Evidence supporting the use of: Magnesium Citrate
For the health condition: Headache (tension)

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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.

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