Headaches and Magnesium: Mechanisms, Bioavailability, Therapeutic Efficacy and Potential Advantage of Magnesium Pidolate

Abstract

Magnesium deficiency may occur for several reasons, such as inadequate intake or increased gastrointestinal or renal loss. A large body of literature suggests a relationship between magnesium deficiency and mild and moderate tension-type headaches and migraines. A number of double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trials have shown that magnesium is efficacious in relieving headaches and have led to the recommendation of oral magnesium for headache relief in several national and international guidelines. Among several magnesium salts available to treat magnesium deficiency, magnesium pidolate may have high bioavailability and good penetration at the intracellular level. Here, we discuss the cellular and molecular effects of magnesium deficiency in the brain and the clinical evidence supporting the use of magnesium for the treatment of headaches and migraines.

Magnesium for Pain Treatment in 2021? State of the Art

“…A total of 315 articles were identified; 226 articles were discarded (not conforming to the inclusion criteria). Eighty RCTs and 8 systematic reviews [ 10 , 13 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ] were appropriate for this review (adequacy of the abstract with the review: exploration of the efficacy of Mg in pain and consumption of analgesics) ( Figure 1 ). Pain reduction was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) (0 no pain—10 (or 100) worst possible), and evaluated at different times, or with questionnaires specific to the pathology as described further.…”

Use of Nutraceutical Ingredient Combinations in the Management of Tension-Type Headaches with or without Sleep Disorders

“…A large body of evidence suggests that low levels of magnesium may lead to neuronal dysfunction, and are often observed in individuals with headache [ 45 ]. Magnesium also acts as an antagonist of calcium channels, preventing the excessive activation of excitatory synapses such as NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartate) receptors, and plays a role in downregulating inflammation [ 46 ]. Furthermore, it may block serotonin-induced vasoconstriction in blood vessels [ 46 ].…”

“…Magnesium also acts as an antagonist of calcium channels, preventing the excessive activation of excitatory synapses such as NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartate) receptors, and plays a role in downregulating inflammation [ 46 ]. Furthermore, it may block serotonin-induced vasoconstriction in blood vessels [ 46 ].…”

“…Recent evidence suggests a relationship between magnesium deficiency and mild-to-moderate TTH [ 46 , 47 , 48 ] ( Figure 2 ). Due to its high potential bioavailability, magnesium may have special relevance for the treatment of some neurological conditions, including headache, and could be a well-tolerated option for reducing the frequency of attacks, up to dosages of 1500 mg [ 46 ].…”

“…From a tolerability point of view, magnesium appears to be absolutely safe, with most of the studies reporting either no adverse events, or only soft stools or diarrhea [ 46 ].…”