Magnesium stomach cramps
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Magnesium and Stomach Cramps: A Review of Current Research
Introduction to Magnesium and Muscle Cramps
Magnesium is often marketed as a supplement to alleviate muscle cramps, including nocturnal leg cramps (NLC) and cramps associated with pregnancy and other conditions. However, the effectiveness of magnesium in treating these cramps remains a topic of debate among researchers.
Magnesium for Nocturnal Leg Cramps (NLC)
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that magnesium therapy does not significantly reduce the frequency of NLC in the general population. The review included seven RCTs with a total of 361 participants, and the results showed only a slight difference in the median number of leg cramps per week between the magnesium and placebo groups. Another study also concluded that oral magnesium oxide was not superior to placebo in reducing the frequency, severity, or duration of NLC in older adults.
Randomized Controlled Trials
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed the efficacy of magnesium oxide monohydrate (MOMH) in treating NLC. The study found a significant reduction in the number of NLC episodes and improvement in sleep quality in the MOMH group compared to the placebo group. However, another RCT involving intravenous magnesium infusion in older adults did not find a significant reduction in the frequency of leg cramps compared to placebo.
Magnesium for Pregnancy-Associated Leg Cramps
Conflicting Evidence
The effectiveness of magnesium in treating pregnancy-associated leg cramps is also debated. One observational controlled trial found no significant difference between magnesium and placebo in reducing the frequency of leg cramps in pregnant women. In contrast, another RCT reported that oral magnesium bisglycinate chelate significantly reduced both the frequency and intensity of leg cramps in pregnant women compared to placebo.
Magnesium for Skeletal Muscle Cramps
General Findings
A Cochrane review updated in 2019 assessed the effects of magnesium supplementation on skeletal muscle cramps. The review included 11 trials with a total of 735 participants and found that magnesium supplementation did not provide clinically meaningful cramp prophylaxis for older adults with idiopathic cramps. The evidence was conflicting for pregnancy-associated cramps, and further research was recommended.
Magnesium and Hemodialysis-Associated Muscle Cramps
Dialysate Magnesium Concentration
A narrative review highlighted that hypomagnesemia might be a risk factor for muscle cramps in patients receiving hemodialysis. Preliminary evidence suggests that increasing the concentration of dialysate magnesium could reduce the frequency and severity of muscle cramps in these patients. However, the quality of evidence is limited, and larger clinical trials are needed.
Conclusion
The current body of research presents mixed results regarding the efficacy of magnesium in treating various types of muscle cramps. While some studies suggest potential benefits, particularly in specific populations like pregnant women, others find no significant difference compared to placebo. Further well-designed RCTs are necessary to conclusively determine the role of magnesium in muscle cramp prophylaxis and treatment.
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