Remedy · nutrient
Magnesium
Also: Mg
An essential mineral widely recommended for cramps — though the best evidence is unconvincing.
Evidence by condition
Each grade reflects the research for Magnesium and that condition specifically.
- DMuscle cramps
For idiopathic or nocturnal leg cramps in older adults, magnesium is probably no better than placebo; pregnancy-related cramp data are inconsistent.
2 citation s
- Magnesium for skeletal muscle cramps Systematic review 2020 · n=735 · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD009402.pub3
- Magnesium — Health Professional Fact Sheet NIH ODS · accessed 2026-06-21
- Magnesium for skeletal muscle cramps
Magnesium is essential in the diet, and correcting a true deficiency matters — but taking extra for ordinary leg cramps is not supported by the best trials.