The Effect of Magnesium Supplementation on Endothelial Function: A Randomised Cross-Over Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Nutritional Science
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Low magnesium intake is linked to coronary heart disease and impaired endothelial function.
• Magnesium plays a crucial role in vascular health and physiological processes.
• Understanding the impact of magnesium supplementation on endothelial function is important for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of one week of oral magnesium supplementation on endothelial function in healthy adults.
• To assess changes in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and blood pressure following magnesium supplementation.
• To explore correlations between age, diet, and endothelial function.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, cross-over pilot study involving 19 healthy participants.
• Participants underwent two one-week interventions: magnesium supplementation or their usual diet.
• Endothelial function (FMD), blood pressure, and urinary magnesium levels were measured.

Main Results:

• Magnesium supplementation significantly increased urinary magnesium levels and the magnesium-creatinine ratio.
• No significant differences in FMD or blood pressure were observed between the magnesium supplementation and control groups.
• A negative correlation was found between age and FMD, and saturated fat intake was negatively associated with FMD after age adjustment.

Conclusions:

• One week of over-the-counter magnesium supplementation did not improve endothelial function in healthy individuals.
• Short-term magnesium supplementation may not be sufficient to enhance vascular health markers in this population.
• Age and dietary factors like saturated fat intake appear to influence endothelial function.