Magnesium Supplementation for Blood Pressure: A Meta-Analysis
Zhang X, Li Y, Del Gobbo LC, Rosanoff A, Wang J
Hypertension • August 2016
Plain Language Summary
This analysis of 34 clinical trials found that magnesium supplements can lower blood pressure, with greater effects seen at higher doses (368mg/day or more). While the reductions of about 2 mmHg may seem small, at a population level this could meaningfully reduce cardiovascular events. Magnesium appears particularly effective for people who are deficient in the mineral.
Key Findings
- 1Systolic blood pressure reduced by 2.00 mmHg (95% CI -3.43 to -0.56)
- 2Diastolic blood pressure reduced by 1.78 mmHg (95% CI -3.07 to -0.49)
- 3Higher doses (≥368mg/day) showed greater reductions
- 4Serum magnesium increased by 0.05 mmol/L on average
- 5Effects more pronounced in magnesium-deficient individuals
Abstract
This meta-analysis of 34 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials examined the effect of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure. Studies included doses ranging from 240-960 mg/day of elemental magnesium.
Study Limitations
- Modest effect sizes
- Heterogeneity in magnesium forms used
- Variable baseline blood pressures
- Short study durations in most trials