Magnesium for Migraines – ABQ

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M – About 52% of people worldwide suffer from headaches. About 14% of them reported migraines, according to a Journal of Headache and Pain study. There are many medications and therapies to relieve pain. One of them is hihg-dose magnesium. 

Let’s discuss the evidence behind how magnesium works for migraines.

Why Take Magnesium for Migraines?

Magnesium is found in the body and performs five main functions. 

1. It helps with your nerve and muscle function.
2. It keeps your bones strong.
3. It supports your immune system. 
4. It helps regulate your blood sugar levels.
5. It aids in producing energy for you. 

The evidence shows that people with low magnesium levels tend to have migraines more than others. Thus, some medical practitioners suggest magnesium as a form of prevention. This doesn’t mean that low magnesium levels “cause” migraines, but their is a correlation.

A 2021 study reveals that magnesium oxide works as well as valproate sodium. Both stop the onset of migraine attacks. A dose of one 500 mg pill is effective without significant side effects.

Moreover, a similar 2021 study shows magnesium enhances sodium valproate. This combination therapy can reduce the duration, frequency, and severity of migraine attacks.

So, what type of magnesium would be a better choice to help with your migraines? Read the next section for details. 

What are the Kinds of Magnesium?

There are many kinds of magnesium used for different health conditions.

Examples of different kinds of magnesium found in supplements:

• Carbonate contains higher amounts of magnesium.
• Chloride is easily absorbed by your body.
• Citrate is often used to aid in moving your bowels.
• Glycinate is easily absorbed and easy on the stomach.
• Malate also works for fibromyalgia other than migraines.
• Oxide can ease your migraine attacks.
• Sulfate can only be absorbed by your body in small amounts. Magnesium taurate improves migraine attacks and heart and blood sugar issues.
• Threonate penetrates the blood-brain barrier without causing stomach problems.

A 2017 Journal of Headache and Pain review analyzed five “gold standard” studies on magnesium supplements. One study shows that people taking magnesium for migraines had 43% fewer migraine attack days than others. But overall, the review concludes that magnesium may be “possibly effective” for migraine prevention.

Some experts claim magnesium glycinate would be the formula of choice. Its bioavailability allows better absorption in the gut. Although, more studies are needed to determine the best magnesium for headaches.

Medications have potential effects, and so does magnesium. People may experience stomach cramps or pain, loose bowels, nausea, and vomiting. It usually happens when you take it in high doses.

Other potential severe side effects at high doses include:

• Low blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat
• Confusion
• Coma

Moreover, magnesium interacts with some medications. Healthcare providers caution people who are taking any of these drugs:

• Levodopa for Parkinson’s disease 
• Aminoglycoside antibiotics 
• Calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure
• Muscle relaxants
• Anticoagulants/antiplatelets
• Digoxin
• Diabetes medications
• Antacids

Takeaway

Science supports magnesium for migraines. People who have low levels of magnesium benefit from supplements and infusions. However, taking magnesium won’t do any better for people within normal levels.  

Eating foods high in magnesium helps in preventing headaches. At the same time, avoiding trigger-causing foods also keeps migraines at bay. If you are having a migraine attack, IV magnesium works fast in relieving your pain.