Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 3, 2025
Magnetic Adjustment of Afterload in Engineered Heart Tissues
Published on: May 5, 2020
The Acute Effect of Magnesium Supplementation on Endothelial Function: A Randomized Cross-Over Pilot Study
Caitríona Murphy1,2, Jennifer Byrne1,2, Jennifer B Keogh1
1Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
Abstract:
Magnesium (Mg) deficiency might be a catalyst in the process of endothelial dysfunction, an early event in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to determine the acute effect of an oral Mg supplement as compared to control on endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). Nineteen participants (39 years, body mass index (BMI) 22.9 kg/m2) completed this randomized cross-over study. Blood pressure (BP) and FMD were measured and blood samples were taken before participants drank 200 mL water, with or without an over the counter Mg supplement (450 mg and 300 mg for men and women). Measurements were repeated at 60 and 120 min. There was a statistically significant two-way interaction between treatment and time on serum Mg (p = 0.037). A difference of -0.085 mm in FMD was observed 60-min post drink in the control group, as compared to baseline FMD, and no difference was observed in the supplement group as compared to baseline. Despite the non-significant interaction between treatment and time on FMD, once adjusted for baseline, the difference seen in the control group and the lack of change in the supplement group at 60 min post-drink suggests that Mg might attenuate the reduction in FMD post-prandially.
Insights
Oral magnesium supplementation may prevent post-meal reductions in endothelial function. This study found that magnesium supplements, unlike a placebo, maintained flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) after consumption, suggesting a protective effect against endothelial dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Nutritional Science
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Endothelial dysfunction is an early indicator of atherosclerosis.
- Magnesium deficiency may contribute to endothelial dysfunction.
- Acute effects of oral magnesium on endothelial function require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the acute impact of oral magnesium supplementation on endothelial function.
- To compare the effects of magnesium versus a placebo on flow-mediated dilatation (FMD).
- To investigate the role of magnesium in mitigating postprandial endothelial changes.
Main Methods:
- Randomized, cross-over study design with 19 participants.
- Measurement of blood pressure and FMD before and at 60, 120 minutes post-ingestion.
- Administration of 450 mg (men) or 300 mg (women) oral magnesium supplement or placebo.
- Analysis of serum magnesium levels and FMD response.
Main Results:
- A significant interaction between treatment and time was observed for serum magnesium levels (p=0.037).
- The control group showed a decrease in FMD at 60 minutes post-ingestion (-0.085 mm).
- The magnesium-supplemented group exhibited no significant change in FMD at 60 minutes.
Conclusions:
- Oral magnesium supplementation may attenuate the reduction in FMD observed post-prandially.
- Magnesium appears to play a role in maintaining endothelial function acutely.
- Further research is warranted to confirm magnesium's protective effects on vascular health.
