The findings suggest that too little magnesium can worsen the suffering from migraine headaches. The Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences recently provided new recommended intakes for magnesium. For magnesium, the DRI is 400 milligrams per day for men aged 19 to 30 years, and 420 milligrams per day for males over age 30. The DRI is 310 milligrams per day for women aged 19 to 30 years and 320 milligrams per day for women over age 30. Dietary surveys show that the diet of many Americans does not consistently provide the DRI for magnesium.
Older people are especially prone to consuming a diet inadequate in magnesium.
Good sources of magnesium are leafy vegetables, nuts, skim milk and whole grains.