Overview

Magnesium is a necessary mineral that is involved in many biological processes in the body, including the preservation of healthy eyes. Magnesium is abundant in the human eye and is essential to the ocular system's function.

According to research, magnesium may help prevent or treat some eye disorders, such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. In a study¹ published in the Journal of Glaucoma, researchers discovered that low levels of magnesium in the blood were related to an increased risk of glaucoma, but higher levels were protective against the condition.

Another study,2 published in the journal Nutrients, discovered that magnesium supplementation could potentially lessen the incidence of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of visual loss in the elderly.

According to the findings, magnesium's anti-inflammatory effects may help prevent the condition.

Furthermore, magnesium has been proven to help with migraine headaches, which are frequently accompanied by visual abnormalities. According to a study³ published in the journal Headache, magnesium supplementation reduced the incidence and intensity of migraines, including visual symptoms like aura.

While additional research is needed to completely understand magnesium's benefits for eye health, these findings suggest that maintaining adequate magnesium levels may be advantageous in preventing or alleviating some eye diseases. However, before beginning any supplementation plan, it is critical to contact a healthcare expert.

How does magnesium affect eye twitching?

Magnesium is a crucial mineral involved in many body processes, such as muscular contraction and neuron signalling. Eye twitching, sometimes referred to as blepharospasm, is a frequent disorder marked by uncontrollable twitches or spasms of the eyelid muscles. According to some research, taking supplements of magnesium may assist to lessen eye twitching.

In one randomised controlled experiment, the impact of oral magnesium supplements on eye twitching in 36 blepharospasm patients was examined. The results were reported in the journal Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.⁴ Four weeks of either magnesium supplements or a placebo were given to the subjects, according to a random assignment. 

When compared to the placebo group, the study found that taking magnesium supplements significantly reduced both the frequency and the severity of eye twitching (p < 0.05).

In a separate study,⁵ nine patients with hemifacial spasm, a disorder that causes involuntary twitching of the facial muscles, including the muscles that move the eyelids, were given intravenous magnesium to see how it affected their eye twitching. This study was also published in the journal Clinical Neuropharmacology and, according to the research, intravenous magnesium injection significantly decreased both the intensity and frequency of eye twitching (p < 0.05).

These trials raise the possibility that taking a magnesium supplement could help to reduce eye twitching, but more study is required to validate these results and establish the ideal magnesium supplementation dose and duration.

Which magnesium is best for eye twitching?

There are several different types of magnesium, including magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, and magnesium chloride. Magnesium comes in a variety of forms, but not all of them work equally well to alleviate eye twitching.

One study examined the efficiency of two different types of magnesium, magnesium oxide and magnesium aspartate, in reducing eye twitching. The study was published in the journal Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.⁴ In terms of minimising the frequency and severity of eye twitching, the study discovered that magnesium aspartate was considerably superior to magnesium oxide (p 0.05).

The absorption of magnesium oxide and magnesium glycinate in healthy people was compared in a different study that was written up in the journal Magnesium Research.⁶ According to the study, magnesium glycinate was more accessible than magnesium oxide, which means that the body could absorb and use it better.

These studies suggest that magnesium aspartate or magnesium glycinate are superior to other forms of magnesium for the treatment of eye twitching. To validate these results and establish the ideal supplementation amount and time frame, additional study is required.

How much magnesium should I take for eye twitching? 

Depending on parameters like age, sex, and other variables, different magnesium intakes are suggested daily. The ideal magnesium supplementation dose for decreasing eye twitching is not yet well-known. Magnesium aspartate supplements were used to lessen eye twitching in a study that was published in the journal Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.⁴ The dosage was 200 mg per day for four weeks. A 500 mg/day dosage of magnesium oxide supplements was employed in another trial that was published in the same publication.⁷

According to some research,⁸ magnesium glycinate may be more bioavailable than other forms of magnesium, which would mean that it is better absorbed and utilised by the body. 

To find the best quantity and duration of supplementation for each form of magnesium, additional research is required.

It's important to remember that taking large amounts of magnesium might have unwanted consequences including diarrhoea, nausea, and cramping in the abdomen. As a result, it is advised to speak with a doctor before using magnesium supplements.

Other concerns and side effects of magnesium supplements 

Magnesium is important, but too much of it might have negative effects. Additionally, there are some issues with taking magnesium supplements on a daily basis.

The RDI for individuals is between 310 and 420 mg of magnesium per day. Magnesium poisoning can happen to people with kidney disease who are taking magnesium supplements or medicines, even though it is uncommon. Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and respiratory depression are signs of magnesium poisoning.⁹

Additionally, a high intake of magnesium might hinder the assimilation of other minerals, such as calcium and zinc, which can result in shortages.¹⁰ Magnesium supplements may also interact with other drugs, such as antibiotics, blood pressure medicines, and diuretics.¹¹

Supplementing with magnesium on a daily basis raises additional issues. Magnesium is generally regarded as safe, however long-term high-dose magnesium supplementation may raise the risk of prostate cancer in men.¹¹

Furthermore, some data points to a possible link between high magnesium intake and an increased risk of colon cancer.¹²

Despite being an important element, magnesium can have negative consequences if consumed in excess. Additionally, taking a daily magnesium supplement raises questions. People who are thinking about taking magnesium supplements should speak with their doctor to determine the right dosage and go over any possible drug interactions.

Summary

Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular mineral in the body and as a cofactor for many enzyme systems and plays a crucial role in many processes.¹³

Magnesium may help prevent or treat some eye disorders such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration and also help with eye twitching if the cause is related to low magnesium levels.

It's important to remember that taking large amounts of magnesium might have unwanted consequences including diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal cramps. So see your general practitioner to talk about your eye twitching and how magnesium could help you or what may be the alternative solution to this condition.