Evidence supporting the use of: Magnesium Citrate
For the health condition: Headache (tension)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Magnesium citrate is sometimes used to support or treat tension headaches, and there is a moderate amount of scientific evidence underlying this practice. Magnesium deficiency has been associated with an increased frequency of headaches, including migraine and tension-type headaches. Several studies and reviews suggest that magnesium supplementation, including magnesium citrate (a well-absorbed form), may help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches in individuals with low magnesium levels.
The proposed mechanism is that magnesium plays a crucial role in neuromuscular transmission and vascular tone, both of which are implicated in tension headaches. Some randomized controlled trials have found benefit for magnesium supplementation in headache reduction, though results are more consistent for migraines than for tension-type headaches specifically. A 2012 review in "The Journal of Headache and Pain" noted limited but promising evidence for magnesium in tension-type headaches, but called for larger, more rigorous studies. The American Headache Society includes magnesium as a potential option for headache prevention, particularly in those with documented deficiency.
In summary, magnesium supplementation, including as magnesium citrate, has some scientific support for reducing tension headache symptoms, especially in individuals with low magnesium levels. However, the quality and quantity of evidence is moderate, and more robust research is needed to determine its efficacy specifically for tension-type headaches.
Other ingredients used for Headache (tension)
ashwagandhawaterhyssop
black cumin
Indian frankincense
chamomile
cucumber
turmeric
turmeric
feverfew
ginger
greek mountain tea
kudzu
lavender
lemon
licorice root
magnesium
moringa
passionflower
passionflower
Peppermint
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
sage
schizonepeta
triphala
chickweed
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
commiphora
blackboard tree
peony
Szechuan lovage
morus
chrysanthemum
wintergreen
menthol oil
aster root
cayenne pepper
Avens
Agastache
Angelica
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Amor seco
Atractylone
Black Seed
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Bael
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Black willow
black salt
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black Hellebore
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cinquefoil
Citron
Cajuput
Coca
Campylandra fimbriata
Centipeda
Corydalis
Carthamus
cola nut
Clerodendrum indicum
DIVI-DIVI
Dragonhead
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
Elephant's Head
Fernbush
Gnaphalium
Gardenia jasminoides
Galangal
Henna
Herb Robert
Hempnettle
Horsemint
Indian Coraltree
Indian Fagonia
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
Litsea
Linden
Ligustilides
Lotus
Labrador Tea
Large-Leaved Linden
Loranthus
Linalool
Mentha haplocalyx
Mustard
Mallow
Malva sylvestris
Mountain mahogany
Matapalo Tree
Morning Glory
Meadowsweet
Macaranga indica
Nardostachys
Nymphaea nouchali
Osha
Onosma bracteatum
Osmanthus
Premna
Piper chaba
Pulsatilla
Pluchea
Pimpinella
Paeoniflorin
Poppy
Plectranthus amboinicus
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Rue
Rubiaceae
Sophora
Spanish Needle
Self-Heal
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Sagebrush
Sandalwood
Semecarpus anacardium
Stereospermum
Sweet Bay
Storax
Sedanenolide
Tamarind
Vervain
Water Pepper
Willow
Winter Begonia
Winter Savory
Yerba buena
Zingerone
Other health conditions supported by Magnesium Citrate
AnxietyCardiovascular Disease
Constipation (adults)
Cramps (leg)
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Hypertension
Insomnia
Kidney Stones
Muscle Tone (lack of)
PMS (general)
Restless Leg Syndrome
Stress