Magnesium for Shakiness

Magnesium only helps shakiness when a genuine deficiency is present, which is uncommon outside alcohol use, diuretics or malabsorption.

Overview

Magnesium only helps shakiness when a genuine deficiency is present, which is uncommon outside alcohol use, diuretics or malabsorption.

Verdict

Insufficient evidence

No trial evidence supports magnesium for ordinary adrenergic shakiness.

How It Works

Magnesium stabilises neuromuscular excitability by antagonising calcium at the motor end plate; deficiency lowers the threshold for tremor and tetany.

Dosing & Protocol

Typical dose

Recommended dose: 200-400mg elemental magnesium daily only if deficiency is suspected
Expected timeframe: If deficiency is the cause, improvement within 2-4 weeks of repletion.

Protocol

form: Glycinate or citrate
notes: Avoid oxide — poor absorption, worst diarrhoea
duration: Reassess at 4 weeks
titration: Up to 400mg if tolerated
starting dose: 200mg elemental daily

Evidence

What the studies say

Case series in documented hypomagnesaemia show tremor and neuromuscular irritability resolving with repletion, but there are no randomised trials of magnesium for shakiness in people with normal levels. Serum magnesium is a poor marker of total body stores, which fuels speculative use, but that uncertainty is not evidence of benefit. Most shakiness is adrenergic — hypoglycaemia, caffeine, anxiety, thyroid excess — and magnesium addresses none of those mechanisms.

Magnesium supplementation and subjective anxiety: a systematic review

Score: 6/10

2017

systematic_review

Boyle NB, Lawton C, Dye L

Existing evidence is suggestive of a beneficial effect of Mg on subjective anxiety in anxiety vulnerable samples. However, the quality of the existing evidence is poor.

View source

Safety

Caveats

Diarrhoea is dose-limiting, particularly with oxide. Accumulates in chronic kidney disease — avoid without specialist advice if eGFR is reduced.

Less likely to help if

Anyone whose shakiness is driven by low glucose, caffeine, anxiety or hyperthyroidism.

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.