Everyone feels fatigued and tired from time to time. However, persistent feelings of fatigue may be an indication of a condition known as chronic fatigue syndrome. While the causes aren't entirely understood, some research has shown that magnesium supplementation may help to alleviate some of the symptoms of this disorder.
About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
As the name implies, chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition characterized by persistent fatigue accompanied by a number of additional, troublesome symptoms. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, symptoms may include low grade fever, sore throat and swollen glands, muscle and joint pain, including jaw pain, lowered mood and feeling tired even after sleeping. The causes aren't known; however, researchers believe it may occur due to a combination of factors, including anxiety, trauma, stress, depression, an immune system reaction or poor nutrition. Some clinical evidence has shown that magnesium supplementation may help chronic fatigue syndrome, although results have been mixed.
Facts about Magnesium
Magnesium is a crucial mineral for a number of important biological processes, including cardiovascular functioning, muscle and bone development and the regulation of calcium levels in your body. A lack of magnesium can cause symptoms similar to those experienced by people with chronic fatigue syndrome, including anxiety, muscle aches and pains, tension, insomnia and TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, according to Dr. Michael Schachter in an article about the importance of magnesium for the Schachter Center for Complementary Medicine. A few studies have shown that magnesium may help to alleviate fatigue and increase energy, although more research is needed to fully evaluate its benefits.
Clinical Evidence
A study published in the March 1991 issue of "The Lancet," a journal specializing in clinical medicine and public health, examined the effects of magnesium supplementation on patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, based on the hypothesis that people suffering from this disorder have low red blood cell magnesium. The results of this study found that magnesium supplementation had a beneficial effect on mood and feelings of well-being and helped to improve energy levels in study participants. However, another study, published in the September 1994 issue of the "Annals of Clinical Biochemistry," found no difference in magnesium levels of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and healthy controls. Additionally, magnesium supplementation was not found to have any benefit on symptoms of fatigue.
Considerations
While there is some evidence to suggest that magnesium may help symptoms of chronic fatigue, there is not enough research to unequivocally confirm its benefits. If you think you have chronic fatigue syndrome, you should consult your doctor before taking a magnesium supplement. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a number of medications and treatments may help your symptoms. Consult your doctor to discuss possible treatment options.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Schacter Center for Complementary Medicine: Importance of Magnesium
- "The Lancet"; Red blood cell magnesium and chronic fatigue syndrome; I.M. Cox, et al; March 1991
- "Annals of Clinical Biochemistry"; Normal red cell magnesium concentrations and magnesium loading tests in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome; G. Hinds, et al; September 1994
Member Comments