The Magnesium Myth & Leg Cramps – Expert Commentary

When a leg cramp strikes, many of us reach for magnesium. But is it really the solution we think it is? In this expert commentary, Amit Saha, Head of Technical & Innovation at Crampeze and registered Pharmacist, explains why a singular ingredient approach may not be the most effective way to manage skeletal muscle leg cramps.

Key Takeaways

• Beyond the Myth: Scientific evidence from a September 2020 Cochrane review suggests magnesium supplementation alone is unlikely to provide clinically meaningful relief for muscle cramps in older adults.

• A Better Solution: Because the exact cause of skeletal muscle cramps is hard to determine, a multi-combination therapy is likely to be more successful than a single-ingredient approach.

• Effective Ingredients: A treatment plan that combines magnesium with an antispasmodic, a circulation booster, and B vitamins has a greater likelihood of achieving a better clinical outcome.

“It is unlikely that magnesium supplementation provides clinically meaningful cramp prophylaxis to older adults experiencing skeletal muscle cramps.” 

This finding, taken directly from the author’s conclusion section of a Cochrane review on Magnesium for skeletal muscle cramps (Garrison et al, Sept 2020), may come as a surprise. Many of us continue recommending magnesium supplements for the relief and prophylaxis of muscle cramps despite the fact that it is unlikely to have any clinical significance.

The exact cause of skeletal muscle cramps is hard to ascertain, and as such a multi-combination therapy as opposed to a singular ingredient approach is likely to be more successful. A treatment plan that combines magnesium with an antispasmodic such as Viburnum opulus, a circulation booster and a few essential B vitamins has a greater likelihood of achieving a better clinical outcome in the treatment and prophylaxis of skeletal muscle cramping than just Magnesium alone.

Whether you’re an athlete, someone with an active lifestyle, or someone struggling with night-time leg cramps, Crampeze can help you live cramp-free. Pair it with a balanced diet that includes bananas, avocados, and other nutrient-rich foods for optimal results. 

Learn more:

If you’re dealing with night-time leg cramps or muscle tightness, it’s important to understand the various factors that can contribute to these discomforts. For example, colder weather may cause increased muscle tightness, leading to more frequent cramps – learn more in our article on Winter and Leg Cramps: Why You Might Feel More Tightness in Cold Weather. Additionally, desk jobs and prolonged sitting can put strain on your muscles, making cramps more likely – discover how to combat this in Is Your Desk Job Causing Leg Cramps? Simple Solutions for Office Workers.

For those who travel frequently, leg cramps during long flights are a common issue, but simple steps can help reduce discomfort – read more in How to Avoid Leg Cramps During Long Flights. Your sleep position can also play a role in preventing cramps, so check out our guide on How Sleep Positioning Affects Leg Cramps: Tips for Restful Nights. If you’re an athlete, it’s essential to know whether overtraining might be a factor – find out more in Are Leg Cramps a Sign of Overtraining? How to Listen to Your Body.

Lastly, bananas and avocados are often recommended for muscle cramps, but which one is better? Get the details in Bananas vs. Avocados: Which Potassium Source Is Better for Muscle Cramps?. If dehydration is a concern for you, understand how it impacts muscle cramps in Dehydration and Muscle Cramps: Separating Fact from Fiction, and explore the potential of pickle juice for cramp relief in The Pros and Cons of Using Pickle Juice for Muscle Cramps. Explore these articles for more tips on managing and preventing leg cramps!