Magnesium for Essential Tremor: Can It Help Reduce Shaking?

Essential tremor (ET) is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting approximately 5% of people worldwide. This disease has probably affected you or someone close to you. ET significantly impairs quality of life, leading to disability and social isolation, which is why people seek various treatments.

One possible natural remedy is magnesium, a mineral involved in hundreds of processes in the body, including the regulation of nerve and muscle function. But can magnesium really help with tremors, and what does science say about its potential benefits?

How Magnesium Works in the Body

The body requires magnesium to maintain proper health. Firstly, the body depends on magnesium to control electrolyte levels and maintain blood pressure, heart rhythm and muscle function. Secondly, the nervous system depends on magnesium to function as a natural stabilising agent, which controls excessive nerve activity while minimising stress-related symptoms.

Research shows that magnesium deficiency can lead to irritability, muscle cramps, and even tremors. That’s why tremors caused by magnesium deficiency aren’t uncommon—especially among older adults or those under chronic stress.

When the body lacks magnesium, it struggles to properly regulate nerve impulses, which can make tremor symptoms worse.

Can Magnesium Reduce Tremors?

The scientific community has not established a direct link between magnesium consumption and essential tremor treatment but numerous patients experience improvement after taking magnesium supplements. Healthcare professionals now believe magnesium supplements help people manage their hand tremors while enhancing their motor abilities.

The muscle-relaxing properties of magnesium together with its nerve-calming effects might explain its ability to decrease tremors. Medical professionals have observed that magnesium levels appear to correlate with tremor severity because shaking becomes more severe during times of stress and when patients consume caffeine or lack sleep.

The medical community accepts magnesium as a helpful additional treatment for ET patients because it promotes general health benefits.

Which Magnesium is Best for Tremors?

Not all forms of magnesium are absorbed equally. Choosing the right type can make a difference in how effective it is for essential tremor.

Magnesium glycinate – Highly absorbable, gentle on the stomach, and calming to the nervous system. Often considered the best option for tremor, especially for long-term use.

Magnesium citrate – Well absorbed and helps relieve muscle tension and fatigue, though it may have a mild laxative effect in sensitive individuals.

Magnesium taurate – Supports a steady heart rhythm and soothes the nervous system, making it a good choice if tremors worsen due to stress or anxiety.

Magnesium malate – Helps maintain energy levels and muscle relaxation, recommended for those experiencing both tremor and fatigue.

Magnesium oxide – More affordable but poorly absorbed, making it the least effective for tremor management.

Bottom line: For calming the nervous system and reducing tremors, magnesium glycinate or taurate are often the top choices. For energy support, malate may help; for general use, citrate is a good all-around option.

Because every body reacts differently, the best magnesium for tremors is the one your doctor recommends based on your health status and individual needs.

How to Add Magnesium if You Have Essential Tremor

You can increase magnesium intake through diet or supplements, but it’s important to do so safely and—ideally—under medical supervision. Here are a few practical steps:

1. Consult your doctor

Before starting any supplement, talk to your healthcare provider. They can check your magnesium levels and recommend the right dosage and form for your situation.

2. Choose a high-quality magnesium supplement

Not all supplements are created equal. Research suggests that magnesium glycinate is one of the most absorbable and gentle forms, making it particularly suitable for essential tremor. Citrate and taurate are also effective options.

3. Start with a low dose

Begin gradually to see how your body responds. This helps avoid digestive discomfort and allows your system to adjust to the extra magnesium.

4. Take it with food

Magnesium absorbs better when taken with meals, which can also reduce stomach upset.

5. Watch for interactions

Magnesium can interact with certain medications, including antibiotics and blood pressure drugs. Always let your doctor know about all supplements you’re taking.

6. Stay consistent

The effects of magnesium build up over time. Regular use may help stabilize nerve activity and gradually reduce tremor symptoms.

While magnesium isn’t a cure, it can be a valuable addition to your essential tremor management plan when used correctly.

Additional Benefits of Magnesium for the Nervous System

Beyond its potential to ease essential tremor, magnesium offers numerous health benefits. It can lower stress hormone levels, promote better sleep, support muscle relaxation, and contribute to heart health.

Over time, these effects may also help with ET management, since stress and tension often worsen shaking. Keeping your magnesium levels balanced may therefore support both your body and mind.

Magnesium Deficiency and Tremors: The Connection

Magnesium plays a vital role in maintaining normal nerve and muscle function. When levels drop too low, nerve cells become more sensitive and easily overexcited, leading to involuntary muscle twitching or shaking—sometimes mistaken for essential tremor.

Although magnesium-deficiency tremor isn’t the same as essential tremor, a lack of magnesium can worsen symptoms or cause additional muscle tension. This is especially common in people under chronic stress, those who consume a lot of caffeine or alcohol, or those with conditions that impair nutrient absorption.

In such cases, magnesium supplements can help restore electrolyte balance, calm the nervous system, and reduce muscle sensitivity.

What Causes Magnesium Deficiency and Tremors?

Several factors can contribute to magnesium deficiency: poor diet, digestive disorders, certain medications, or chronic stress. Older adults and people with long-term health conditions are at higher risk.

To prevent deficiency, include magnesium-rich foods such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains in your diet. If you already experience tremors, your doctor may recommend supplementation based on your individual needs.

Possible Side Effects and Precautions

While magnesium is generally safe, taking too much can cause digestive upset, diarrhea, or low blood pressure. Always stay within recommended doses.

If you have kidney disease, consult your doctor before using magnesium supplements—your body may not process excess minerals effectively.

Other Ways to Manage Essential Tremor

The combination of magnesium treatment with technological solutions provides new methods to help patients manage their essential tremor symptoms. The VILIM ball serves as a modern handheld medical device which delivers non-invasive neuromodulatory therapy to decrease hand tremors.

The device operates as a lightweight, quiet tool which allows users to perform therapy sessions at any location they find suitable. The treatment duration ranges from several minutes to several hours, based on practical experience.

Magnesium for Essential Tremor: The Bottom Line

Magnesium isn’t a miracle cure, but its positive effects on the nervous and muscular systems can make a meaningful difference for those living with essential tremor.

Choosing the right magnesium supplement—and combining it with supportive tools like the VILIM ball—can help you move toward steadier hands and a calmer, more balanced life.