Tinnitus is an ear condition characterized by ringing in the ears and is commonly treated with a combination of medical techniques and medications. There are also a number of homeopathic and alternative medicine products that manufacturers purport can help treat tinnitus. Many of these supplements contain the mineral magnesium citrate. However, there is little scientific evidence that magnesium citrate supplementation can help with hearing problems, and even less evidence that the vitamin has any effect on tinnitus. Consult your doctor about the possible dangers and side effects of magnesium citrate intake.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus can be divided into two main types: subjective tinnitus, which is caused by problems with the way the ear or the auditory nerve processes sounds, and objective tinnitus, caused by bone, muscle or blood vessel abnormalities in or near the ear. Both types are characterized by a persistent whistling, buzzing or ringing sound in one or both ears, sometimes at such a high volume it interferes with normal hearing. Tinnitus commonly develops as a result of old age, overexposure to loud noise or as a side effect of certain medications. Conventional treatments include hearing aids or noise-masking devices, surgery or drugs like alprazolam or amitriptyline.
Effect of Magnesium Citrate
In a 1994 study conducted by the Institute of Noise Hazards Research based in Israel, scientists reported that supplementation with magnesium significantly reduced the amount of hearing loss experienced by young men and women undergoing loud noise exposure during military training compared to people who received a placebo instead. However, the study used magnesium aspartate, not magnesium citrate and, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are no other additional studies to support the use of any form of magnesium for the prevention of hearing loss or for tinnitus treatment. Some homeopathic remedies for tinnitus contain magnesium citrate, but the compound is often listed as an inactive ingredient.
Possible Side Effects
Supplementation with any form of magnesium may cause side effects that include bloating, dizziness, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and unusual sweating. Magnesium citrate may interfere with the function of medications such as digoxin, blood-thinners, tetracycline antibiotics, phenothiazine drugs, nitrofurantoin, fluoroquinolone antibiotics and penicillamine. Avoid using any magnesium supplement if you are pregnant or suffer from kidney disease, heart disease or high blood pressure.
Considerations
There is no solid, reputable scientific evidence indicating that magnesium citrate supplementation -- or supplementation with any form of magnesium -- can help treat tinnitus. In addition, as a dietary supplement, magnesium citrate is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration for effectiveness, purity or safety. Do not begin taking magnesium citrate without first speaking to your doctor.
References
- Drugs.com: Magnesium Citrate
- American Cancer Society: Magnesium Citrate
- Daily Med: Tinnitus Capsule
- MayoClinic.com: Tinnitus
- "American Journal of Otolaryngology"; Oral Magnesium Intake Reduces Permanent Hearing Loss Induced by Noise Exposure; J. Attias, et al.; January 1994
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium
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