et al., 2011** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Candy Bridget, Jones Louise, ... Tookman Adrian. Laxatives or methylnaltrexone for the management of constipation in palliative care patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011-Jan-19...
**Phillips et al., 2015** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Phillips Rebecca, Hanchanale Vishwanath S, ... Biyani C Shekhar. Citrate salts for preventing and treating calcium containing kidney stones in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. ...
**Griffiths et al., 2016** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Griffiths Benedict, Kew Kayleigh M. Intravenous magnesium sulfate for treating children with acute asthma in the emergency department. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016-Apr-29;4(4...
**Thorpe et al., 2018** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Thorpe Joelle, Shum Bonnie, ... Gilron Ian. Combination pharmacotherapy for the treatment of fibromyalgia in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018-Feb-19;2(2):CD010585. doi:1...
This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows: To evaluate the benefits and harms of magnesium supplementation for preventing episodic or chronic migraine in children and adults compared to usual pharmacologic...
BACKGROUND: Epidemiological evidence on the effects of magnesium on blood pressure is inconsistent. Metabolic and experimental studies suggest that magnesium may have a role in the regulation of blood pressure. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of ...
BACKGROUND: Previous research suggests that increasing dietary intakes of calcium, potassium or magnesium separately may reduce BP to a small degree over the short term. It is unclear whether increasing intakes of a combination of these minerals prod...
**Dorhout et al., 2007** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Dorhout Mees S M, Rinkel G J E, ... van Gijn J. Calcium antagonists for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007-Jul-18;2007(3):CD000277 BACKGROUND: Se...
**Powell et al., 2012** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Powell Colin, Dwan Kerry, ... Rowe Brian H. Inhaled magnesium sulfate in the treatment of acute asthma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012-Dec-12;12:CD003898. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD0...
**Simancas-Racines et al., 2018** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Simancas-Racines Daniel, Arevalo-Rodriguez Ingrid, ... Hidalgo Ricardo. Interventions for treating acute high altitude illness. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018-Jun-30;6(6...
**Kew et al., 2014** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Kew Kayleigh M, Kirtchuk Liza, Michell Clare I. Intravenous magnesium sulfate for treating adults with acute asthma in the emergency department. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014-May-28...
**Cheungpasitporn et al., 2015** | Intern Med J | Meta Analysis Cheungpasitporn W, Thongprayoon C, ... Erickson S B. Hypomagnesaemia linked to depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Intern Med J. 2015-Apr;45(4):436-40. doi:10.1111/imj.126...
**Gonzalez et al., 2018** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Gonzalez Garay Alejandro, Molano Franco Daniel, ... Arevalo-Rodriguez Ingrid. Interventions for preventing high altitude illness: Part 2. Less commonly-used drugs. Cochrane Databa...
**Bagheri et al., 2021** | Adv Nutr | Meta Analysis Bagheri Amir, Naghshi Sina, ... Esmaillzadeh Ahmad. Total, Dietary, and Supplemental Magnesium Intakes and Risk of All-Cause, Cardiovascular, and Cancer Mortality: A Systematic Review and Dose-Respo...
**Wilson et al., 2022** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Wilson Amie, Hodgetts-Morton Victoria A, ... Gallos Ioannis D. Tocolytics for delaying preterm birth: a network meta-analysis (0924). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022-Aug-10;8(8...
**Safabakhsh et al., 2024** | Clin Nutr | Systematic Review Safabakhsh Maryam, Imani Hossein, ... Shab-Bidar Sakineh. Efficacy of dietary supplements on mortality and clinical outcomes in adults with sepsis and septic shock: A systematic review and n...
**Zhang et al., 2021** | Nutr Rev | Meta Analysis Zhang Yijia, Xun Pengcheng, ... He Ka. Magnesium levels in relation to rates of preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis of ecological, observational, and interventional studies. Nutr Rev....
**Ni et al., 2022** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Ni Han, Aye Swe Zin, Naing Cho. Magnesium sulfate for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022-May-26;5(5):CD013506. doi:10.100...
**Webster et al., 2023** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Webster Katie E, Dor Afrose, ... Burton Martin J. Pharmacological interventions for acute attacks of vestibular migraine. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023-Apr-12;4(4):CD015322....
**Han et al., 2010** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Han Shanshan, Crowther Caroline A, Moore Vivienne. Magnesium maintenance therapy for preventing preterm birth after threatened preterm labour. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010-Jul-07(7...
BACKGROUND: Magnesium is an essential mineral required for regulation of body temperature, nucleic acid and protein synthesis and in maintaining nerve and muscle cell electrical potentials. Many women, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds,...
**Dana et al., 2021** | Int J Vitam Nutr Res | Meta Analysis Dana Nasim, Karimi Raheleh, ... Vaseghi Golnaz. Magnesium intake and lung cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2021-Sep;91(5-6):539-546. doi:10.1024/030...
**Wu et al., 2019** | Medicine (Baltimore) | Meta Analysis Wu Zhiming, Yang Juguang, ... Lian Kai. The relationship between magnesium and osteoarthritis of knee: A MOOSE guided systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019-Nov;98(45...
**Shepherd et al., 2019** | PLoS Med | Meta Analysis Shepherd Emily, Salam Rehana A, ... Crowther Caroline A. Antenatal magnesium sulphate and adverse neonatal outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Med. 2019-Dec;16(12):e1002988. doi:1...
There is a large and growing body of literature focusing on the use of oral magnesium (Mg) supplementation for improving glucose metabolism in people with or at risk of diabetes. We therefore aimed to investigate the effect of oral Mg supplementation...
**Wallace et al., 2022** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Wallace Chris, Sinopoulou Vassiliki, ... Saps Miguel. Probiotics for treatment of chronic constipation in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022-Mar-29;3(3):CD014257. doi:1...
**Zhang et al., 2022** | Medicine (Baltimore) | Meta Analysis Zhang ChenQi, Sun LingQi, Sun HongBin. Effects of magnesium valproate adjuvant therapy on patients with dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2022-Aug-05;1...
Showing top 50 of 423 sources, sorted by quality score.
Details
Overview
Magnesium is an essential mineral and electrolyte involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body. It serves as a cofactor for ATP synthesis, DNA/RNA synthesis, and protein synthesis. Magnesium acts as a natural calcium channel blocker and NMDA receptor antagonist, giving it potential roles in neurological function, muscle relaxation, and sleep regulation.
Forms and Bioavailability
Not all magnesium forms are equivalent:
| Form | Bioavailability | Primary Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnesium Glycinate | High | Sleep, anxiety | Chelated form, less GI upset |
| Magnesium Citrate | High | Sleep, constipation | Good absorption, mild laxative effect |
| Magnesium Oxide | Low | Cost-effective | Poor absorption, strong laxative effect |
| Magnesium Threonate | High | Cognitive function | Crosses blood-brain barrier |
| Magnesium Chloride | Moderate | Topical, oral | Good for transdermal absorption |
Physiological Roles
- Energy metabolism: ATP-Mg complex required for cellular energy
- Protein synthesis: Ribosome function and amino acid activation
- Muscle function: Counterbalances calcium in muscle contraction/relaxation
- Nervous system: NMDA receptor modulation, GABA receptor function
- Bone health: Structural component of bone matrix
- Cardiovascular: Blood pressure regulation, heart rhythm
Why This Entity Matters
Magnesium has been extensively studied for: 1. Sleep quality improvement - particularly in deficient populations 2. Anxiety and stress reduction - through HPA axis and GABA modulation 3. Muscle relaxation - counteracting calcium-mediated contraction 4. Cardiovascular health - blood pressure and arrhythmia prevention 5. Metabolic function - insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation
The critical insight: Magnesium supplementation appears most effective in magnesium-deficient individuals, not universally. This population-specificity is often lost in popular summaries.
Related Mechanisms
- nmda-receptor-modulation — Magnesium blocks NMDA receptors, potentially reducing neuronal excitotoxicity
- gaba-receptor-activation — May enhance GABAergic signaling
- cortisol-reduction — Modulates HPA axis stress response
Related Claims
Sleep
- magnesium-improves-sleep-quality-in-deficient-adults — High confidence for deficient populations
- Magnesium reduces sleep onset latency — Moderate confidence (claim page pending)
- Magnesium increases sleep efficiency — Moderate confidence (claim page pending)
Stress/Anxiety
- Magnesium reduces anxiety in deficient populations — Moderate confidence (claim page pending)
- Magnesium lowers cortisol — Low-to-moderate confidence (claim page pending)
Negative/Null Results
- magnesium-no-effect-on-sleep-in-replete-population — Important contradiction
- Magnesium oxide less effective than glycinate — Form-specific null result (claim page pending)
Safety Notes
Toxicity Threshold
- Upper Limit (adults): 350 mg/day elemental magnesium from supplements
- Lethal dose: Extremely high (>5000 mg/kg body weight)
Side Effects
- Diarrhea (dose-dependent, form-dependent)
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramping
- Forms ranked by GI tolerance: Glycinate > Citrate > Oxide
Drug Interactions
- Bisphosphonates: Magnesium reduces absorption; separate by 2+ hours
- Antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines): Form insoluble complexes
- Diuretics: Loop and thiazide diuretics increase magnesium excretion
- Proton pump inhibitors: Long-term use depletes magnesium
Contraindications
- Kidney failure/ESRD (impaired excretion)
- Heart block (without pacemaker)
- Myasthenia gravis
Related Entities
- magnesium-glycinate — Preferred form for sleep
- magnesium-citrate — Alternative for sleep, mild laxative
- magnesium-oxide — Poor bioavailability for CNS effects
- insomnia — Primary condition of interest
- sleep-quality — Measured outcome
- gaba-system — Target mechanism
- hpa-axis — Stress response system
Sources
- pmid-23853635 — RCT: Magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly (Abbasi 2012)
- pmid-35184264 — Systematic Review: Magnesium in sleep health (Arab 2023)
- pmid-21199787 — RCT: Magnesium status and sleep in adults >51 (Nielsen 2010)
- pmid-40918053 — RCT: Magnesium bisglycinate in adults with poor sleep (Schuster 2025)
- pmid-33865376 — Meta-analysis: Magnesium for insomnia in older adults (Mah 2021)
- pmid-27402922 — Meta-analysis: Magnesium on blood pressure (Zhang 2016)
- pmid-28445426 — Systematic Review: Magnesium on anxiety and stress (Boyle 2017)
Open Questions
- What is the optimal dosing strategy for sleep improvement?
- How long does it take to see effects on sleep architecture?
- Does magnesium affect different sleep stages differentially?
- What is the interaction with melatonin supplementation?
Related Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is magnesium and why is it important for health?
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in various systemic health functions. Research indicates that maintaining adequate magnesium levels is linked to a reduced risk of several health issues, including cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
Does magnesium help prevent heart disease?
There is strong evidence that higher dietary and circulating magnesium levels are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Maintaining healthy levels is a key area of focus in nutritional research.
Can magnesium help with muscle cramps?
There is currently weak evidence to support the use of magnesium for preventing skeletal muscle cramps. Clinical reviews indicate that there is insufficient evidence to confirm its effectiveness for this specific purpose.
Is magnesium good for bone health and preventing fractures?
There is moderate evidence suggesting that higher serum magnesium levels are associated with a decreased risk of fractures. This makes magnesium an important mineral for maintaining skeletal strength.
Can magnesium be used to treat asthma?
There is moderate evidence that inhaled or nebulized magnesium sulfate can be used as a treatment for acute asthma in both adults and children. This is typically studied in the context of acute medical management.
How much magnesium should I take daily?
While specific oral dosing for supplementation is not explicitly detailed in the primary studies, the Dietary Reference Intake for males aged 19-30 is 400 mg per day. Focus should be placed on maintaining adequate dietary and serum levels.
Are there any drug interactions with magnesium?
There is a minor potential interaction between magnesium and antihypertensive medications. Because magnesium may have mild vasodilatory effects, it could potentially have an additive effect when taken with blood pressure drugs.
Is magnesium supplementation safe?
The provided research does not explicitly list specific contraindications or a maximum safe limit (UL) for magnesium. However, you should consult a healthcare professional regarding your specific health needs and potential interactions.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.