Abstract

Background: Nocturnal leg cramps (NLC) are common among older adults, but evidence supporting magnesium therapy remains inconclusive.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of magnesium in reducing NLC frequency through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Methods: Five RCTs (n = 266) comparing magnesium with placebo were included. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on treatment duration and dosage.
Results: The pooled analysis showed no statistically significant difference in weekly NLC frequency between magnesium and control groups (mean difference = –0.94; 95% CI: –3.09 to 1.20; p = 0.39), with moderate heterogeneity (I² = 65%). In subgroup analyses, magnesium for ≥ 4 weeks (3 studies, n = 182) showed a greater, though nonsignificant, reduction in cramps (mean difference = –1.88; 95% CI: –4.47 to 0.72; p = 0.16). Doses < 1,000 mg/day showed more favorable trends (mean difference = –1.26; 95% CI: –4.35 to 1.84; p = 0.43; I² = 80%)
. Conclusion: Magnesium does not significantly reduce NLC frequency. However, longer treatment durations and moderate dosing may offer potential benefit. Further high-quality RCTs are needed.

Keywords:Magnesium; Nocturnal leg cramp; Night leg cramp

Abbreviations: CI: Confidence Interval; MD: Mean Difference; NLC: Nocturnal Leg Cramps; NRS: Numeric Rating Scale; NS: Not Significant; PRISMA: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses; PSQI: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; RCTs: Randomized Controlled Trials; REVMAN: Review Manager; RoB 2: Risk of Bias 2 Tool; VAS: Visual Analog Scale.