Magnesium for Tremors

Magnesium deficiency can cause tremulousness and correcting it resolves that. Beyond deficiency, no controlled trial supports magnesium for any recognised tremor disorder.

Overview

Magnesium deficiency can cause tremulousness and correcting it resolves that. Beyond deficiency, no controlled trial supports magnesium for any recognised tremor disorder.

Verdict

Insufficient evidence

Magnesium only helps tremor when deficiency is the cause, which is uncommon. There is no trial evidence for essential tremor or Parkinsonian tremor.

How It Works

Magnesium stabilises neuronal membranes, antagonises NMDA receptors and modulates neuromuscular excitability. Depletion — from alcohol use, diuretics, proton pump inhibitors or malabsorption — increases excitability and can produce tremor, twitching and, at extremes, tetany.

Dosing & Protocol

Typical dose

Recommended dose: 200-400mg elemental daily where deficiency is suspected
Expected timeframe: If deficiency is the driver, improvement is usually seen within four to eight weeks.

Protocol

form: Magnesium glycinate or citrate
notes: Investigate the cause of any confirmed deficiency rather than supplementing indefinitely
duration: 8 weeks before judging
titration: Up to 400mg if tolerated
starting dose: 200mg elemental daily with food

Evidence

What the studies say

Evidence is limited to case-based and observational reports of tremor resolving with correction of hypomagnesaemia, plus mechanistic plausibility. There are no randomised controlled trials of magnesium in essential tremor or Parkinson's disease tremor. Serum magnesium is an insensitive marker of total body stores, which complicates both diagnosis and interpretation of the existing literature.

No studies are yet linked to both Magnesium and Tremors.

Safety

Caveats

Loose stools limit the dose with citrate and oxide forms. Reduce dose in chronic kidney disease. Do not delay neurological assessment of a new tremor in order to trial magnesium.

Less likely to help if

People with essential tremor, Parkinsonian tremor, or normal magnesium status will not benefit.

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.