Magnesium supplements - looking for a bit of advice.

[Twitchen]

Have been reading loads today about magnesium supplementation and how beneficial it can be.

I haven't slept properly for years - I always wake up every couple of hours.

Also, apart from the constant tingling sensations that I have been beset with in my arms, hands, legs and feet for many months now, I also get cramps in my legs and feet at night.

However, some articles on it do say that it should only be taken after seeing your GP about it.

Just wondered if anyone has tried this supplement and, if so, in what form as there seem to be several plus drops!

[Hidden]

Hi twitchen, was wondering if you suffer from restless leg syndrome as contrary to popular belieg this doesn't only affect legs but can cause symptoms in any part of your body.The tingling sensations are a common symptom with rls.Do you feel the urge to move and symptoms improve when you move? I have severe restless legs syndrome.If not could it be neuropothy? I use magnesium oil spray on my arms and legs ans soak in epsom salts bath and the magnesium is absorbed through the skin.Good luck

[Twitchen in reply to Hidden]

Thanks very much for the information.

Yes absolutely, the symptoms do improve tremendously when I move and they are worse when I am lying down or just sitting. When I get out of bed the bottoms of my feet feel almost thick, if that makes sense. However, it is the continual tingling feelings that are driving me mad - it's not painful, just very annoying.

Am currently seeing a chiropractor to see if that helps, but no improvement so far

[Hidden in reply to Twitchen]

Take a look at rlshelp.org, this website is a mine of reliable info and see if you match up with the criteria. If it is rls getting on the right meds could improve your sleep and life in general no end

[greygoose in reply to Hidden]

RLS can also be due to magnesium deficiency and can by a hypo symptom.

Twitchen, what do your labs look like?

[greygoose in reply to greygoose]

Also, how is your B12? If you are deficient in B12 that too could cause the symptoms you describ. I know exactly what you mean by the soles of your feet feeling thick. Mine were the same but much better since I've been taking a B vitamin suppliment.

[Twitchen in reply to greygoose]

My B12 was tested quite recently because of the tingling and the result was 268.

For the past month I have been taking 2 x 1000mcg of Solgar,Sublingual Methylcobalamin daily, but haven't really noticed any change. I have ordered some more and think I will try 3 x 1000mcg per day. Somebody on here posted that I should be taking a folate supplement alongside the B12, but I just don't know - my folate level was 10.8 which seemed ok.

BTW I was diagnosed hypothyroid in 2007 and have been on levothyroxine ever since. However, over the past ten months I have been trying different combinations of levothyroxine (t4) and liothyronine (t3) and do wonder if this could in some way be causing the tingling?

Do feel that I would like to try magnesium supplements as I have been getting cramping at night, but cannot find a definitive answer on whether or not it is safe. Some sites says it is harmless and others say should definitely not be taken without checking with your doctor first.

I was going to order this, as it sounded very safe:

amazon.co.uk/Mega-Mag-Natur...

Any view gratefully received.

Thanks.

[greygoose in reply to Twitchen]

Well, you could try checking with your doctor. lol

But I know what you mean, opinions differ. I have also heard that it is very difficult to absorb magnesium from a suppliment.

What I do is take epsom salts baths. I really don't know how well this is working because my stupid doc refuses to test it. But I also, sometimes drink bottled water known to contain high levels of magnesium. Taste awful but...

Have you seen this site?

thyroidnation.com/magnesium...

Hugs, Grey

[greygoose in reply to greygoose]

Oh, forgot to mention coconut sugar, which is another thing I've taken to. Have a look at this :

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocon...

And it's delicious!

[Twitchen in reply to greygoose]

Thanks for all of your advice greygoose. I am seeing the endocrinologist for a follow up in a couple of weeks time, so will mention it to him before starting any supplements. Probably will get a very negative response though; these doctors seemed programmed to just dish out the standard drugs and that is it

[Clutter in reply to Twitchen]

Twitchen, there isn't a good test for magnesium. What is available at serum level doesn't necessarily correlate with what is available at a cellular level where it counts. Excess magnesium is excreted. Dosing advice is to take mag until you have loose stools then go back to the dose before you became loose. Zinc should be taken with magnesium as they are synergistic and should be kept balanced. I haven't read any advise to consult a doctor before taking magnesium.

[Twitchen in reply to Clutter]

Thanks Clutter, when I have seen the endo in a couple of weeks time I think I will try these drops. Funnily enough on my last blood test potassium level was slightly above range, so don't know what that means!

[Twitchen in reply to greygoose]

Not sure which labs you mean? Last thyroid results were:

TSH 0.03

FT4 9.8*

FT3 6.0

Was told again that I was over-medicated and had to reduce to 75mcg levo and 10mcg of lio.

* This reference range has been changed. My previous FT4 readings always 20+ so don't know what is going on!

[greygoose in reply to Twitchen]

Ok, so he's only looking at the TSH. When will they learn!!! Bit difficult to say anything about the other results without the ranges. But you're only on a very small dose so difficult to believe your over-medicated!

[Healthseeker]

When I remember to take it I use the spray on oil that you just rub on your skin. 10 squirts a day. my husband uses it too. I buy it from Amazon. I don't monitor my day to day health well enough to say if it helps but I'm pretty sure it has caused no problems for either of us

[Jessiepup]

I can't tolerate magnesium, but Epsom salt bath is brilliant - even my kids get a fantastic nights sleep after one. Also Magnesium oil spray gives you the daily requirement in 10 sprays, spray it on any achey parts of you body and you will sleep like a baby.

[RobertMorseYouTube]

Mag L-Threonate is best. Which is why it's the most expensive. Just look up "Mercola Magnesium" on Youtube. I would also google...."Sleep Hacking" doug aspery has got a long list of ingredients on how to "HACK" your sleep.