The Role of Electrolytes in Muscle Pain Syndromes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis With Implications for Temporomandibular Disorder
Patil S, Falkowski A, Venkataiah VS, Bhandi S, Licari FW, Patil AG
Published in Int Dent J, Vol. 76 (3), pp. 109488
Methodology
PROSPERO-registered systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomised or quasi-randomised trials of magnesium, sodium, calcium or potassium supplementation for muscle cramps or muscle pain.
Key Findings
Magnesium reduced pregnancy-associated cramps (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.05-1.74) but not nocturnal leg cramps in adults. Sodium-based solutions reduced cramp susceptibility in exercise and cirrhosis; calcium and potassium lacked supportive evidence.
Conclusions
Electrolyte effects are context-specific; sodium helps in narrow settings, calcium and potassium are unsupported.
Limitations
Framed around jaw-muscle pain; few sodium trials, all small; mixes populations.
Supplements Studied
Sodium-based interventions are context-specific
Magnesium supplementation benefits pregnancy-related cramps but shows inconsistent effects in other populations
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.