Role of magnesium in migraine treatment

Migraine is a debilitating neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While various treatments are available, magnesium (and specifically magnesium glycinate) has emerged as a promising option for migraine prevention and management.

Understanding Magnesium Glycinate

Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in numerous bodily functions, including nerve signal transmission, muscle contraction, and energy production. Magnesium glycinate is a chelated form of magnesium, meaning it is bound to the amino acid glycine. This form is known for its high bioavailability and gentle effect on the digestive system, making it an ideal choice for individuals who may experience gastrointestinal side effects from other forms of magnesium. Magnesium plays a crucial role in several physiological processes that are relevant to migraine pathophysiology:

- Neurotransmitter Regulation: Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which is implicated in migraine attacks.

- Blood Vessels Tone: Magnesium acts as a natural calcium channel blocker, helping to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, which can prevent the vasoconstriction and vasodilation associated with migraines.

- Inflammation Reduction: Magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the inflammatory response involved in migraine attacks.

Several randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials demonstrated the efficacy of magnesium in migraine prevention and acute treatment. 

Who Is at Risk of Low Magnesium Levels?

Identifying those most at risk for magnesium deficiency is key to understanding who may benefit from magnesium supplementation for migraine relief. Certain groups are more prone to low magnesium, including individuals with heart disease, diabetes, or chronic alcoholism. People who regularly take diuretics for high blood pressure are also at heightened risk, as these medications can increase magnesium loss via urine.

Interestingly, research suggests that people with migraines (often dubbed "migraineurs") may naturally have lower magnesium levels in their brains—even between attacks. This deficiency could be due to genetics, lower absorption from food, or a tendency to excrete more magnesium than average. Studies measuring magnesium in the brain and spinal fluid have highlighted this pattern, reinforcing the mineral’s potential role in migraine susceptibility.

Official Recommendations for Magnesium Use in Migraine Prevention

When it comes to official guidelines, magnesium has received notable recognition from leading neurological organizations for its role in migraine prevention. Based on comprehensive reviews of clinical studies, magnesium is regarded as "probably effective" for reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. As a result, it is frequently recommended as part of a preventive regimen for those who need ongoing migraine management.

Its strong safety profile and minimal risk of serious side effects make magnesium—especially in forms like magnesium glycinate—a preferred choice for many individuals. In fact, healthcare professionals often recommend it either on its own or alongside other preventive therapies to maximize migraine control while minimizing medication risks.

Evidence Linking Magnesium Levels and Migraines

Research suggests a notable connection between migraines and magnesium deficiency, particularly within the brain. One significant challenge is that standard blood tests may not accurately reflect magnesium levels in brain tissue, making it difficult to confirm deficiencies without specialized assessment.

Certain groups—including individuals with heart disease, diabetes, alcohol dependence, or those taking diuretics—tend to have lower magnesium stores. Notably, emerging studies indicate that people who experience migraines, commonly referred to as migraineurs, may be more susceptible to depleted magnesium in the brain. This susceptibility could be due to:

• Impaired absorption of magnesium from food,
• Genetic factors that predispose individuals to low brain magnesium,
• Or excessive excretion of magnesium from the body.

Furthermore, clinical investigations examining the cerebrospinal fluid of migraine sufferers have found reduced magnesium levels between migraine episodes compared to those without migraines. These findings support the theory that suboptimal magnesium levels in the brain may play a role in migraine susceptibility and highlight the importance of magnesium-focused therapies for prevention and management.

Magnesium Glycinate and Menstrually Related Migraines

Research has also shown that regular supplementation with magnesium—particularly magnesium glycinate—can help prevent menstrual migraines. This effect appears especially beneficial for those who experience migraines in the days leading up to their period or have a history of premenstrual migraine attacks. Notably, magnesium’s preventive benefits apply to individuals affected by menstrual migraines, whether their cycles are regular or unpredictable. By supporting balanced neurotransmitter levels and stabilizing blood vessel tone during hormonal shifts, magnesium glycinate may offer targeted relief for women dealing with this cyclical migraine pattern.

Dosage and Safety:

The recommended dosage of magnesium glycinate for migraine prevention varies, but it typically ranges from 200 to 500 mg per day. It is important to adjust the dose to minimize potential side effects such as diarrhea. Magnesium glycinate is generally well-tolerated, but individuals with kidney disease or other health conditions should consult their healthcare provider before starting supplementation.

Conclusion:

Magnesium glycinate offers a promising and well-tolerated option for migraine prevention and management. Its high bioavailability and gentle effect on the digestive system make it a suitable choice for many individuals. While more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and optimal dosing, current evidence supports its use as part of a comprehensive migraine treatment plan.

References:

1. Peikert, A., Wilimzig, C., & Köhne-Volland, R. (1996). Prophylaxis of migraine with oral magnesium: results from a prospective, multi-center, placebo-controlled and double-blind randomized study. Cephalalgia, 16(4), 257-263.

2. Mauskop, A., & Altura, B. T. (1998). Role of magnesium in the pathogenesis and treatment of migraines. Clinical Neuroscience, 5(1), 24-27.

3. Chiu, H. Y., Yeh, T. H., Huang, Y. C., & Chen, P. Y. (2016). Effects of intravenous and oral magnesium on reducing migraine: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pain Physician, 19(1), E97-E112.

Author

Alexander Feoktistov MD, PhD Founder and Director of the Synergy Integrative Headache Center.