Dizziness is a common and often disruptive symptom. As a mineral involved in hundreds of bodily processes, magnesium has gained attention as a potential intervention for certain types of balance-related issues. Exploring the physiological actions of this mineral and its specific applications in neurological health can clarify the basis for its use in managing dizziness.
Magnesium’s Role in Balance and Neural Function
Magnesium plays a role in stabilizing the nervous system, which is necessary for maintaining balance and coordination. The mineral acts as a calcium channel blocker, regulating the flow of calcium ions into nerve cells. By modulating this influx, magnesium helps reduce excessive neuronal excitability, calming overstimulated nerve signals that contribute to instability or vertigo.
This regulatory function extends to the control of neurotransmitters. Magnesium specifically interacts with the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, a key player in nerve signaling. By blocking the NMDA receptor, magnesium limits the activity of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, preventing hyperexcitability.
Magnesium also influences vascular tone throughout the body, including the circulatory system supplying the inner ear and brainstem. It promotes vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels), thereby improving blood flow and oxygen supply to these structures. Adequate circulation is necessary for the proper function of the vestibular system, supporting balance.
Treating Specific Forms of Dizziness
The evidence for magnesium’s use in dizziness relates primarily to conditions rooted in neurological dysfunction, particularly Migraine-Associated Vertigo (MAV) and certain vestibular disorders. People who experience migraines, including those with MAV, may have lower levels of magnesium in their brain cells or spinal fluid. This deficiency could lower the threshold for a migraine attack, making the nervous system more sensitive to triggers.
Magnesium supplementation is thought to work by modulating cortical spreading depression (CSD), a slow wave of electrical activity across the brain linked to migraine symptoms. By stabilizing nerve cell membranes and dampening excitability, magnesium may prevent the onset of CSD. This action reduces the frequency and severity of both headaches and associated vertigo episodes.
Clinical findings support the use of magnesium as a prophylactic measure. Studies suggest that daily oral supplementation can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, which often include dizziness or vertigo. This effect is noted in patients with a history of migraine with aura or menstrually related migraines. For individuals with vestibular migraine, magnesium is recommended due to its favorable safety profile and efficacy in calming hyperactive neurological pathways.
Identifying Low Magnesium Levels
Magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesemia) can present with symptoms including dizziness or lightheadedness. These sensations are often linked to the mineral’s influence on the electrical stability of the heart, where low levels can lead to irregular heartbeats. Other common signs of low magnesium include muscle twitching, tremors, or cramps, reflecting increased excitability of nerves and muscle fibers.
Fatigue and weakness are also reported, as magnesium is a necessary cofactor for energy production. While a poor diet is a possible cause, deficiency is often exacerbated by factors that increase mineral loss or decrease absorption. These factors include chronic stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and the long-term use of certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors or diuretics.
Gastrointestinal disorders, which impair nutrient absorption, and conditions like diabetes also increase the risk of insufficient magnesium. Standard blood tests for magnesium may not always reflect the body’s true stores, as most of the mineral is stored in bones and within cells, not in the bloodstream. Therefore, clinical suspicion based on symptoms and risk factors is often a deciding factor for supplementation.
Dosage, Forms, and Safety Considerations
The recommended daily intake (RDI) for adult men is 400–420 mg, and for women, 310–320 mg. These amounts primarily address preventing deficiency. For managing neurological symptoms like migraine-related dizziness, clinical studies often use higher supplemental doses, ranging from 400 to 600 mg of elemental magnesium per day. This amount is generally taken in divided doses to improve absorption and minimize side effects.
Magnesium supplements are available in various forms, offering different rates of absorption and potential side effects. Magnesium glycinate is a highly bioavailable form that is gentle on the digestive system, making it a good choice for long-term use. Magnesium oxide is commonly used in studies for migraine prevention but has lower bioavailability and is more likely to cause digestive upset. Magnesium citrate is well-absorbed but can act as a mild laxative.
The most common side effect of supplementation, especially at higher doses, is diarrhea or loose stools. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for supplemental magnesium is 350 mg per day for healthy adults, based on avoiding these gastrointestinal issues. Individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions should avoid magnesium supplements unless advised by a healthcare provider, as impaired kidney function can lead to a buildup of the mineral. Consult a physician before starting any new supplement, particularly if taking other medications, to check for possible interactions.