Magnesium absorption from mineral waters of different magnesium content in healthy subjects

To assess the absorption of magnesium (Mg) from mineral waters of different Mg content in comparison to low mineralized water and a Mg capsule.

Randomized, controlled, double- blind trial in a crossover design with an additional control with a Mg capsule.

Institute of Balneology and Medical Climatology, Medical School of Hanover, Germany.

22 healthy male volunteers aged between 23-46 years.

After a standardized breakfast, each participant received, in Latin square order, 500 ml of either of two Mg-rich mineral waters (281 or 120 mg/l). As a control condition, a mineral water of low Mg content (8 mg/l) was used. A Mg capsule (Magnesium-Diasporal 150, Protina, Ismaning, Germany) was used for further comparisons.

Changes in serum Mg levels in the first 4 hours after intake differed significantly between the groups (p = 0.030; ANOVA). Mean values differed between the Mg-rich mineral water conditions and the control conditions though did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.055), however, mean values did not differ between the test waters and the capsule (p = 0.338).

Magnesium from mineral waters can easily be absorbed and its absorption rate is similar to that from a pharmaceutical Mg preparation.