Potion or Poison? Magnesium for muscle cramps

Abstract

SUMMARY MESSAGE: The literature is conflicting with regard to the effectiveness of magnesium in the setting of pregnancy-related cramps at rest. Based on supporting data, it is unlikely that magnesium supplementation provides clinically meaningful cramp prophylaxis to older adults. There is no more than anecdotal evidence to support combination magnesium and other vitamins and minerals available over the counter. Magnesium supplementation is generally well tolerated in therapeutic doses, except in renal impairment.