Magnesium has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, promote better sleep, and relievePMS symptoms.
For women withPCOS, magnesium may also help alleviate anxiety and reduce blood pressure and insulin sensitivity.
Magnesium plays a role as a co-factor in some major processes in the body.
John Lawson, Belhaven / Getty Images
Its involved in insulin and glucose signaling and magnesium is needed to regulate heart contractions.
Reduces Anxiety
Anxiety (as well as depression) affects many women with PCOS.
Having low levels of magnesium is believed to be an underlying cause ofanxiety.
Magnesium plays a critical role in insulin signaling and glucose metabolism.
This can lead to fatigue and difficulty regulating blood sugar.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Some women with PCOS have high blood pressure, also called hypertension.
High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease.
One theory is that chronically elevated insulin levels lowers magnesium levels.
Heavy alcohol use has also been associated with magnesium deficiency.
However, healthcare providers do use blood magnesium levels to help assess if someone has a magnesium deficiency.
What Vitamin Deficiencies Are Associated With PCOS?
Since magnesium is water soluble, toxicity is rare, as excess amounts will be eliminated through the urine.
Summary
Women with magnesium deficiency are about 19 times more likely to have polycystic ovary syndrome.
Magnesium may help with symptoms like anxiety, insulin resistance, and high blood pressure.
2019;3(11):nzz108.
2019;20(6).doi:+10.3390/ijms20061351
National Institutes of Health.Magnesium.
Schuchardt JP, Hahn A.Intestinal absorption and factors influencing bioavailability of magnesium-an update.Curr Nutr Food Sci.
2017;13(4):260-278. doi:10.2174/1573401313666170427162740
National Institutes of Health.
Office of Dietary Supplements.Magnesium fact sheet for health professionals.
2022;63(2 Suppl 3):E206-E213.
doi:10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.2S3.2762
UR Medicine.Magnesium-rich foods.
O’Dwyer DD.Navigating the maze of dietary supplements: Quality and efficacy.Top Clin Nutr.