Ask an Expert: Magnesium and RA

Diet and Nutrition

Magnesium and RA
08/06/2009

Question:

I have severe RA and it has not been under control yet after 5 years on the latest medications. I get a blood test every four weeks that checks my electrolytes and mine has always been normal. I goto a massage therapist and once when I seen her I had a muscle cramp in my calf the night before. She told me to add magnesium to my calcium and Vit. D. I added 252mg of magnesium each night. After about 5 days I can`t beleive how much energy I have back and how most of the muscle pain that I had is gone. I would be at work and have to take a nap lunch time just to get throught the afternoon. But not now. Has there been any studies or information about magnesium and RA?
Also, my blood test showed that my magnesium levels are normal. I normaly get my blood test a few hours after having breakfast. Could that why my test show that my magnesium is normal? Should I try the test on an empty stoamch to see if that makes a difference? What could be the possible link between magnesium and RA?

Answer:

Has there been any studies or information about magnesium and RA?

I am not aware of any scientific research studying the treatment of RA with magnesium. I see the connection made on many internet sites but do not see the reference to the scientific research to back up the claims made by the site. A clinical trials in rats from 2005 indicated magnesium may have the potential to prevent the development of RA.

Could that why my test show that my magnesium is normal? Should I try the test on an empty stomach to see if that makes a difference?

Serum magnesium concentration, which is what is tested commonly, may be normal even with decreased magnesium stores. In other words, it's not a full-proof assessment of your magnesium stores, regardless if you take it after you have eaten or on an empty stomach. Low intracellular magnesium levels have been documented in patients with normal serum concentration. Globular magnesium appears to be a more accurate assessment of magnesium status.

What could be the possible link between magnesium and RA?
Muscle spasms are a common symptom of low magnesium stores. Calcium is responsible for muscular contraction and magnesium for muscular relaxation. They each have their channels in muscles. When there is too much calcium and not enough magnesium present, then calcium gets into the magnesium channels and instead of a contract / relax signal the muscles get a contract / contract signal. In other words, a spasm.

People with RA are at greater risk for magnesium and other vitamin and mineral deficiencies for many reasons. The primary reason is the severe weight loss from lower intake of calories and higher resting metabolic rate and protein breakdown from the chronic inflammation. A secondary reason for nutritional deficiency can also be an affect of chronic arthritis medication. These medications may also cause gastritis or peptic ulcer, reducing a person's desire to eat.

For a person with RA, foods may not be enough; a nutritional supplement may be needed to improve their nutritional status. I encourage you to contact your medical professionals and tell each one about any supplements you are taking. Your physician or medical provider will be able to counsel you on the use of nutritional supplements for managing your RA.

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Response by:

Julie Kennel, PhD, RD, LD, CSSD
Program Director
OSU Extension
Department of Human Nutrition
College of Education and Human Ecology
The Ohio State University