Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Magnesium citrate is sometimes used to support or treat headaches, especially migraine headaches, and this application is supported by a moderate amount of scientific evidence. Several clinical studies and systematic reviews have found that magnesium deficiency is more common in individuals with migraines, and that supplementation with magnesium—often as magnesium citrate due to its good oral bioavailability—can reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks in some patients. The American Headache Society and the American Academy of Neurology both consider magnesium supplementation "probably effective" for migraine prevention, particularly for individuals with documented low magnesium levels or those who cannot tolerate standard migraine medications.

Proposed mechanisms include magnesium’s role in neuronal function, modulation of neurotransmitter release, and inhibition of cortical spreading depression, which is implicated in migraine pathophysiology. However, for general (non-migraine) headaches, the evidence is less robust, with most research focusing specifically on migraines rather than tension-type or other headache types.

Overall, while magnesium citrate is not universally effective for all types of headaches, there is scientific validation—especially for migraines—and it is commonly recommended as a safe, generally well-tolerated adjunct or alternative therapy in this context. Further research is needed for its efficacy in non-migraine headaches.

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