Some research has shown that people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from magnesium in their diet or as a supplement. Since arthritis can cause inflammation, magnesium's anti-inflammatory effects might help some people with the condition.
The best type of magnesium for arthritis is magnesium chloride, especially topical magnesium chloride.
Magnesium glycinate
Glycine is often used as a standalone dietary supplement to improve sleep and treat a variety of inflammatory conditions, including heart disease and diabetes ( 23 ). Magnesium glycinate is easily absorbed and may have calming properties.
Low magnesium intake is associated with increased knee pain in subjects with radiographic knee osteoarthritis: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Osteoarthritis Cartilage.
Magnesium has been shown to help fight inflammation by reducing markers such as CRP and interleukin-6.
In conclusion, an increased magnesium dietary intake is associated with a better knee cartilage architecture, also when adjusting for potential confounders, suggesting a potential role of magnesium in the prevention and treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
Numerous clinical studies have found that magnesium has beneficial effects in patients suffering from neuropathic pain, dysmenorrhea, tension headache, acute migraine attack, and others.
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency
Weakness and fatigue. Tremors or muscle twitching. Muscle cramping. Heart palpitations or heart arrhythmias.
Magnesium begins to take effect after one week of consistent supplementation.
Therefore, magnesium supplements can be taken at any time of the day, as long as you're able to take them consistently. For some, taking supplements first thing in the morning may be easiest, while others may find that taking them with dinner or just before bed works well for them.
KAL Magnesium Glycinate
Coming in fully chelated form—enabling easy absorption and minimal digestive stress—this magnesium supplement containing glycinate not only promotes bone and muscle health, but also supports the body's stress response and healthy relaxation.
Several vitamins have been studied for their effects on arthritis, including the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, and vitamins D and K.
Studies also have found that a lack of vitamin D is linked to rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease characterized by swollen, aching joints and numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
Magnesium deficiency can cause a wide variety of features including hypocalcaemia, hypokalaemia and cardiac and neurological manifestations. Chronic low magnesium state has been associated with a number of chronic diseases including diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and osteoporosis.
A blood test will be ordered to check your magnesium level. Normal range is 1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L (0.65 to 1.05 mmol/L). Other blood and urine tests that may be done include: Calcium blood test.
Mg is essential in the metabolism of vitamin D, and taking large doses of vitamin D can induce severe depletion of Mg. Adequate magnesium supplementation should be considered as an important aspect of vitamin D therapy.
You can test your magnesium levels by purchasing a simple at-home finger prick test kit which is then analysed at an accredited lab. Forth offers a number of blood tests which include magnesium such as our Nutri-check test and Menopause Health blood test.
Magnesium supplements should be taken with meals. Taking magnesium supplements on an empty stomach may cause diarrhea.
Leg cramps can be caused by a lack of magnesium in the body, and supplementing with magnesium can help to relieve them. Magnesium also helps to regulate nerve and muscle function, and can help to prevent other muscle-related issues such as spasms and twitches.
"Research has shown that magnesium supplementation may affect the brain functions that help lower stress and anxiety," Gorin says. It works by helping your body kick into the "rest and digest" state, or by activating your parasympathetic nervous system.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that magnesium supplementation and correction of deficiency has improved the aforementioned conditions. 1 Specifically in chronic pain magnesium can be helpful for offsetting the effects of calcium, which relaxes muscles and nerves.