Some research suggests a link between magnesium levels in the body and multiple sclerosis (MS). However, other research has found no link. Magnesium deficiency and MS have overlapping symptoms, such as muscle weakness and stiffness.
Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the body, and it is available from food and supplements.
Magnesium helps support many functions in the body, including:
- muscle and nerve function
- energy production
- blood sugar control
- regulation of blood pressure
- development of bone structure
- normal heart rhythm
- muscle contraction
MS is a central nervous system disease. Research suggests there may be a link between magnesium and MS.
This article looks at the possible link between the two and whether increasing magnesium intake benefits MS.
Conflicting research exists regarding a possible link between magnesium and MS. Some research suggests magnesium deficiency may play a role in MS, while other studies have found no link between the two.
A 2022 article looked at the link between magnesium and neurodegenerative diseases such as MS.
Magnesium stabilizes the resting state of nerve membranes, which is essential for the body to function properly.
Magnesium deficiency contributes to low-grade inflammation throughout the body, which is a factor in many diseases.
Neuroinflammation, or inflammation of the central nervous system, contributes to tissue damage in neurodegenerative conditions.
The article suggests magnesium may help manage neuroinflammation and delay some neurodegenerative diseases.
A 2021 review compared the levels of minerals in people with MS to those without MS to see if there was a difference.
The review found no notable difference in magnesium levels between people with MS and those without MS.
A long term, large-scale
Magnesium deficiency is
Some symptoms of magnesium deficiency and MS may overlap. Early symptoms of magnesium deficiency include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
- weakness
As a magnesium deficiency progresses, it can cause symptoms such as:
- numbness
- tingling
- muscle contractions
- cramps
- personality changes
- seizures
- abnormal heart rhythms
- coronary spasms, which is a temporary narrowing of the arteries supplying the heart
Severe magnesium deficiency can cause low levels of calcium or potassium in the blood. Magnesium is required for parathyroid hormone activation. Low parathyroid hormone causes a low calcium level, and low magnesium causes the body to lose excess potassium through urine.
Some of these symptoms can overlap with symptoms of MS, such as:
According to a 2022 article, magnesium has anti-inflammatory effects, which may protect against the inflammation and degeneration in the central nervous system that happens with MS.
The article references older research in which magnesium supplementation helped improve severe weakness and stiffness in the legs of a young person with MS.
Vitamin D deficiency may also play a role in MS. Magnesium is necessary for vitamin D metabolism and may be a recommended supplement for treating people with vitamin D deficiency.
Some research found treatment with magnesium and vitamin D significantly reduced exacerbations, or flare-ups, in people with MS compared with those who did not have treatment.
Conflicting research exists about blood magnesium levels and MS. Some research suggests that normal magnesium levels may improve the clinical course of MS compared with low levels.
Other research has found reduced magnesium levels in people with MS, while other studies have found no difference in magnesium levels between those with and without MS.
Topical magnesium may help relieve sore muscles and improve sleep, although more research is necessary to confirm the effects.
If people are considering taking magnesium for MS, they can talk with a doctor about possible options and doses.
Magnesium is present in many different foods and drinks, some medications, and is also available as a supplement.
Sources of magnesium in food and drink
- green leafy vegetables, such as spinach
- legumes, such as black beans and kidney beans
- nuts and nut butters, such as almonds, cashews, and peanuts
- seeds, such as pumpkin and chia seeds
- whole grains, such as wholewheat bread and brown rice
- soymilk
- edamame
- milk and yogurt
- potatoes with the skin on
- oatmeal
- fortified breakfast cereals
- some fruits, including bananas, avocado, apples, and raisins
- some vegetables, including broccoli and carrots
- some fish, including salmon and halibut
- chicken
- beef
What supplements should you avoid with multiple sclerosis?
People with MS may need to avoid supplements that can overstimulate the immune system, such as echinacea and elderberry, which could worsen MS.
It is important to check with a doctor before taking supplements, as some may interact with MS or medications.
What is the most common side effect of magnesium?
Excess magnesium may cause gastrointestinal side effects,
Does magnesium help with tight muscles?
Possibly. Magnesium plays an important role in muscle function. A small 2022 study looked at the effects of magnesium supplementation on muscle soreness in college-aged participants.
The study found magnesium significantly reduced muscle soreness and improved perceived recovery after exercise.
Conflicting research exists on magnesium and MS. There is no conclusive evidence of a link between the two.
If people have any symptoms of magnesium deficiency, they can talk with a doctor who may perform a blood test to check their levels. Doctors can also advise about magnesium supplementation.
