Deficiency in magnesium is suspected to play a role in the pathogenesis of migraine headaches for several reasons. Deficiency can increase muscle tension, enhance the perception of anxiety or depression, alter neurotransmitter release, interfere with blood pressure, and alter aggregation of blood platelets. Azoulay A, Garzon P, Eisenberg MJ. Comparison of the mineral content of tap water and bottled waters. J Gen Intern Med 2001;16:168-75. [ PubMed abstract] Kutsal E, Aydemir C, Eldes N, Demirel F, Polat R, Taspnar O, Kulah E. Severe hypermagnesemia as a result of excessive cathartic ingestion in a child without renal failure. Pediatr Emerg Care 2007;23:570-2. [ PubMed abstract]

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) FoodData Central [ 10] lists the nutrient content of many foods and provides comprehensive list of foods containing magnesium arranged by nutrient content and by food name. Dietary supplementsLarsson SC, Wolk A. Magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. J Intern Med 2007;262:208-14. [ PubMed abstract] Magnesium glycinate comes in several forms, including liquid and capsule form. Capsules are the most common type of magnesium glycinate supplement. Magnesium glycinate is typically available in capsules containing 120 milligrams or 125 milligrams, which means most people need to take several doses per day to meet their needs (usually between 250 and 420 milligrams for adults). Magnesium Glycinate vs. Citrate Lindberg JS, Zobitz MM, Poindexter JR, Pak CY. Magnesium bioavailability from magnesium citrate and magnesium oxide. J Am Coll Nutr 1990;9:48-55. [ PubMed abstract] If a person suspects that they have a magnesium deficiency, they should schedule a visit with their doctor to have a blood test and confirm their magnesium levels. Despite how essential it is to consume enough magnesium on a regular basis, many adults are believed to be magnesium-deficient — up to 70 percent to 90 percent of the population, according to some findings.

However, research on the use of magnesium supplements to prevent or reduce symptoms of migraine headaches is limited. Three of four small, short-term, placebo-controlled trials found modest reductions in the frequency of migraines in patients given up to 600 mg/day magnesium [ 54]. The authors of a review on migraine prophylaxis suggested that taking 300 mg magnesium twice a day, either alone or in combination with medication, can prevent migraines [ 55].The kidneys clear excess magnesium from the body, and people with renal problems or kidney failure are more likely to absorb too much magnesium.