Title : Magnesium as a preventive strategy for migraine: A quantitative synthesis of recent evidence
Abstract:
Introduction: Migraine is a common neurological condition that triggers chronic and debilitating pain, significantly affecting the quality of life of those affected. Moreover, magnesium supplementation has emerged as a promising strategy for reducing migraine episodes, due to its potential prophylactic effect.
Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of magnesium supplementation in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks, comparing its effects with placebo and conventional treatments.
Methods: A search was conducted on the PubMed platform for randomized clinical trials comparing magnesium supplementation with placebo or conventional treatments for migraine. The search included studies published between 2020 and April 2025, using the keywords: “magnesium,” “chronic headaches,” “migraine” and “clinical trial.” The selected studies were analyzed with a focus on the reduction in frequency and intensity of migraine attacks. Statistical analysis was performed using fixed- and random-effects models, with assessment of heterogeneity.
Results: Three randomized controlled trials were included, totaling approximately 500 participants. The analysis revealed that magnesium supplementation had a significant effect when used alone. However, when combined with other therapeutic strategies, its effectiveness was enhanced, producing an even greater effect. Magnesium supplementation led to a significant reduction in migraine frequency (MD = –2.51), severity (MD = –0.88), and duration (MD = –1.66).
Conclusion: Magnesium supplementation proved effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks,suggesting it may be a valuable therapeutic option for migraine management. However, further studies are needed to confirm its long-term effects and efficacy across different populations.
