A potential cause of leg cramps is a vitamin deficiency, though research into this is ongoing. Vitamins B1, B12, and D may help relieve them, along with potassium and magnesium.
Since magnesium plays a role in neuromuscular transmission and muscle contraction, it has been hypothesised that magnesium deficiency may predispose to muscle cramps. Thus magnesium supplements are often recommended to prevent cramps.
Cramps were located in calves (10/12), feet (4/12) and hands (4/12) more commonly. Zinc supplementation improved cramps in 10/12 patients, and in seven of these patients the cramps completely resolved.
Magnesium Plus Zinc is a high-quality magnesium supplement that also contains zinc, which has been shown to be effective in reducing leg cramps.
Too little potassium, calcium or magnesium in the diet can cause leg cramps. Medicines often prescribed for high blood pressure can cause increased urination, which may drain the body of these minerals.
Magnesium and Zinc are both essential nutrients for health. Magnesium supports muscle relaxation, nerve, heart, and bone health. Zinc is vital for normal growth and development, and supports the body's natural immune defense system. Taking a Magnesium and Zinc supplement together can support well-being.
It's been suggested that drinking 2 to 3 ounces of tonic water before bedtime can prevent leg cramps at night.
Magnesium. Zinc, vitamin B12 or vitamin D.
Zinc overdose symptoms
Diarrhea and muscle cramps are also possible. As time passes, you may experience sleepiness, dizziness, or fatigue (Bartzatt, 2017; Agnew, 2021).
In chronic cases, a doctor may prescribe medication for leg cramps, including: muscle relaxers such as carisoprodol and orphenadrine. calcium channel blockers such as verapamil and diltiazem. anticonvulsants such as gabapentin.
Leg Cramps (Systremma) and “Restless Legs” Syndrome — Response to Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
In general, they're likely the result of tired muscles and nerve problems. The risk of having night leg cramps increases with age. Pregnant people also are more likely to have night leg cramps. Kidney failure, diabetic nerve damage and problems with blood flow are known to cause night leg cramps.
You probably know that bananas are a good source of potassium. But they'll also give you magnesium and calcium. That's three out of four nutrients you need to ease muscle cramps tucked under that yellow peel. No wonder bananas are a popular, quick choice for cramp relief.
Apply heat or cold.
Use a warm towel or heating pad on tense or tight muscles. Taking a warm bath or directing the stream of a hot shower onto the cramped muscle also can help. Rubbing the sore muscle with ice also might relieve pain.
Drink plenty of fluids. You can also drink an electrolyte replacement drink or sports drink, such as Gatorade, after exercise. Walk around, or jiggle your leg.
Acetic acid is postulated to mitigate cramping by decreasing alpha motor neuron activity through oropharyngeal stimulation and inhibitory neurotransmitter production, while aiding in the role acetylcholine plays in muscle contraction and relaxation.
The cramp usually goes away after a few minutes. Take a warm shower or bath to relax the muscle. Some people find that a heating pad placed on the muscle can also help. Others get relief by rubbing the calf with an ice pack.
Hydration: Staying consistently hydrated throughout the day may help reduce the frequency of muscle cramps, since dehydration can cause cramps. Though some research suggests that nocturnal leg cramps are not caused by dehydration, it may help to drink water during long periods of outdoor activity or strenuous activity.
Magnesium assists your body in regulating zinc levels, but high intakes of zinc can be detrimental to magnesium absorption – only abnormally high doses (around 142 mg of zinc per day) will reduce magnesium absorption.
Your body doesn't need a large amount of zinc. The recommended daily allowance for adults is 8 - 11 mg. It's common to have slightly low levels of zinc, but taking a multivitamin, plus eating a healthy diet, should give you all the zinc you need.
Not all minerals can be taken at the same time. The good news for zinc and magnesium is that they work well together. There are seven essential minerals your body needs for healthy, optimal functioning. Absorption of these minerals is key to getting the maximum benefits from them.