While migraines are a common affliction among Americans, there is still much research to be done regarding the connection between magnesium and migraine relief. Magnesium may be helpful in relieving migraines because it can help build a stronger nervous system.
Magnesium
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, magnesium is one of the most common elements in your body, which uses it in over 300 chemical reactions. It helps keep your nerves and muscles working properly, it helps regulate your heart rate, and it helps build strong bones. In order to keep your body working properly -- including the mechanisms that can prevent migraines -- you need to get the daily recommended amount of magnesium, which is 400 mg for men and 300 mg for women.
Migraines and Intracellular Magnesium Levels
Results of a study conducted by the New York Headache Center indicate that chronic migraine sufferers have lower magnesium levels in their red and white blood cells than those who do not have migraines. Oral magnesium supplements seem to increase the levels of magnesium within cells, and this may lessen the frequency and intensity of migraines. In this placebo study, patients who took 600 mg of magnesium daily had fewer migraines than those who were not taking any supplements.
Magnesium, Women and Migraines
Reporting in April 2010, MayoClinic.com estimated that around 30 million Americans suffer from chronic migraine headaches, with women outnumbering men by a ratio of 2 or 3 to 1. At the same time, women are also more likely to suffer from a magnesium deficiency. While more research has to be conducted regarding the implications of this, magnesium supplements may help women suffering from migraines. Unfortunately, magnesium does not seem to be helpful for women who suffer from migraines related to their menstrual cycles.
Other Research
While getting your DRI of magnesium may help prevent migraines, a study at the Department of Neurology at the University of Vienna seems to demonstrate that doses lower than 600 mg may not normally be effective. In this study, 485 mg of magnesium daily was insufficient to reduce the frequency of migraines. However, high doses of magnesium have caused negative effects in some individuals, including diarrhea and stomach irritation, so talk to your doctor before beginning a magnesium regimen to help relieve your migraines.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Magnesium; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; June 2009
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University; Macronutrient Information Center: Magnesium; Jane Higdon, Ph.D., et al.; August 2007
- MayoClinic.org; Migraine: Many Options to Prevent and Treat; April 2010
- MedlinePlus; Magnesium; March 2011
