Effect of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis
Kass L, Weekes J, Carpenter L
Published in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Abstract
Meta-analysis showing magnesium supplementation significantly reduces blood pressure in hypertensive and pre-hypertensive individuals.
Methodology
Meta-analysis of 22 randomised trials of oral magnesium supplementation reporting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with meta-regression on dose and baseline characteristics.
Key Findings
Magnesium supplementation produced a small but statistically significant reduction in blood pressure: systolic fell by about 3-4 mmHg and diastolic by about 2-3 mmHg, with larger effects (up to roughly 5.6/2.8 mmHg) at doses above 370 mg/day. Effects were most evident in hypertensive participants.
Conclusions
Oral magnesium lowers blood pressure by a small, dose-dependent amount. It is a plausible adjunct rather than a substitute for antihypertensive therapy.
Limitations
Included trials were mostly small and short (median around 12 weeks) with heterogeneous magnesium salts and doses; several were open-label or had unclear allocation concealment; publication bias cannot be excluded; effect size is clinically modest.
Supplements Studied
Magnesium supplementation produced a small but statistically significant reduction in blood pressure: systolic fell by about 3-4 mmHg and diastolic by about 2-3 mmHg, with larger effects (up to roughly 5.6/2.8 mmHg) at doses above 370 mg/day. Effects were most evident in hypertensive participants.
Study Details
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.