7 Types of Magnesium Supplements for Vestibular Migraine

Dizzy treatment, in the case of vestibular migraine, should entail working with your physician to determine if medication and supplements are right for you. Interestingly enough, sometimes all that is needed to improve a patient’s situation are supplements, in particular, magnesium supplements.

Upwards of 50% of those with migraines are deficient in magnesium. And even those that are sufficient in magnesium may still find relief with extra magnesium through supplements.

Before jumping into each type of magnesium supplement, it’s important to discuss with your physician if magnesium is right for you. Note that all magnesium supplements are not created equal.

For one, there are multiple types of magnesium compounds that can be helpful for certain situations. Additionally, you’ll want to pay close attention to the ingredient list on the label – and avoid any with long lists of ingredients. Oftentimes, there are many additives that can lead to additional symptoms or aggravation in other bodily systems. Aim for the ones with just the compounds you need.

(Also, a warm shoutout to our dear friend Alycia Wolf, The Dizzy Cook, for organizing much of this information.)

7 Types of Magnesium for Migraines

First and foremost, the type of magnesium that works for you is highly variable. And you may have to try a few to find the one that works best.

If you are finding that magnesium supplements for migraines aren’t helping with your attacks, it could be because of low bioavailability – the supplement isn’t being absorbed well because it’s a poor quality supplement or the elemental value is low.

Below are the 7 types of magnesium supplements for migraine, along with notes on what they’re most effective for.

Magnesium Glycinate

Glycine elevates levels of serotonin. This promotes relaxation, supports cognitive function, and improves sleep quality. If you deal with anxiety, inflammation, or insomnia, this may be a great choice.

• High bioavailability – good absorption
• Fairly gentle on the digestive system
• Promotes relaxation, supports cognitive function, and improves sleep quality

Magnesium Chloride and Magnesium Sulfate

Also known as Epsom salts, Magnesium Sulfate is one of the most common forms of topical magnesium. Magnesium Chloride is shown to absorb better, due to better cellular penetration.

• Found in Epsom salts, magnesium lotions, and sprays
• Magnesium Chloride is a slightly better option
• Easy to find and use
• Effectiveness varies, so good to combine with other forms of magnesium

Magnesium Threonate

Magtein™ was discovered by MIT grads. It’s one of the only forms of magnesium that penetrates the blood-brain barrier. This means it gets right to the source in efficiently raising magnesium levels in the brain.

• Promotes energy, cognitive function, and memory retention
• Good for brain fog
• Beneficial in Alzheimer’s patients
• Low digestive stress
• More expensive than other supplements

Magnesium Malate

Some vestibular migraine patients also live with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Magnesium malate is effective for all three.

• High bioavailability – good absorption
• Low digestive stress
• Has some energizing properties

Magnesium Citrate

Perhaps the most popular and well-studied form of magnesium. It bonds to citric acid making it highly absorbable. Also dissolves well in water, which is why you’ll see this type sold most often in drink mixes – making it a great option for those who cannot swallow large pills. However, citrate has laxative properties, which can be good or bad depending on your situation.

• High bioavailability – good absorption
• High availability and easy to find in drug stores
• Mixes well with liquids
• Laxative properties

Magnesium Oxide

Probably the most prescribed form of magnesium as it is inexpensive and easily found. While it may not be the best form of magnesium supplement for migraine relief, it is widely cited in clinical trials for this use case.

• Inexpensive and widely prescribed
• Moderate bioavailability – other options absorb better
• Can be hard on the digestive system
• Commonly used for constipation or heartburn

Magnesium Taurate

For vestibular migraine patients that also have cardiovascular issues, it’s important to discuss with your physician if this supplement may be a good choice. The amino acid taurine (which this combines with) has beneficial heart-health properties. It also promotes stable blood sugar and has few side effects.

• Reduces heart attack risk and stabilizes blood sugar
• Difficult to find a good brand that isn’t combined with other supplements

Vestibular Migraine Treatment

As we addressed at the beginning of this article, there’s more to treating vestibular migraine than taking supplements.

While it’s convenient to take a pill and hope for the best, a more effective treatment plan addresses many other types of vestibular migraine triggers. This includes vestibular triggers, lifestyle triggers, and even mindset triggers.

At the Dizzy & Vertigo Institute, we frequently treat vestibular migraine patients and have a track record of improving their lives in a significant way.

So if you’re struggling with migraine and imbalance, we hope that you’ll reach out to us for a consultation.

You can reach us at (310) 954-2207 or by filling out our contact form.