Magnesium & Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and stiffness and decreases mobility. Sometimes doctors cannot find the exact cause of osteoarthritis, while other times they link the condition to previous injuries, infections or metabolic disorders. Magnesium is an essential mineral, naturally occurring in various foods, that is also an over-the-counter supplement in North America. Magnesium supplements may help individuals with osteoarthritis. You can add magnesium-rich foods to your diet, but talk to a health care provider before taking magnesium supplements.

Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium is necessary for optimal nerve, muscle and bone health. The incidence of osteoarthritis increases with age, becoming more common after 50 years of age. Most people have this condition by the age of 80, according to Merck Manual. Older adults are at increased risk of developing magnesium deficiencies because their diet does not provide adequate amounts of this mineral and also because magnesium is not so well absorbed as the body ages, the National Institutes of Health indicates. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include muscle pain, weakness and fatigue, all of which can also be found in individuals with osteoarthritis.

Research

According to a study published in the November 2009 issue of "The Journal of International Medical Research," magnesium supplements helped reduce joint pain and increase mobility in subjects who had surgical intervention for osteoarthritis. This study involved 80 participants who received magnesium sulfate in injectable form.

Sources, RDA and Dosage

Dietary sources of magnesium include fish, almonds, spinach and whole wheat. The recommended dietary allowance for adult women is 320 mg per day and for adult men 420 mg per day. To improve symptoms of arthritis, Dr. James Balch, M.D., author of "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing," recommends 1,000 mg of magnesium daily in combination with calcium and cooper.

Side Effects

Magnesium is a safe and well-tolerated supplement at recommended dosage. In rare cases, it may cause allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating and stomach pain. If you have kidney problems, are pregnant or are breastfeeding, use magnesium supplements only under medical supervision.

Considerations

Consult a health care provider to find out optimal dosage of magnesium and other vitamins and minerals that may help your condition. As of February 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved magnesium for the management of osteoarthritis, and you should not use it to replace any conventional drugs you are currently taking.