Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy
Luo L, et al
Published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Methodology
Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of any intervention for leg cramps in pregnancy; GRADE certainty assessment.
Key Findings
Across 8 trials (576 women), oral magnesium may reduce leg cramp frequency versus placebo in some trials but results were inconsistent; oral calcium showed no clear benefit; vitamin B complex and vitamin C evidence was very low certainty. No intervention was supported by high-quality evidence.
Conclusions
It is unclear from the evidence whether any intervention provides effective treatment for leg cramps in pregnancy.
Limitations
Trials were small, at moderate-to-high risk of bias, used varied cramp definitions and outcome measures, and could not be pooled for most comparisons; certainty of evidence graded low to very low.
Supplements Studied
Across 8 trials (576 women), oral magnesium may reduce leg cramp frequency versus placebo in some trials but results were inconsistent; oral calcium showed no clear benefit; vitamin B complex and vitamin C evidence was very low certainty. No intervention was supported by high-quality evidence.
Across 8 trials (576 women), oral magnesium may reduce leg cramp frequency versus placebo in some trials but results were inconsistent; oral calcium showed no clear benefit; vitamin B complex and vitamin C evidence was very low certainty. No intervention was supported by high-quality evidence.
Across 8 trials (576 women), oral magnesium may reduce leg cramp frequency versus placebo in some trials but results were inconsistent; oral calcium showed no clear benefit; vitamin B complex and vitamin C evidence was very low certainty. No intervention was supported by high-quality evidence.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group (institutional support)
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.