In their despair, many leg cramp sufferers, looking for relief, ask what supplements help leg cramps? This is understandable, because of the accompanying excruciating pain. However, this option should preferably be explored after trying dietary changes and some simple home remedies.
A leg cramp is a sudden pain in the leg, foot, or thigh and is brought about by abrupt muscle contraction in one part of the leg. During a cramp, leg muscles become tight and cause pain usually lasting for a few seconds to several minutes.
Experiencing a leg cramp usually awakens your curiosity to find out its cause. Check Reasons for Leg Cramps – Natural Remedies That Work
Leg cramps are uncomfortable due to to the throbbing pain, and even when a cramp goes away, you still feel pain in the affected region due to the stiff and tightened muscles. Such a feeling is super discomforting especially when you are in deep sleep.
So, is there a solution to prevent leg cramps, or at best provide some relief? What supplements help leg cramps?
While researching this article, a lot of old wives tales were encountered. Some people insist that supplements help with muscle cramps while others disagree over the level of relief provided!
If you continuously experience leg or muscle cramps after exercise, at night, or have them affecting your physical daily activities, please consult your doctor.
If you do not want cramps to affect your sleep, then preventive measures could be increasing your natural intake of vitamins or minerals in your diet, or taking supplements. Understanding the reasons for the use of one over the other is important.
But what supplements help leg cramps? We have listed a few of the more popular supplements, from reviews below.
What Supplements Help Leg Cramps
Studies have shown that a deficiency of particular vitamins and minerals causes cramping and muscle pain – Reasons for Leg Cramps
Popular vitamin and mineral supplements described in this article found from consumer reviews and medical articles are Vitamin B1, Magnesium, Vitamin D and Potassium. Recommended dosage is 1 tablet a day or as recommended by your doctor.
Other topical relief products are discussed in another article.
Vitamin B1
Thiamine (vitamin B1) is a water-soluble vitamin that helps us digest and extract energy from food to create useable energy to assist with metabolism. It also plays an important role in the production of red blood cells.
Because the body cannot produce thiamine, we must get it from the foods we eat to prevent a deficiency.
It is therefore understandable that a deficiency of this vitamin could cause muscle cramps and leg pain after running as the muscles seek to quickly create energy for their oxygen -low cells.
Other signs of a deficiency of vitamin B1 are weakness of muscles, muscle wasting and pain and stiffness in the legs.
Food like vegetables, meat products, and legumes are rich in Vitamin B1. Supplements help to increase the intake of vitamin B1. Check out other functions of B1 in vitamin B complex.
What Supplements Help Leg Cramps? Popular Vitamin B1 Supplements
NATURAL FACTORS B-1 Thiamine 100mg
The container has 90 (100mg) capsules. The recommended adult dose is 1 tablet per day or as recommended by a doctor.
JAMIESON Vitamin B1 Thiamine 100 mg
This vegetarian supplement comes as a container of 100 capsules. It is free of salt, sugar, gluten, lactose, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
The recommended adult dose is 1 tablet per day or as directed by a doctor.
Magnesium
Magnesium is widely used to treat leg cramps, especially in Latin America and Europe. But many clinical studies of magnesium treatment for cramps found it to be ineffective (Healthline) although some people insist it works.
Keep in mind that there could be several reasons for leg cramps. You might possibly be low in some other nutrient.
For example, there is an inter-related relationship between magnesium, calcium and potassium which are both also involved in muscle cramping (Healthline).
If low levels or a deficiency of one of these is present, it is unlikely that magnesium would help.
On the other hand, magnesium does help some people.
A high intake of magnesium in the diet lessens leg cramps at night. Doctors suggest taking at least 300-milligram magnesium daily.
Nuts, lentils, and quinoa are rich in magnesium. But they fulfill the need slowly. So, if you want to speed up the process, you may wish to switch to magnesium supplements for leg cramps.
What Supplements Help Leg Cramps? – Popular Magnesium Supplements
ATP LAB Synermag Magnesium Complex – Non GMO – Made in Canada
A high potency magnesium formula for optimal muscle function which helps with restless legs. It also keeps the bones healthy and assists with heart health.
The supplement contains four forms – Magnesium (malate) 250 mg, Taurine 200 mg, Magnesium (glycinate) 250 mg, and Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5-Phosphate).
Each type provides unique health benefits including pain relief and quality sleep. All these benefits are provided in this supplement instead of you needing to buy multiple supplements
This vegan and non-GMO supplement is safe and tested for purity and potency by a third-party laboratory.
SynerMag Magnesium complex comes in a jar of 90 capsules and the recommended adult dose is 1 tablet per day or as directed by a doctor.
Another popular Magnesium complex supplement is Natural Stacks MagTech Magnesium Supplement w/ Magtein Magnesium L-Threonate, Glycinate & Taurate – 45 Servings (90ct). It is a very good source of electrolytes.
PHI NATURALS Magnesium Citrate Capsules Non-GMO – Made in the USA
This supplement contains 400mg of pure Magnesium Citrate per serving in 180 veggie capsules. Magnesium helps your body with sore muscles, bone health, digestion, energy production and may also help to improve sleep.
Furthermore, it supports cardiovascular and heart health, has anti-inflammatory properties and may also be used to relieve mild constipation.
Vitamin D
A deficiency of Vitamin D can destroy your bones. Muscle mass is decreased and bones become weak due to lack of vitamin D.
Vitamin D intake, when combined with sufficient calcium, a healthy diet and regular exercise may reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis in people with a deficiency.
Doctors have claimed that intake of this vitamin improves leg cramps and muscle pain. As we all know, milk and yogurt are good sources of vitamin D.
Unfortunately, a large number of people avoid dairy products for a variety of reasons. Vitamin D supplements will work best for such people.
Supplements for Leg Cramps – Popular Vitamin D Supplements
NATURE’S BOUNTY Vegetarian Vitamin D3 2500 IU
This Non-GMO, gluten and dairy free soft gel supplement comes in a value size container of 270 tablets.
WEBBER NATURALS Extra Strength Vitamin D3 2,500 IU
If you don’t like the unflavored big supplement capsules (which are also available – Webber Naturals Extra Strength Vitamin D3 2,500 IU, 180 Softgels then try these gummies available in the form of berry-flavor.
Each gummy contains 62.5mcg (2,500 IU) of vitamin D. One container of Webber Naturals contains 75 gummies. Promotes healthy bones, teeth, and the maintenance of good health.
It is free of artificial colors, preservatives, or sweeteners. No dairy, starch, sugar, wheat, gluten, yeast, soy, corn, egg, fish, shellfish, salt tree nuts, or GMOs. Available in soft gel and tablet form
Potassium
Potassium is one of the most important minerals necessary for the proper function of muscle and nerve cells. A deficiency of potassium can cause leg cramps.
What Supplements Help Leg Cramps? – Popular Potassium / Calcium / Magnesium Supplement Options
NATURELO Bone Strength – Plant-Based Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Vitamin D3, VIT C, K2
This popular supplement includes 9 critical co-factors that enhance Calcium absorption – Magnesium, Zinc, Manganese, Potassium, Boron, Silicon, as well as, Vitamins C, D3, & K2.
It provides 600 mg of elemental Calcium, 200 mg of naturally-sourced Magnesium, 1000 IU of Vitamin D3, and 7 Other important Vitamins & Minerals.
The supplement does not contain GMOs, soy, gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, coloring, preservatives, or flavoring. It is also free of animal by-products, and is appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.
Another popular option is MegaFood Natural Calcium-Magnesium and Potassium Mineral Supplement, – 60 Capsules
Related Articles
- Leg Cramps in Seniors – The Best Knee Pillows for Night Relief
- Leg Cramps in Seniors – The Best Leg Pillows for Night Relief
- Leg Cramps in Seniors. A Seriously Painful Experience
- Leg Cramp Causes – 6 Medical Conditions That are Hidden Culprits
- Causes of Leg Cramps at Night – How to Stop Them
- What Supplements Help Leg Cramps – The Best Ones
- Leg Cramps and Seniors – The Best Knee Pillows for Night Relief
- Different Forms of Magnesium Supplements – Which Is Best To Take?
Conclusion – What Supplements Help Leg Cramps?
If you suffer from leg cramps and want to know what supplements help, it is hoped that the information provided in this article has been useful.
Keep in mind that using supplements for leg cramps should be combined with discussion with a healthcare professional especially if they occur frequently.
Consider leaving a comment below about your experience with supplements for leg cramps and any “off the beaten path” treatment for leg cramps you may have used.
What is your body lacking when you have leg cramps?
When you have leg cramps, your body may be lacking electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, or calcium.
References
What Causes Leg Cramps and How Can You Treat Them? (n.d.). Retrieved January 11, 2023, from EverydayHealth.com website: https://www.everydayhealth.com/pain-management/what-causes-leg-cramps-and-how-can-you-stop-them.aspx#:~:text=A%20significant%20body%20of%20research
Which Vitamin Deficiencies Cause Heavy Legs? (n.d.). Retrieved January 11, 2023, from www.navascularclinic.com website: https://www.navascularclinic.com/blog/which-vitamin-deficiencies-cause-heavy-legs#:~:text=Vitamin%20B1%20(Thiamine)&text=Vitamin%20B1%20deficiency%20can%20cause
Vitamins for leg cramps: Efficacy, options, and alternatives. (2020, October 23). Retrieved January 11, 2023, from www.medicalnewstoday.com website: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vitamin-for-leg-cramps#potassium
Leg cramps causes and treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved January 11, 2023, from www.nhsinform.scot website: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/conditions/leg-cramps#:~:text=A%20leg%20cramp%20is%20an
Leg Cramps (Healthline). Retrieved 11 January 2023. https://www.healthline.com/search?q1=leg%20cramps
