What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Headaches & Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium is essential for many body functions. Magnesium deficiencies may lead to many chronic disorders. According to Connective Tissue Disorder Site, migraines, fibromyalgia, asthma and allergies have all been linked to magnesium deficiencies. Magnesium deficiency may be replenished by eating a healthy diet.
Function
Magnesium is essential to the activation of enzymes, energy production and regulation of mineral levels. It is also vital to every organ in the body for proper functioning. Magnesium helps in keeping a steady heart rate, maintaining strong bones and plays a role in protein synthesis, metabolic process, blood pressure, peripheral blood flow, neuromuscular transmission and converting blood sugar into energy.
Causes
Benefits of Magnesium Aspartate
Learn More
A lack of magnesium may lead to headaches due to the dilation of blood vessels. According to the USDA, a person’s magnesium status is associated with the intensity and frequency of migraine headaches, heart conditions and high blood pressure. They also state that nearly half of the people suffering from migraine headaches show to have a low amount of ionized magnesium in their blood.
Symptoms
Symptoms of headaches may include sensitivity to light and noise, visual impairment and irritability. In addition, you may experience severe throbbing in the temple area or behind the eyes. Nausea and vomiting as well as confusion and hearing impairment may accompany the more severe headaches.
Assessment
A Magnesium Deficit & Dehydration
Learn More
If you are experiencing frequent headaches, consult with your physician. She will run blood tests to check your magnesium levels and determine the type of treatment needed.
Treatments
The type of treatment needed for the headaches caused by magnesium deficiency depends on the level of magnesium in your blood. Mild magnesium deficiency and headaches may be treated by increasing the magnesium in your diet. Green vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grain bread and some beans are good sources of magnesium. More severe deficiencies may have to be treated with an IV drip. Magnesium supplements are also available in the form of magnesium malate 1. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, the recommended daily magnesium intake varies on age and gender 1.
- The type of treatment needed for the headaches caused by magnesium deficiency depends on the level of magnesium in your blood.
- Mild magnesium deficiency and headaches may be treated by increasing the magnesium in your diet.
Warnings
If you find that you are still experiencing severe headaches or migraine headaches after you changed your diet or started a supplement regimen, consult your physician immediately as they may indicate more severe underlying health conditions.
Related Articles
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Magnesium
- Rodríguez-Morán M, Guerrero-Romero F. Oral Magnesium Supplementation Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Metabolic Control in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects: A randomized double-blind controlled trial. Diabetes Care.2003 Apr;26(4):1147-52. doi:10.2337/diacare.26.4.1147
- Office of Dietary Supplements/National Institutes of Health. Magnesium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Bethesda, Maryland; updated July 11, 2019.
- Kass LS, Poeira F. The effect of acute vs chronic magnesium supplementation on exercise and recovery on resistance exercise, blood pressure and total peripheral resistance on normotensive adults. J Int Soc Sports Nut. 2015;12:19. doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0081-z
- Morais JBS, Severo JS, de Alencar GRR, et al. Effect of magnesium supplementation on insulin resistance in humans: A systematic review. Nutrition. 2017 Jun;38:54-60. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2017.01.009
- Rosanoff A, Weaver CM, Rude RK. Suboptimal magnesium status in the United States: are the health consequences underestimated? Nutr Rev. 2012 Mar;70(3):153-64. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2011.00465.x
- Zhang X, Li Y, Del Gobbo LC, et al. Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Blood Pressure: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trials. Hypertension. 2016;68:324-33. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.116.07664
Writer Bio
Michelle Lawson began her professional writing career in 2010, with her work appearing on various websites. She emphasizes alternative approaches to health-related issues. She is certified as a Sports Nutritionist by the International Fitness Association. Lawson graduated from ATI College of Health with honors, earning her associate degree in medical assisting.