Does Magnesium Affect Blood Pressure Regulation?

Magnesium supplementation may help to lower blood pressure, according to recent research.

Previous research has indicated that magnesium may play a role in regulating blood pressure, but the results have been controversial. To quantify the effects of oral magnesium supplementation on blood pressure levels, the researchers conducted a meta-analysis of data from 34 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials involving 2028 participants.
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Daily dosage of magnesium supplements ranged from 240 mg to 960 mg, 82% of which were equal to or higher than US Recommended Dietary Allowance for adults.

Overall, a median dose of 368 mg/d of magnesium for a median duration of 3 months was associated with significant reductions in systolic blood pressure by 2.00 mm Hg and diastolic BP by 1.78 mm Hg, accompanied by a 0.05 mmol/L elevation in serum magnesium compared with placebo.

The researchers calculated that taking 300 mg/d of magnesium for 1 month would be sufficient to elevate serum magnesium levels enough to lower blood pressure. Higher serum magnesium was also linked to improved blood flow.

“Our findings indicate a causal effect of magnesium supplementation on lowering blood pressure in adults. Further well-designed trials are warranted to validate the blood pressure-lowering efficacy of optimal magnesium treatment,” the researchers concluded.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Zhang X, Li Y, Del Gobbo LC, et al. Effects of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials [published online July 11, 2016]. Hypertension. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.116.07664.