We understand the urgency! If you have epsom salt (magnesium sulfate), put a pinch in water and drink it (it's very bitter), or, put four cups in a bath and soak in it.
If you don't have that, any type of magnesium supplement you have is worth a try.
Drinking pickle juice can work short term. If you don't have pickle juice, mix some salt and vinegar with water. If you don't have vinegar, anything sour might help.
V8 juice can also work. Pedialyte and Gatorade or other sports drinks work for some.
Once your cramp is gone, come back and we will explain how to keep them from coming back.
We understand the urgency! If you have epsom salt (magnesium sulfate), put a pinch in water and drink it (it's very bitter), or, put four cups in a bath and soak in it.
If you don't have that, any type of magnesium supplement you have is worth a try.
Drinking pickle juice can work short term. If you don't have pickle juice, mix some salt and vinegar with water. If you don't have vinegar, anything sour might help.
V8 juice can also work. Pedialyte and Gatorade or other sports drinks work for some.
Once your cramp is gone, come back and we will explain how to keep them from coming back.
Leg and Muscle Cramps Facts, Based on the Latest Research from 2025:
- It's a very common issue. There are over 1 million Google searches related to cramps per month.
- Most common in people over age 60, but can happen at any age.
- Especially frequent and severe at nighttime. Can cause excruciating pain and loss of sleep, causing deterioration of overall mental and physical health, making it a serious medical issue that must be addressed.
- Cramps themselves are not usually dangerous, but all the side-effects of cramps on your life are very unhealthy.
- There are exceptions: cramps can sometimes be very dangerous, such as when you are driving a car or operating any other machinery, putting yourself and others at risk.
- However, doctors often don't have a good solution. They used to prescribe Quinine, but that was pulled by the FDA due to concerns about ocular side effects. Sometimes they prescribe muscle relaxers, which have side effects of drowsiness and cognitive impairment.
- Basic remedies like heat and stretching are not usually successful. Homeopathic and vinegar-based remedies (like pickle juice) sometimes work in the short term, but do not fix the issue for most people in the long term.
- Potential causes of cramps are many. Hormonal changes with age is one. Stress and strain from muscular overexertion can also cause them. Various medications have cramps as a well-known side effect - especially diuretics and statins.
- However in the past 15 years, new research has come out, highlighting the role of electrolytes in cramps. (Electrolytes are minerals that your muscles need for normal function). The four electrolytes needed are Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium.
- Your body normally keeps these minerals in precise balance, however, many things can disrupt this balance. Such as, eating too much or not enough of certain foods, overuse of supplements, sweating a lot, general aging, alcohol or high caffeine use, or a lot of stress.
- Research says the #1 most common electrolyte imbalance responsible for cramps is Magnesium-Calcium imbalance. Specifically, magnesium is too low and calcium is too high. Keep reading for an in-depth analysis.
Cause #1: Serious Magnesium Deficiency. Extremely Common, Especially for those Over Age 60.
The Mayo Clinic lists magnesium deficiency as the #1 cause of muscle cramps in the body, including leg and foot cramps day or night (References 1-3). 78% of Americans do not get enough magnesium (4).
Magnesium is necessary for muscles to relax: low levels make muscles over-excitable and trigger cramps, pain, and inflammation (6-7). Multiple studies show that correcting magnesium deficiency stops recurring cramps for good in most people (5, 8-12). (All Scientific References)
(Low magnesium isn't just a cause of cramps; it's a serious risk factor for high blood pressure, heart attacks, stroke, insomnia, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline. Cramps are just the "canary in the coal mine.")
But few people eat enough magnesium-rich foods (greens, nuts, seeds, fruit, dark chocolate). And magnesium is lost every day, through normal living (but also caffeine, alcohol, stress, aging and medications as mentioned before).
Supplementation seems like the obvious solution, but most magnesium supplements are poorly absorbed, cause stomach upset/laxative effects (especially after age 60), and use formulas not ideal for cramps. Quality and transparency vary widely, especially if they are made overseas, which is very common today.
It's possible the test is inaccurate. The blood test that you likely received is called a "serum" test, which is part of any normal blood chemistry panel. Unfortunately, this blood test does not accurately portray your body's supplies of magnesium. Here's why: in order for your heart to beat, your body has to maintain a steady amount of magnesium in your blood at all times. It does this by pulling magnesium from your bones and tissues as needed -- including your muscles. So, you can have a perfectly normal serum test and still be low in magnesium in your muscles -- causing your cramps. The gold standard test for true magnesium levels is called an RBC magnesium test, NOT serum. This test is a special request, it is not normally administered by most doctors.
(Even with an accurate test and normal magnesium levels, it is possible your calcium levels are too high. Maintaining balance is what prevents cramps long term.)
It's possible the test is inaccurate. The blood test that you likely received is called a "serum" test, which is part of any normal blood chemistry panel. Unfortunately, this blood test does not accurately portray your body's supplies of magnesium. Here's why: in order for your heart to beat, your body has to maintain a steady amount of magnesium in your blood at all times. It does this by pulling magnesium from your bones and tissues as needed -- including your muscles. So, you can have a perfectly normal serum test and still be low in magnesium in your muscles -- causing your cramps. The gold standard test for true magnesium levels is called an RBC magnesium test, NOT serum. This test is a special request, it is not normally administered by most doctors.
(Even with an accurate test and normal magnesium levels, it is possible your calcium levels are too high. Maintaining balance is what prevents cramps long term.)
Cause #2: Excessive Calcium - Also Very Common.
Americans consume more calcium than any population worldwide, from dairy and widespread calcium supplements. Vitamin D use has also surged, further increasing calcium absorption (Vitamin D works by dramatically increasing calcium absorption and retention.)
But excess calcium disrupts the calcium-magnesium balance and is a major trigger for muscle cramps. In severe cases, it leads to soft-tissue calcification, stiffening joints, muscles, arteries, and organs — a key driver of age-related rigidity.
The basic mechanism is this: calcium signals muscles to contract, and magnesium signals muscles to relax. They are antagonistic minerals: one blocks the other.
To restore balance and reduce cramps, research supports three evidence-based steps:
- Reduce excess calcium intake, especially in the evening.
- Temporarily lower or pause high-dose Vitamin D (and never take it at night.)
- Use a highly absorbable form of magnesium daily to counter excess calcium (in addition to it's other benefits.)
OK, so what are your next steps? Review this checklist and take action:
- Are you taking any medications that have cramps as a known side effect? Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about alternative meds that don't cause cramps.
- Do you have an intense activity level that involves lots of muscle strain and/or sweating? Consume more electrolytes, especially magnesium.
- Do you consume caffeine and/or alcohol (even if it's just one drink a day!) Cut back and/or consume more electrolytes especially magnesium.
- Are you sedentary? It is vital to walk minimum 20 minutes a day, to maintain circulation in your muscles.
- Do you eat a lot of dairy, consume calcium supplements or vitamin D? Reduce dose, avoid them at night, and increase magnesium.
- Do you drink hard water, with high calcium? Get a filter and increase magnesium.
- Do you have an inflammatory, low-mineral diet, low in fresh fruit and vegetables, and high in salt, oil and sugar? Do the opposite - eat only real whole foods, not processed!
- Based on this, if you believe you would benefit from more magnesium, keep reading. (If you have taken magnesium before, but experienced unpleasant side effects, especially keep reading.)
As you can see, cramps involve many factors. But the quickest, most reliable way to get relief is to simply restore your magnesium levels. That fixes cramps for about 80% of people. The problem is, most magnesium supplements don't work (and have bad laxative side effects!) — so how do you decide which one to take?
A good magnesium supplement:
1) Is easy and convenient to take, so it's not a hassle for you.
2) Is well-absorbed (even if you have weak or sensitive digestion),
3) Is retained by your body, and
4) Has no side-effects, especially laxative effects.
But unfortunately, those requirements are challenging to fulfill:
- Large pills are tough to swallow; powders and liquids are messy and not very portable — not very convenient.
- Different types of magnesium (oxide, chloride, glycinate, taurate, etc.) all cause digestive upset to some extent (some worse than others).
- Many tablets and capsules absorb poorly due to low quality ingredients and fillers, binders and coatings.
- Many companies have a bad manufacturing process, that results in impurities and byproducts which cause GI irritation. (Do you know, is your magnesium made in a country with high production standards — can you trust the label?)
It's important to understand: if your magnesium doesn't absorb, it can't work for cramps. And if it causes laxative effects, that means (by definition) it is not absorbing (as well as the discomfort, inconvenience and embarrassment it causes.)
There are a variety of forms and each has pros and cons:
- Magnesium oxide and hydroxide: Very cheap to produce, typically overseas. Unfortunately it is very poorly absorbed (only 8%), and is highly laxative. But nonetheless, it is what you find in most common multi-vitamins. It also happens to be the active ingredient in Milk of Magnesia.
- Magnesium citrate: Is highly laxative. It is the main ingredient in those glass bottles of laxative at the drug store. If you have ever had a colonoscopy, this is what they gave you to "clean you out".
- Magnesium sulfate: Also known as Epsom Salt. It is also very laxative -- that's partly what they sell it for. But it is great for soaking!
- Magnesium glycinate: This is magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine. This form is not ideal because it tends to be expensive and only found in large, difficult to swallow tablets.
- Magnesium chelate or glutamate:This product is low quality, because it has large amounts of "unbound magnesium" in the form of oxides. This poor form of magnesium causes laxative effects.
- Magnesium chloride: This turns to liquid when exposed to air, making it difficult to deliver via capsule. It is not naturally found in food.
- Magnesium taurinate: This is magnesium bound to the amino acid Taurine. It has the side effect of causing extreme drowsiness, which makes it difficult to take during the day. It is also very expensive.
There are a variety of forms and each has pros and cons:
- Magnesium oxide and hydroxide: Very cheap to produce, typically overseas. Unfortunately it is very poorly absorbed (only 8%), and is highly laxative. But nonetheless, it is what you find in most common multi-vitamins. It also happens to be the active ingredient in Milk of Magnesia.
- Magnesium citrate: Is highly laxative. It is the main ingredient in those glass bottles of laxative at the drug store. If you have ever had a colonoscopy, this is what they gave you to "clean you out".
- Magnesium sulfate: Also known as Epsom Salt. It is also very laxative -- that's partly what they sell it for. But it is great for soaking!
- Magnesium glycinate: This is magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine. This form is not ideal because it tends to be expensive and only found in large, difficult to swallow tablets.
- Magnesium chelate or glutamate:This product is low quality, because it has large amounts of "unbound magnesium" in the form of oxides. This poor form of magnesium causes laxative effects.
- Magnesium chloride: This turns to liquid when exposed to air, making it difficult to deliver via capsule. It is not naturally found in food.
- Magnesium taurinate: This is magnesium bound to the amino acid Taurine. It has the side effect of causing extreme drowsiness, which makes it difficult to take during the day. It is also very expensive.
So, we explained the science of cramps, and how to find a magnesium that actually works. Now, let us suggest a solution, trusted by more than one million people since 2011:
Cramp Defense® — The ONLY magnesium supplement that delivers the results you need, without compromises: 1) prevents cramps for good, 2) easy to take (small capsules), 3) highly-absorbing, 4) non-laxative, and 5) pure.
✅ Stops cramps from ever returning for most people, in two weeks or less.
✅ Patented formula. Doctor-approved, lab-tested and backed by university research. 100% Made in the USA.
✅ Over 1 million bottles sold in the past 15 years.
✅ A+ BBB rated, 11,000+ Amazon reviews.
100% satisfaction or your money back — totally risk-free.
Not comfortable ordering online? Call us 1-877-76CRAMP or request a callback at support@crampdefense.com
Keep reading to get even more background details:
Does it Work?
Based on our 15 years of customer data:
🟢 80% of people get total relief - no more cramps, as long as they keep taking their daily dose.
🟡 10% of people get partial relief - their cramps are lower in severity and less frequent.
🚫 10% of people get no results - their cramps are caused by something else, or they have other complicating factors. That's why we have a 100% risk free return policy.
2 Minute Video, Explains Everything:
OK, but how exactly does Cramp Defense® absorb without laxative effects?
✅ The formula is from nature: fruit & vegetables. The chemical structure of our magnesium (fully-reacted, triple-milled magnesium malate trihydrate complex, aka Truemag® - only found in Cramp Defense®) copies what's found in healthy fruit and vegetables, meaning our bodies recognize it, allowing it to absorb easily and not irritate your system. (Other magnesium types, like magnesium oxide, are made from crushed rocks and many people's bodies reject it.)
✅ We make it pure, with no extras. We make our product 100% free of impurities, with our patented process -- and, we use no binders, coatings or fillers that slow down absorption and cause irritation. (We 100% manufacture in the USA and lab-test in an FDA-inspected facility; many other companies manufacture overseas, with no transparency.)
✅ We used uncoated capsules, not tablets. Capsules dissolve and absorb much better and faster than tablets, especially for people with slow or weak digestion.
✅ End result = long-term cramp relief: Due to all these factors, it starts working immediately and becomes more effective with time as your reserves of magnesium are restored.
How to get started: (in consultation with your doctor.)
1. Start small: Take 1 capsule daily with food for optimal absorption.
2. Take more ONLY if needed: Increase gradually and split between morning and night.
3. Most users feel great with just 1–2 capsules daily.
4. Give it a chance to build up: Starts working immediately, but keep taking for at least 2 weeks before you make up your mind.
5. Stay consistent: Your body loses magnesium daily, so you need to replace it to keep cramps away.
Safety
Cramp Defense® is a pure, high-potency, lab-tested magnesium supplement. Since magnesium is a vital nutrient and part of a healthy diet for people of all ages, it is extremely safe, especially at the normal doses we recommend. 99% of people can take it without any issue. However, certain medications and medical conditions interfere with magnesium. If you take any medication, it is important that you check with a doctor, pharmacist, or other trusted source to ensure there is nothing preventing you from taking magnesium. For any questions, call us at 1-877-76CRAMP or email us at support@crampdefense.com. However, we are NOT allowed to give you specific medical advice.
Our Promise: Cramp Defense® Will Give You Great Results Without Laxative Effects — or Your Money Back.
Try it Risk-Free. If you are unhappy for ANY reason, you get 100% of your money back, no hassle, no questions asked.
Our product works for most people, but not everyone. Our return rate is 3%, so we know most people are happy. We will gladly refund you even if you have used the entire bottle.
Get a Trial-Size Bottle of Cramp Defense® Shipped Today! $23.95 Sale Ends Soon (Usual Price $29.95)
Limited quantity available, for new customers only. Grab yours before supplies run out.
Our Reputation is Everything. A+ BBB Rated and Made in the USA.
Cramp Defense® is the only product made by MgBright LLC. Founded in 2011 in Austin, TX by CEO Chris Kartalia and a team of nutrition chemists, our company goal has always been to deliver the highest quality, science-based product, focused on Transparency, Integrity, and Service. Read our About Us page for more details. If you ever feel like we are falling short of our standards, contact Chris directly at chris@crampdefense.com.
The formula is 100% made in Utah, USA in FDA and GMP compliant facilities, and lab tested for purity and safety. Contact us directly with any questions about our process and standards.
The product ships every business day from our warehouse near Dallas.
Corporate HQ: MgBright LLC, 3120 Southwest Fwy Ste 101, #26246, Houston, Texas 77098-4520
support@crampdefense.com
1-877-76CRAMP
Frequently Asked Questions
Truemag® is a proprietary magnesium malate complex, that is unique because it is fully reacted and triple-milled for maximum absorption. The formula and process behind Truemag® is owned by this company and only found in Cramp Defense®.
Truemag® is a proprietary magnesium malate complex, that is unique because it is fully reacted and triple-milled for maximum absorption. The formula and process behind Truemag® is owned by this company and only found in Cramp Defense®.
We are MgBright LLC, and we only specialize in this product. We started in January 2011, and after a period of research and development, began selling the product in February 2012. Our team and warehouse is based in Texas. The company is a member of the Better Business Bureau. If you ever need to reach us, please email us at support@crampdefense.com .
It is only available through our secure website. It is NOT sold in stores. Subscriptions are optional, not default.
We are MgBright LLC, and we only specialize in this product. We started in January 2011, and after a period of research and development, began selling the product in February 2012. Our team and warehouse is based in Texas. The company is a member of the Better Business Bureau. If you ever need to reach us, please email us at support@crampdefense.com .
It is only available through our secure website. It is NOT sold in stores. Subscriptions are optional, not default.
In our experience, most people get significant results from our product. Some people have become totally free of leg cramps. Others have seen a significant decrease in the pain and/or frequency of their symptoms. This could mean that the pain is cut in half, or they only get cramps once a week instead of muscle cramps every night. Everyone is different. However, some people do not see results, even after increasing their dose and taking it for more than a month. This usually means that magnesium deficiency is not causing their problems. This is why we offer the Money Back Guarantee -- to give you plenty of time to see if it works for you .
Although everyone responds differently, many people see results with their first dose. But we recommend trying it for 2 weeks to give it a full chance of working.
In our experience, most people get significant results from our product. Some people have become totally free of leg cramps. Others have seen a significant decrease in the pain and/or frequency of their symptoms. This could mean that the pain is cut in half, or they only get cramps once a week instead of muscle cramps every night. Everyone is different. However, some people do not see results, even after increasing their dose and taking it for more than a month. This usually means that magnesium deficiency is not causing their problems. This is why we offer the Money Back Guarantee -- to give you plenty of time to see if it works for you .
Although everyone responds differently, many people see results with their first dose. But we recommend trying it for 2 weeks to give it a full chance of working.
Many doctors know that magnesium is important, but they don't realize how important. Even then, they rarely know which magnesium forms actually work. Many doctors believe that magnesium is just another medication which decreases muscle cramps. In reality, lack of magnesium is the hidden reason WHY most people get muscle cramps.
Many doctors know that magnesium is important, but they don't realize how important. Even then, they rarely know which magnesium forms actually work. Many doctors believe that magnesium is just another medication which decreases muscle cramps. In reality, lack of magnesium is the hidden reason WHY most people get muscle cramps.
Our magnesium is designed to maximize results, not milligrams. It simply absorbs better than other products, so you need less of it. A lower dose per capsule also makes it easier to "dial in" the exact dose you need to get results.
Our magnesium is designed to maximize results, not milligrams. It simply absorbs better than other products, so you need less of it. A lower dose per capsule also makes it easier to "dial in" the exact dose you need to get results.
Take the smallest dose that works for you. It absorbs best when you take it with food. Experiment to see what dose works best for you. Below is the size of the capsule compared to a dime. You can also open up the capsules and mix the powder with a food like applesauce or yogurt -- the powder has no flavor.
Take the smallest dose that works for you. It absorbs best when you take it with food. Experiment to see what dose works best for you. Below is the size of the capsule compared to a dime. You can also open up the capsules and mix the powder with a food like applesauce or yogurt -- the powder has no flavor.
Although it is only magnesium, a natural part of a healthy diet, please talk to your doctor before starting any new dietary supplement. Certain conditions and medications can affect how the body processes and excretes magnesium. We are not allowed to give medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist!
Although it is only magnesium, a natural part of a healthy diet, please talk to your doctor before starting any new dietary supplement. Certain conditions and medications can affect how the body processes and excretes magnesium. We are not allowed to give medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist!
Other companies manufacture their products all over the world with the lowest bidder. We make Cramp Defense® in the USA (both the raw ingredients and the finished product -- nothing in our product is made overseas), in a multi-million dollar, 80,000 square foot facility. This facility is inspected by the FDA. Furthermore, we have voluntarily adopted a standard even higher than FDA inspection requirements. This means we require the strictest levels of purity, precision and sanitation.
Other companies manufacture their products all over the world with the lowest bidder. We make Cramp Defense® in the USA (both the raw ingredients and the finished product -- nothing in our product is made overseas), in a multi-million dollar, 80,000 square foot facility. This facility is inspected by the FDA. Furthermore, we have voluntarily adopted a standard even higher than FDA inspection requirements. This means we require the strictest levels of purity, precision and sanitation.