The effects of magnesium supplementation on exercise performance

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adolescent #adult #antacids #cross-over-studies #dietary-supplements

The effects of magnesium supplementation on exercise performance

Finstad et al., 2001 | Med Sci Sports Exerc | Rct

Citation

Finstad E W, Newhouse I J, ... Stewart C R. The effects of magnesium supplementation on exercise performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2001-Mar;33(3):493-8

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of magnesium (Mg2+) supplementation on performance and recovery in physically active women using the sensitive and recently advanced measure of ionic Mg2+ (iMg). METHODS: Participants (N = 121) were screened for [iMg] in plasma, with 44 (36.4%) exhibiting [iMg] below the normal range of 0.53-0.67 mmol.L-1 (4). Thirty-two subjects (21 +/- 3 yr) representing a broad range of [iMg] (0.54 +/- 0.04 mmol.L-1) completed the main 14-wk study. At baseline, participants submitted to a resting blood pressure measurement, and they completed both an anaerobic treadmill test and an incremental (aerobic) treadmill test. For the latter, values for workload, oxygen uptake, and heart rate were obtained at both anaerobic threshold and maximal effort. Blood samples for iMg, total serum Mg2+ (TMg), erythrocyte Mg2+ (EMg), Ca2+, K+, Na+, hemoglobin, hematocrit, lactate, and glucose were also collected pretest, and 4, 10, 30 min, and 24 h posttest. Subjects received 212 mg.d-1 Mg oxide or placebo in a double-blind fashion and were retested after 4 wk. After a 6-wk washout period, the testing was repeated with a treatment crossover. RESULTS: Ionic Mg2+ increased with Mg2+ treatment versus placebo (P < 0.05); however, performance and recovery indices were not significantly affected. CONCLUSION: Four weeks of 212 mg.d-1 Mg oxide supplementation improves resting [iMg] levels but not performance or recovery in physically active women.

Key Findings

Ionic Mg2+ increased with Mg2+ treatment versus placebo (P < 0.05); however, performance and recovery indices were not significantly affected.

Outcomes Measured

  • blood pressure

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 121
Age Range See abstract
Condition blood pressure

MeSH Terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antacids
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Exercise Test
  • Female
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Magnesium
  • Magnesium Oxide
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • Physical Endurance
  • Placebos

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Vertical: magnesium-muscle

Provenance

  • PMID: 11252079
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09