Question:
Does magnesium reduce night time leg cramp symptoms in pregnant women better than placebo?
Answer:
Yes
MedHead Confidence Score: 2
Amount Saved: $50 medical research time
MedHead Message:
If you’re pregnant, and have chronic leg cramps, take magnesium 500mg daily. I prefer taking at night as it’s muscle relaxing properties can help with sleep onset to some degree. Magnesium oxide is the most common form, however, it doesn’t absorb as easily as a chelated form of magnesium, such as magnesium citrate. Having said that, the difference is not significant so don’t go overboard buying expensive magnesium just for the sake of spending more money. You can pick up a bottle of 200 + tablets at your local pharmacy for around $10-$12. I don’t know how to calculate amount of money spent in sleepless nights due to leg cramps, but it’s definitely worth trying!
References:
1. Dahle LO, Berg G, Hammar M, et al. The effect of oral magnesium substitution on pregnancy-induced leg cramps. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1995;173:175-180
2. Young G, Jewell D. Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2002, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD000121. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000121.
