Magnesium is often sold with a cramp claim. A systematic review found different levels of evidence for older adults, pregnancy and exercise-related cramps.
A Cochrane review found moderate-certainty evidence from five studies suggesting magnesium is unlikely to meaningfully reduce the frequency or severity of common muscle cramps in older adults.
Cochrane review, 2020 ↗Five studies in pregnancy had important design and reporting limits, and their results did not consistently show benefit. The review could not draw a reliable combined conclusion for this group.
Cochrane review, 2020 ↗The review included no trials of people who cramp during exercise. Its search ended in September 2019, so this statement describes that review’s evidence base rather than every study published since.
Cochrane review, 2020 ↗These findings do not identify a best product. Our product table compares label amounts and cost, while a clinician can help assess persistent or severe cramps in context.
Editorial summary by Foundlab from the linked public research. General information, not medical advice. For persistent symptoms or personal suitability, speak with your GP or pharmacist. See all sources and dataset notes.