Magnesium levels are often low in diabetics and lowest in those with severe retinopathy.1,2 Diabetics may need
twice the RDA level for Magnesium to achieve optimal nutritional status. A Magnesium deficiency may increase
insulin resistance.13,14,15 Magnesium supplementation in diabetics has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity
and provide other benefits to these patients.15 As of yet, the American Diabetes Association has not recommended
widespread use of Magnesium supplements for diabetics.14
4. Eosinophilia - Myalgia Syndrome (EMS)
EMS causes severe muscle pain, inflammation and in some cases neural and visceral involvement. Contamination
of L-tryptopan caused the most recent outbreak of this condition.
Magnesium supplementation has been shown to be a useful therapeutic agent in these conditions at doses of
1,000 mg, injected intramuscularly, twice weekly.2
5. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Preliminary evidence suggests that Magnesium supplementation at 300-600 mg per day can reduce the number
and severity of tender points in patients suf ering from fibromyalgia.15 Intramuscular injections of Magnesium
sulfate (1,000 mg in 2 ml injectable water) has been shown to improve energy levels, pain levels and the emotional
state of patients with CFS in a placebo controlled trial.16
Earlier trials with oral Magnesium supplementation demonstrated improvement in patients with CFS during the
1960s. The total daily oral dosage was 1,000 mg per day.17,18
6. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Magnesium supplementation, especially in conjunction with vitamin B6, has been shown to decrease certain PMS
symptoms. Reductions in nervousness, breast tenderness, and weight gain, and PMS-related mood swings have
been the most consistently reported positive benefits in this regard. Magnesium supplementation as high as 350
mg, three times daily has been employed in these studies. A high potency multivitamin and mineral containing
Magnesium and high dose Vitamin B6 (50-75 mg) has demonstrated improvement in relieving PMS symptoms.19,20