Magnesium and Epilepsy: A Natural Connection You Should Know About
Epilepsy affects millions of people worldwide, and while conventional treatments remain essential, more and more research is uncovering the role nutrition plays in managing seizures. Among nutrients, magnesium stands out as one of the most important minerals for brain health and seizure control.
📝Magnesium & Epilepsy Studies
Studies show that magnesium deficiencies are strongly correlated with epilepsy.
A PubMed study highlights magnesium deficiency as a potential cause of acute, intractable seizures (see study here).
Research on natural approaches to epilepsy also emphasizes the critical role of magnesium in neurological stability (read more here).
💊The Many Types of Magnesium
Here’s something many people don’t know: not all magnesium supplements are created equal.
There are at least 11 different types of magnesium supplements available today. Each form has unique properties, benefits, and levels of absorption (bioavailability). This means choosing the right type of magnesium is key, especially when supporting conditions like epilepsy.
Instead of overwhelming you with all 11, let’s zoom in on the 3 forms of magnesium most closely associated with epilepsy management.
1.Magnesium Threonate
Why it matters: Known for its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier effectively.
Potential benefits for epilepsy: Supports cognitive function, stabilizes neural activity, and may reduce excitability in brain cells.
2. Magnesium Taurate
Why it matters: Combines magnesium with the amino acid taurine, which has its own calming effects on the nervous system.
Potential benefits for epilepsy: Both magnesium and taurine may help reduce seizure activity and promote overall neurological balance.
3. Magnesium Bisglycinate (Glycinate)
Why it matters: A highly absorbable, gentle-on-the-stomach form of magnesium, chelated with the amino acid glycine for improved bioavailability.
Potential benefits for epilepsy: Magnesium supports healthy nerve signaling and may help reduce neuronal excitability. Biglycinate’s superior absorption helps correct magnesium deficiency, which has been linked to increased seizure susceptibility.
🥬Food Sources of Magnesium
Maintaining a varied diet is important, as different sources of magnesium support multiple body functions beyond the nervous system. Supplementation is recommended only to boost levels in people with epilepsy, not as a replacement for dietary intake.
Nuts & Seeds (Almonds, Cashews, Pumpkin seeds)
Legumes (Black beans, Chickpeas, Lentils)
Whole Grains (Quinoa, Oats, Brown rice)
Leafy Greens (Spinach, Swiss chard, Kale)
Fruits (Avocado, Figs, Banana)
⚖️How Much Magnesium Do You Need?
Recommended daily intake for teens & adults:
Men aged 19–30 years: 400 mg
Women aged 19–30 years: 310 mg
Men aged 31+ years: 420 mg
Women aged 31+ years: 320 mg
Certain anti-seizure medications like phenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital, can increase magnesium excretion through the kidneys contributing to a deficiency. This is why magnesium supplementation might be necessary for those with epilepsy.
⚕️Magnesium Supplements
Magnesium supplements come in various forms. Capsules, powders, liquids, and even bath salts or topical balms. For epilepsy, capsules are generally the safest and most convenient option, ideally taken away from anti-seizure medications to avoid interactions (e.g. at night if your medication is taken in the morning).
Start with a low dose and gradually increase to the recommended amount. Always read the label carefully or consult a qualified nutrition or healthcare professional to determine the right dose for you.
Be cautious of cheap supplements, which may contain additives such as magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, or other binders and fillers. These can reduce absorption or irritate digestion.
Liquid magnesium often offers better bioavailability and fewer additives, but it can be more expensive and may not always be available in your preferred form.
🧪Testing Your Magnesium Levels
A magnesium blood test is available through routine clinical laboratories, including the NHS and private providers, and measures magnesium levels in the bloodstream. This is the standard medical test for magnesium.
For a more comprehensive assessment, many private labs offer nutritional panel blood tests that evaluate multiple nutrients, providing a broader view of your nutritional status. These panels typically cost around £700. Alternatively, you can test magnesium alone privately for approximately £60.
❗Risks of Over-Supplementing
The body tightly regulates magnesium levels, so overdosing is uncommon and usually accompanied by early warning signs, including:
Diarrhea (most common)
Nausea or vomiting
Abdominal cramping or bloating
In cases of excessively high magnesium levels, more serious symptoms may occur, such as:
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Confusion or lethargy
Muscle weakness
The safest approach is to prioritise magnesium-rich foods and consult a qualified nutritional therapist before beginning any supplementation. Remember that magnesium is just one piece of the puzzle in natural epilepsy management.