What the Medical Studies are Saying about Magnesium

The research into magnesium and its effects on the human body are extensive. Playing a role in so many aspects of human health, here are a few scientific studies on what magnesium does.

Magnesium may benefit blood pressure in hypertensives

Supplemental magnesium may reduce blood pressure people with high blood pressure. The findings suggest that magnesium supplementation may help prevent the progression of hypertension in people with high blood pressure. Published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases.

Study highlights vital role of magnesium in type 2 diabetes

The study found that long term hyperglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes increases the risk of chronic complications such as nephropathy and may aggravate other clinical conditions associated with diabetes. The authors said adequate magnesium is essential for people with diabetes and was published in Clinical Nutrition.

Dietary magnesium may reduce the risk of colon cancer: Meta-analysis

According to a meta analysis from the Imperial College London and Wageningen University increased intakes of magnesium in the diet may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. For every 100mg increase in intake of magnesium, the risk of colorectal cancer decreased by 12% and was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Magnesium supplements show potential anti-inflammatory effects: Meta-analysis

Researchers focused on C-reactive protein, an established marker of inflammation and found that magnesium supplementation was associated with significant reductions in CRP. The findings suggest magnesium supplements may have a beneficial role as management of low-grade chronic inflammation according to the Current Pharmaceutical Design

Magnesium deficiency may contribute to osteoporosis rise

A study has found prolonged magnesium deficiency leads to osteoporosis in rats which could present a warning to certain populations not getting enough magnesium in their diets. The researchers found the bone density in the magnesium group to be significantly higher than the control and found indicators of osteoporosis in the control group according to the report in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

Magnesium’s potential to lower blood pressure

Data from 34 randomised, double blind placebo- controlled trials involving 2028 participants,  indicated that there is a casual effect of magnesium supplementation lowering blood pressure in adults. The meta analysis published in the Journal Hypertension, supports the cardiovascular benefits of magnesium. 

Magnesium may reduce stroke risk: Meta-analysis

Collecting data from seven studies showed that for every 100mg per day increase in magnesium intake, the risk of stroke was reduced about 9%. Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Low magnesium levels may increase stroke risk

Increasing levels of magnesium could decrease the risk of ischemic stroke with the effects related to magnesium’s benefits on blood pressure and for diabetics, According to research published in the American Journal of Epidemiology

More magnesium-rich food for less diabetes – meta-analysis

Eating more magnesium rich foods like green leafy vegetables and nuts may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes according to a meta-analysis, published in the Journal of Internal Medicine.

Magnesium linked to lower metabolic syndrome risk: Meta-analysis

Increased dietary intakes of magnesium may reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome by about 30% according to meta-analysis of six studies. The risk of having metabolic syndrome decreased by 17% for every 100mg per day increase in magnesium published in Diabetic Medicine.

Dietary magnesium may lower risk of death from heart disease

Increased intakes of magnesium in the diet may reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality by about 50%, suggest study from Japan. With data collected over 14.7 years from 58,615 healthy japanease aged between 40-79 indicated reductions in the risk of cardiovascular events according to a paper published in Atherosclerosis.

Magnesium supplements may boost physical performance for older women: RCT

A study run by scientists from the University of Padova included a magnesium group and placebo group. The magnesium group had a significantly better short physical performance score as well as improvements in chair stand times and walking speeds compared to the placebo. The findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggest a role for magnesium supplementation in preventing or delaying age-related decline in physical performance.

Magnesium supplements could help asthmatics, says study

Children with asthma taking magnesium supplements experienced a decrease in the severity of their asthma and used less medication according to a clinical trial from Brazil. The group that received the magnesium experienced a significant improvement in bronchial responsiveness and reduced the use of salbutamol, an asthma medication by almost 40%. Published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Magnesium shows insulin benefits in non-diabetics: Study

Study finds increased intakes of magnesium are associated with decreased metabolic biomarkers of insulin resistance in non-diabetics. Those subjects with the highest magnesium in takes exhibited significantly less insulin resistance according to findings published in Nutrients.