Magnesium supplementation for the treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder: A systematic review
Marshall NS
Published in Sleep Medicine Reviews
Methodology
Systematic search for all articles reporting effects of magnesium supplementation on restless legs syndrome or periodic limb movement disorder; two reviewers screened titles and abstracts, eligible studies were scored for quality as interventional trials, and evidence was synthesised narratively.
Key Findings
This systematic review screened 855 abstracts for evidence that magnesium helps restless legs syndrome or periodic limb movement disorder and found only eight usable studies: one randomised placebo-controlled trial, three case series and four case reports (seven further full-text articles could not be located). The single randomised trial found no significant treatment effect of magnesium, though it may have been underpowered. After quality appraisal the authors were unable to reach any conclusion about whether magnesium is effective, or in which patients it might help.
Conclusions
Evidence is insufficient to conclude whether magnesium helps RLS or periodic limb movement disorder.
Limitations
Almost no controlled evidence exists: the review rests on one small randomised trial plus case reports and series, and seven potentially relevant full-text articles could not be obtained, so publication and reporting bias cannot be assessed.
Supplements Studied
We were unable to make a conclusion as to the effectiveness of magnesium for RLS/PLMD.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.