Is Magnesium (Mg) threonate effective for migraine prophylaxis?

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Last updated: February 14, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

Magnesium (Mg) Threonate for Migraine Prophylaxis

There is limited information available on the specific use of Magnesium (Mg) threonate for migraine prophylaxis. However, the available evidence on magnesium in general can be considered:

  • Magnesium deficiency may play a role in the pathogenesis of migraine headaches by promoting cortical spreading depression, alteration of neurotransmitter release, and the hyperaggregation of platelets 1, 2.
  • Studies have shown that preventive treatment with oral magnesium and acute headache treatment with intravenous magnesium may be effective, particularly in certain subsets of patients 1, 2.
  • The available evidence suggests that up to 50% of patients during an acute migraine attack have lowered levels of ionized magnesium, and infusion of magnesium results in a rapid and sustained relief of an acute migraine in such patients 2.
  • Chronic oral magnesium supplementation may also reduce the frequency of migraine headaches 2, 3.
  • Magnesium has a potential role in the prophylaxis of migraine headache, but the results in acute therapy are far less convincing 4.
  • A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that oral magnesium supplements significantly alleviated the frequency and intensity of migraine 3.
  • Magnesium deficiency can cause neurological complications, and deficits in magnesium have a significant role in the pathogenesis of migraine 5.

Key Findings

  • Magnesium may have a potential role in the prophylaxis of migraine headache 4, 3.
  • Oral magnesium supplementation may reduce the frequency of migraine headaches 2, 3.
  • Magnesium deficiency is related to the pathogenesis of migraine 1, 2, 5.

Magnesium Forms and Administration

  • The studies mentioned above do not specifically discuss Magnesium (Mg) threonate, but rather magnesium in general 1, 2, 4, 3, 5.
  • Different forms of magnesium and administration methods may have varying effects on migraine prophylaxis and treatment 5.

References

Research

Role of magnesium in the pathogenesis and treatment of migraine.

Expert review of neurotherapeutics, 2009

Research

Role of magnesium in the pathogenesis and treatment of migraines.

Clinical neuroscience (New York, N.Y.), 1998

Research

Should magnesium be given to every migraineur? No.

Journal of neural transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996), 2012

Research

The Role of Magnesium in Pathophysiology and Migraine Treatment.

Biological trace element research, 2020

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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