Magnesium Deficiency and Fibro

Did you know that simple old mineral magnesium is essential to the functioning of almost every organ in the body? It is important in nerve signals that cause muscles to relax and contract. This is one of my major symptoms - the muscles in my legs always feel tense and I cannot relax them except in warm water. Do you have this problem? 

Researchers are now saying that magnesium deficiency may actually be involved in the development of fibromyalgia!

It’s not just anecdotal—research is catching up to what many of us with fibro have felt for years: magnesium matters. 

Studies have shown that magnesium plays a key role in regulating pain signals, calming overactive nerves, and supporting neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are often disrupted in fibromyalgia. A 2021 review even suggested that magnesium may help prevent central sensitization—the process that makes our nervous systems hypersensitive to pain. And while blood tests don’t always show a deficiency, low dietary intake has been linked to increased tender points and lower pain thresholds. 

For me, this felt like a lightbulb moment: maybe my tense muscles and restless legs weren’t just random—they were my body asking for magnesium.

How simple is it to take one magnesium tablet a day? When magnesium has been deficient for a long time it can cause restless leg syndrome, muscle weakness, muscle spasms an anxiety. I use to get restless leg syndrome and muscle spasms.

What got me interested is that I had a hair sample analysis taken by my homeopathic doctor and of all the hundreds of things they tested (and all my medical conditions) the only deficiency was magnesium.

I am off to take my magnesium supplement right now. 

Oh and just found a really great way of getting magnesium if the thought of taking more tablets is not appealing to you: Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil. It sounds really good as the most concentrated way of getting magnesium through the skin. I am going to order some right now and I will let you know how I go with it. I will continue to take my supplement as well.

More reasons to consider magnesium if you live with fibromyalgia: 

Magnesium doesn’t just help muscles relax—it also supports enzyme activity, nerve transmission, and even the regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are often disrupted in fibromyalgia. 

Some studies suggest that magnesium may help reduce pain severity, ease anxiety, and improve sleep quality in people with fibro. It’s also been shown to help with brain fog by supporting clearer thinking and reducing stress responses. And because magnesium helps move lymph fluid through the body, it may even support detoxification and immune function—something many of us with chronic illness are always trying to boost.

You can Read more about magnesium including food sources and RDA here.

SOURCES:

A literature review on Magnesium and Fibromyalgia

Relation between magnesium and calcium and parameters of pain, quality of life and depression in women with fibromyalgia

Causes of magnesium deficiency.

This post is linked up at Fibro Friday No. 10. Have a look and join in too.