Outcome
    Strong Evidence

    Magnesium for Migraine Prevention

    Magnesium is an AAN guideline-listed migraine preventive with RCT evidence for reducing attack frequency, especially in menstrual migraine and migraine with aura.

    Overview

    Magnesium is an AAN guideline-listed migraine preventive with RCT evidence for reducing attack frequency, especially in menstrual migraine and migraine with aura.

    How It Works

    Blocks NMDA receptors and stabilizes cortical excitability, inhibiting cortical spreading depression — the wave underlying aura; also modulates serotonin release and cerebral vasotone.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    400–600 mg/day glycinate or citrate; run at least 3 months.
    Expected timeframe
    4-12 weeks

    Protocol

    form
    Magnesium citrate or dicitrate, which are well absorbed. Magnesium oxide has been used in trials at 400-600 mg but causes more diarrhoea
    duration
    At least 3 months - this is prevention, not acute treatment
    co factor
    Take with food and split the daily dose. Evidence is strong for prophylaxis. Randomised trials and meta-analyses show 400-600 mg/day reduces migraine frequency by roughly 20-40%, and magnesium appears in migraine prevention guidance from multiple headache societies, rated as probably effective by the American Headache Society and recommended by the Canadian Headache Society. People with migraine tend to have lower serum and intracellular magnesium. Mechanistically magnesium blocks NMDA receptors, inhibits cortical spreading depression - the process underlying aura - stabilises cerebral vascular tone, and reduces platelet aggregation and substance P release. Benefit appears particularly good for menstrual migraine and migraine with aura.
    titration
    Increase to 400-600 mg/day over 2-3 weeks, split into two or three doses. Reduce if stools loosen
    starting dose
    200 mg elemental magnesium daily with food for the first week

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    RCTs show 600 mg/day magnesium reduced attack frequency by ~41% vs 16% placebo. Migraineurs show lower brain and serum magnesium levels. The American Academy of Neurology rates magnesium Level B (probably effective) for prevention.

    No studies are yet linked to both Magnesium and Migraine Prevention.

    Safety

    Caveats

    Loose stools are the dose-limiting effect — glycinate is gentler; caution in renal impairment.

    Less likely to help if

    Those with infrequent attacks or purely medication-overuse headache respond poorly; magnesium does not treat acute attacks.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.