Supplements for tinnitus: do magnesium and ginkgo biloba work?

Q: Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo Biloba, one of the oldest known plants, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years. This plant has been associated with various beneficial properties, extending its use to the treatment of tinnitus. The positive effects of Ginkgo Biloba are recognised for cognitive functions, the treatment of certain vascular disorders, and metabolic syndromes. However, these extracts should be used with caution by individuals taking anticoagulants. Ginkgo Biloba extract is rich in polyphenols, antioxidant flavonoids derived from catechins and proanthocyanidins, and terpene lactones such as ginkgolides A, B, and C, and bilobalides, which exhibit anticoagulant properties. These compounds work together to enhance blood flow, protect the health of blood vessel walls, and improve venous tone, thus promoting optimal blood microcirculation. Long used for the treatment of tinnitus, Ginkgo Biloba has been the subject of numerous studies, some of which have questioned its actual effectiveness.

Q: Magnesium

Magnesium supplements have attracted research interest for their potential in treating tinnitus. Magnesium plays a crucial role in auditory health by contributing to neuronal function and nerve transmission. It is believed that low magnesium levels may negatively affect the activity of auditory sensory cells, potentially contributing to the development of tinnitus. Therefore, taking magnesium supplements could help offset any deficiencies and improve auditory function, thereby reducing the intensity and frequency of tinnitus.

Q: Melatonin

Melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate the sleep-wake cycle, has shown potential benefits in the treatment of tinnitus. It is believed that melatonin may act as a powerful antioxidant, helping to protect auditory cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, melatonin has proven effective in inducing sleep and, therefore, in countering the insomnia caused by the perception of tinnitus.

Q: Zinc

Zinc also supports auditory function by aiding in the transmission of nerve signals from the inner ear to the auditory nerve. Additionally, it plays a key role in antioxidant processes, protecting auditory cells from damage caused by free radicals. Incorporating zinc into one’s diet could represent an additional strategy for addressing tinnitus, but further research is needed to fully confirm its benefits in this context.

Q: Vitamin b12

B vitamins are essential for overall health. They are obtained through the diet from foods such as eggs, cereals, nuts, fish, rice, meat, milk, liver, and leafy green vegetables. B vitamins are crucial for providing the energy needed for daily activities, protecting skin, hair, and teeth, and preventing various conditions, including cardiovascular, neurological, and skin diseases. They are involved in the production of red blood cells, help regulate homocysteine levels (which, if elevated, can increase cardiovascular risk), and contribute to the proper functioning of the central nervous system. Numerous studies have highlighted that supplementation with vitamin B12 could offer significant benefits in alleviating tinnitus symptoms. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any vitamin supplements.

Supplements for tinnitus: do they work?

Tinnitus is characterised by the perception of annoying sounds in one or both ears, audible only to the affected individual, which can cause considerable discomfort in daily life. The causes can vary, and dietary supplements and, more broadly, nutraceuticals are often considered as a potential treatment to alleviate symptoms. In this article, we will examine whether the use of supplements can be effective in treating tinnitus.

What supplements do people take for tinnitus?

Understanding supplements and nutraceuticals for tinnitus can be useful for those seeking relief from the bothersome symptoms of this auditory disorder. But what is the difference between the two products? Nutraceuticals can be divided into two broad categories:

Genuine supplements (vitamins, amino acids, and minerals), which have purely nutritional value.
Natural compounds/extracts that do not integrate into the diet but have their own pharmacological actions.

The inclusion of plant compounds and extracts in the category of dietary supplements has been heavily criticised, as these products contain pharmacologically active molecules that make them more akin to medications. That said, among the most promising options for tinnitus therapy are supplements containing ingredients such as magnesium, zinc, vitamin B12, and Ginkgo Biloba extract, known for their potential to improve hearing health and reduce the intensity of tinnitus.

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo Biloba, one of the oldest known plants, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years. This plant has been associated with various beneficial properties, extending its use to the treatment of tinnitus.

The positive effects of Ginkgo Biloba are recognised for cognitive functions, the treatment of certain vascular disorders, and metabolic syndromes. However, these extracts should be used with caution by individuals taking anticoagulants. Ginkgo Biloba extract is rich in polyphenols, antioxidant flavonoids derived from catechins and proanthocyanidins, and terpene lactones such as ginkgolides A, B, and C, and bilobalides, which exhibit anticoagulant properties.

These compounds work together to enhance blood flow, protect the health of blood vessel walls, and improve venous tone, thus promoting optimal blood microcirculation. Long used for the treatment of tinnitus, Ginkgo Biloba has been the subject of numerous studies, some of which have questioned its actual effectiveness.

Magnesium

Magnesium supplements have attracted research interest for their potential in treating tinnitus. Magnesium plays a crucial role in auditory health by contributing to neuronal function and nerve transmission. It is believed that low magnesium levels may negatively affect the activity of auditory sensory cells, potentially contributing to the development of tinnitus. Therefore, taking magnesium supplements could help offset any deficiencies and improve auditory function, thereby reducing the intensity and frequency of tinnitus.

Melatonin

Melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate the sleep-wake cycle, has shown potential benefits in the treatment of tinnitus. It is believed that melatonin may act as a powerful antioxidant, helping to protect auditory cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, melatonin has proven effective in inducing sleep and, therefore, in countering the insomnia caused by the perception of tinnitus.

Zinc

Zinc also supports auditory function by aiding in the transmission of nerve signals from the inner ear to the auditory nerve. Additionally, it plays a key role in antioxidant processes, protecting auditory cells from damage caused by free radicals. Incorporating zinc into one’s diet could represent an additional strategy for addressing tinnitus, but further research is needed to fully confirm its benefits in this context.

Vitamin b12

B vitamins are essential for overall health. They are obtained through the diet from foods such as eggs, cereals, nuts, fish, rice, meat, milk, liver, and leafy green vegetables.

B vitamins are crucial for providing the energy needed for daily activities, protecting skin, hair, and teeth, and preventing various conditions, including cardiovascular, neurological, and skin diseases. They are involved in the production of red blood cells, help regulate homocysteine levels (which, if elevated, can increase cardiovascular risk), and contribute to the proper functioning of the central nervous system.

Numerous studies have highlighted that supplementation with vitamin B12 could offer significant benefits in alleviating tinnitus symptoms. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any vitamin supplements.

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What other treatments are helpful for managing tinnitus?

Other natural methods for alleviating tinnitus include:

Hypnosis and cognitive behavioural therapy are the only treatments that have shown scientifically proven benefits for tinnitus perception.
Acupuncture has been the subject of numerous studies for treating both chronic pain and tinnitus. While positive results have been observed for chronic pain, there has been no significant effect on tinnitus.
Relaxation techniques like yoga, Tai Chi, and meditation have long been used to reduce stress and improve mood. Although they do not directly affect tinnitus perception, these practices can help manage symptoms more effectively

Possible side effects

Dietary supplements, readily available without a prescription, often give the impression of being free from side effects. However, the reality is that many of them contain a range of ingredients in addition to the main one, which can interfere with other medications or cause intolerances. Therefore, it is essential to consult your doctor before starting any vitamin therapy.

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Supplements for tinnitus