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The effects of magnesium supplementation on exercise performance
1School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Ian.Newhouse@Lakeheadu.Ca
Summary
Magnesium supplementation does not appear to enhance athletic performance, with most studies showing no effect on strength or aerobic capacity. Research limitations and confounding factors limit definitive conclusions, especially for female athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Magnesium (Mg) status is often suboptimal in athletes, leading to widespread Mg supplement use.
- Mg is a critical cofactor in over 325 enzymatic reactions, impacting physiological processes and exercise performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critique existing research on the effects of magnesium supplementation in athletes.
- To evaluate the quality of studies and identify factors confounding the assessment of Mg's role in performance.
Main Methods:
- A literature search of Medline (1966-1999) identified 12 experimental studies on human subjects, Mg supplementation, and exercise performance.
- Studies were critiqued based on design, Mg status assessment, supplementation protocol, duration, subject characteristics, and experimental control.
Main Results:
- The majority of evidence suggests no significant effect of Mg supplementation on strength, anaerobic-lactacid, or aerobic performance.
- Evidence is equivocal for peak treadmill speed during VO2 max tests.
- Confounding factors included variable exercise protocols, subject characteristics, Mg dosages, co-ingestion of other supplements, and inadequate assessment of Mg status.
Conclusions:
- Most research indicates Mg supplementation does not improve athletic performance.
- Further research is needed to clarify potential benefits in trained versus untrained individuals.
- Physically active females, potentially at higher risk for Mg deficiency, remain understudied.