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Our Members Asked:
Do any supplements, foods, or oils help reduce muscle pain, muscle cramps, or nighttime leg cramps?
Answer:
Many supplements have been promoted to reduce muscle pain and muscle cramps, such as acetyl-L-carnitine, L-carnitine, CBD (cannabidiol), curcumin, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, tart cherry juice, taurine, and vitamins B-6, B-12, D, and K. Coconut water, tonic water, pickle juice, mustard, and a drink sold as HOTSHOT (combining cinnamon, ginger and capsicum), have also been promoted. However, clinical evidence suggests only some may be helpful.
Sign in as a member for details on what has, or has not, been shown to help with nighttime leg cramps. Keep in mind that there are many different causes of muscle pain, muscle cramping, and nocturnal or "nighttime" leg cramps, which is why it's important to consult with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing new or worsening symptoms, as some causes, like blood clots, can be life threatening.
In addition the results of its expert testing, ConsumerLab uses only high-quality, evidence based, information sources. These sources include peer-reviewed studies and information from agencies such as the FDA and USDA, and the National Academy of Medicine. On evolving topics, studies from pre-print journals may be sourced. All of our content is reviewed by medical doctors and doctoral-level experts in pharmacology, toxicology, and chemistry. We continually update and medically review our information to keep our content trustworthy, accurate, and reliable. The following sources are referenced in this article:
- Allen, Am Fam Physician 2012
- Allen, Am Fam Physician 2012
- Brasic, Mayo Clin Proc 2001
- Brasic, Psychol Rep 1999
- Chubanov, Br. J Pharmacol 2012
- Craighead, Muscle Nerve 2017
- Dale, J Athl Train 2003
- El-Tawil, Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015
- FDA News for Health Professionals, 2012
- Georgieva, Appl Sci 2021
- Hogan, CMAJ 2015
- Maughan, Sports Sci Exchange 2019
- Miller, Med Sci Sports Exerc 2010
- Rabbitt, Age Ageing 2016
- Shaheen, BMC Public Health 2018
- Tan, JAMA Int Med 2024
- Tapper, Am J Gastroenterol 2022
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Latest Research Updates (Clinical Updates)
This May Reduce Leg Cramps
October 28, 2024
A recent study found high-dose vitamin K to dramatically reduce nighttime leg cramps in older men and women. For details (including the form, dose, and dosing regimen) see the What It Does section of our Vitamin K Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among vitamin K supplements.
Also see: Do any supplements, foods, or oils help reduce muscle pain, muscle cramps, or nighttime leg cramps?
Leg Cramps and Carnitine
August 22, 2024
Also see: Do any supplements, foods, or oils help reduce muscle pain, muscle cramps, or nighttime leg cramps?
Hyland's for Leg Cramps?
March 31, 2023
Does mustard help with cramps?
April 22, 2022
Several CL members have reported that taking mustard has relieved muscle cramps. Find out why this may help in our answer about foods and supplements for cramps.
Pickle Juice Works for Muscle Cramps
April 19, 2022
A recent study found that pickle juice reduced the severity of cramps (e.g., in the calves and feet). Get the details, including the dosage, timing, and type of pickle juice used in our article about Supplements for Muscle Cramps.
Also find out if a product called HOTSHOT might be beneficial for muscle cramps.
Pickle Juice for Muscle Cramps?
April 07, 2022
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