From the Guidelines
Magnesium glycinate is not a recommended treatment for muscle movements due to the lack of evidence supporting its efficacy for this specific use case. When considering the use of magnesium supplements for muscle-related concerns, it's essential to look at the available evidence and guidelines. According to the american gastroenterological association-american college of gastroenterology clinical practice guideline 1, magnesium is beneficial for constipation-related symptoms, but the bioavailability and clinical efficacy of formulations like magnesium glycinate are unknown. The guideline discusses the use of magnesium oxide (MgO) for chronic idiopathic constipation, highlighting its efficacy and tolerability, but notes that other formulations, including magnesium glycinate, have not been evaluated in clinical trials 1. Key points to consider when evaluating magnesium supplements for muscle movements include:
- The lack of evidence supporting the use of magnesium glycinate for muscle movements
- The potential benefits of magnesium oxide for constipation-related symptoms, as discussed in the guideline 1
- The importance of consulting with a healthcare provider before starting supplementation, especially for individuals with kidney problems or those taking medications that may interact with magnesium. In clinical practice, if a patient is experiencing muscle cramps or spasms, it's crucial to assess their overall health and consider other evidence-based treatments before recommending magnesium glycinate or any other supplement.
From the Research
Magnesium Glycinate for Muscle Movements
- Magnesium supplements are often used to prevent skeletal muscle cramps, but their efficacy remains unclear 2
- A 2020 study found that oral magnesium was associated with mostly gastrointestinal adverse events, and it is unlikely that magnesium supplementation provides clinically meaningful cramp prophylaxis to older adults experiencing skeletal muscle cramps 2
- However, another study published in 2024 found that magnesium supplementation reduced muscle soreness, improved performance, recovery, and induced a protective effect on muscle damage in physically active individuals 3
- The optimal type, timing, and dosage of magnesium intake are not well elucidated, but it is suggested that individuals engaged in intense exercise should have a magnesium requirement 10-20% higher than sedentary people, to be taken in capsules and 2 hours before training 3
- A 2019 systematic review found that the evidence for the effectiveness of magnesium supplementation on restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder is unclear 4
- A 2022 study found that magnesium supplementation significantly reduced muscle soreness, improved perceived recovery, and had some evidence for positive performance impact in college-aged male and female subjects 5
Key Findings
- Magnesium supplementation may not be effective in preventing skeletal muscle cramps in older adults 2
- Magnesium supplementation may be beneficial in reducing muscle soreness and improving performance in physically active individuals 3, 5
- The optimal dosage and timing of magnesium intake are not well established 3
- More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of magnesium supplementation on restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder 4