Overview

Magnesium has shown to be of some value in reducing the frequency of cluster headaches. There is also evidence that it can help prevent migraines.

A study of patients with cluster headache found that 41% obtained 'significant clinical response' to intravenous magnesium. Those patients who started the study with low blood magnesium levels were more likely to experience relief, suggesting that magnesium deficiency can trigger or make some people more susceptible to CH. (abstract (cache))

Another study found that lowered energy levels in the brains of cluster headache sufferers was linked to low magnesium levels. The researchers concluded that low magnesium was not the cause of the lowered energy levels. That study did not investigate whether magnesium was of benefit in preventing CH.

Magnesium is involved in melatonin production and the circadian clocks in the human body. abstract (cache) In particular, a deficiency of magnesium can impair the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. abstract (cache)

While only intravenous magnesium has been shown to help with clusterheadaches, it is reasonable to assume that oral magnesium supplements might also help some people. There is evidence that oral magnesium does help with migraines. A discussion of magnesium and migraine is attached below; although cluster headaches and migraines are distinct conditions, there are enough similarities to make this research of interest.

Role of Magnesium in the Body

Magnesium plays a wide variety of biochemical roles in the body. It is involved in regulating ion balance, and is related to calcium, sodium and potassium levels in the blood and within cells. Magnesium is a weak calcium channel blocker, which may be of interest to those with cluster headaches, as the calcium channel blocker Verapamil can prevent cluster headaches. Magnesium is involved in vascular functioning, blood pressure regulation, and is considered anti-spasmodic. Low magnesium has been linked to problems with the autonomic nervous system. abstract (cache)

Magnesium is essential for insulin regulation, and there is some evidence that suggests that higher intake of magnesium may protect against Type 2 diabetes. (source (cache))

Magnesium is a co-factor for more enzymes than any other mineral, and a deficiency can have widespread effects on the body.

According to the University of Maryland's Altmed site, "Too much coffee, soda, salt, or alcohol intake as well as heavy menstrual periods, excessive sweating, and prolonged stress can also lower magnesium levels." (link out (cache))

Forms of Magnesium

Magnesium can have a laxative effect, and some forms of magnesium are more prone to do this. Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is a strong laxative if taken internally, as is milk of magnesia (Magnesium hydroxide).

The most common form of magnesium in supplement tablets is Magnesium oxide; it can have a laxative effect in some people, although it tends to be milder than epsom salts or milk of magnesia. Often, the body will adjust to magnesium oxide after a period of a few days.

Chelated magnesium is the form least likely to loosen the stools when taken orally. Chelated magnesium may also be better absorbed. Some types of chelated magnesium include:

• Magnesium citrate
• Magnesium malate
• Magnesium orotate
• Magnesium aspartate
• Magnesium gluconate
• Magnesium lactate
• Magnesium - amino acid complex.

Some products that are labeled 'chelated' are actually magnesium oxide with a small amount of a chelated form mixed in - it pays to read the labels.

Soaking in a tub with added epsom salts does result in significant absorption of magnesium through the skin. The soaking method does not have a laxative effect, and soaking may be more efficient for those with certain digestive problems (crohns or celiac disease). Soaking for 15 minutes with approximately one pound of epsom salts in a standard bath has been shown to increase magnesium levels in the blood and urine. This method is more expensive, costing approximately 50 cents to a dollar per treatment.

Vitacost offers a good magnesium malate product; two tablets provide 88% of the RDA at a cost approximately 15 cents per day.

Precautions

Those with heart or kidney disease should consult with their doctor before taking supplemental Magnesium. Although magnesium can help with certain types of heart and kidney disease, it can aggravate others.

Excessive amounts of magnesium can disturb electrolyte levels - anything above a moderate intake of magnesium should considered only under medical supervision..

Dosage

The Daily Value recommendation for Magnesium from the US Government is between 310 and 400 milligrams per day, depending on age, gender and other factors.

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