Evidence supporting the use of: Trace minerals
For the health condition: Cramps (leg)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium, are sometimes used to support or treat leg cramps, especially in the context of muscle function and electrolyte balance. The scientific rationale is based on the roles these minerals play in neuromuscular activities. Magnesium, in particular, is involved in muscle contraction and relaxation; deficiencies have been associated with an increased risk of cramps. Some clinical trials have shown that magnesium supplementation can reduce the frequency and severity of leg cramps, particularly during pregnancy, though the results are mixed and not universally conclusive. Potassium and calcium are also essential for normal muscle function, and their deficiencies are classically linked to muscle cramping, though direct evidence for supplementation alleviating idiopathic leg cramps in the general population is limited. Overall, while there is a physiological basis for using trace minerals to address leg cramps, robust randomized controlled trials are lacking, and benefits are most pronounced in individuals with documented deficiencies. Therefore, the scientific evidence is modest (rated 2/5), and supplementation is best reserved for those with known deficiencies or increased requirements, such as pregnant women or athletes, rather than as a universal remedy for leg cramps.

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