Red blood cell magnesium and chronic fatigue syndrome
Cox IM, Campbell MJ, Dowson D
Published in The Lancet
Methodology
Paired case-control study plus a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of weekly intramuscular magnesium sulphate for 6 weeks; outcomes by Nottingham Health Profile and red cell magnesium.
Key Findings
A case-control arm found 20 chronic fatigue syndrome patients had lower red cell magnesium than 20 matched healthy controls (difference 0.1 mmol/l, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.15). In the accompanying trial, 32 patients received weekly intramuscular magnesium sulphate (15) or placebo (17) for 6 weeks; 12 of 15 treated patients reported benefit versus 3 of 17 on placebo (difference 62%, 95% CI 35 to 90). Nottingham Health Profile scores showed better energy, emotional state and less pain with magnesium, and red cell magnesium normalised in all treated patients but only 1 on placebo.
Conclusions
Magnesium-treated patients reported improved energy, emotional state and less pain.
Limitations
Small trial (15 vs 17) relying largely on subjective self-report of benefit; the findings were widely disputed in published correspondence and later trials have not consistently replicated them.
Supplements Studied
Patients treated with magnesium claimed to have improved energy levels, better emotional state, and less pain.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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