Effect of magnesium supplementation on endothelial function: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

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#carotid-intima-media-thickness #dietary-supplements #endothelium-vascular #humans #magnesium

Effect of magnesium supplementation on endothelial function: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Darooghegi et al., 2018 | Atherosclerosis | Meta Analysis

Citation

Darooghegi Mofrad Manije, Djafarian Kurosh, ... Shab-Bidar Sakineh. Effect of magnesium supplementation on endothelial function: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Atherosclerosis. 2018-Jun;273:98-105. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2018.04.020

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Findings of past studies are inconsistent regarding the effects of magnesium (Mg) supplementation on endothelial function (EF). We performed this meta-analysis to examine the effects of magnesium supplementation on flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) as markers of EF. METHODS: Literature searches of English publications in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were conducted up to November 2017. Results are reported as weighted mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using random effects model (DerSimonian-Laird method). Cochrane's Q test and I-squared (I2) were used to determine heterogeneity among included studies. To determine potential sources of heterogeneity, subgroup analysis was conducted for pre-defined criteria. Funnel plot and Egger's regression test were used to assess publication bias. RESULTS: Seven RCTs with 306 participants were included. Mg supplementation significantly increased FMD (MD: 2.97; 95% CI: 0.23 to 5.70%, p = 0.033). Between studies heterogeneity was high and subgroup analysis could not identify the sources of heterogeneity. Magnesium supplementation had no significant effect on CIMT (MD: -0.13 mm; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.01; p = 0.077) with high heterogeneity. Mg dose, duration of treatment, healthy status, baseline CIMT and sample size were the potential sources of heterogeneity. Mg supplementation could decrease CIMT to a greater extent in hemodialysis (HD) patients; lower doses of Mg, higher sample size and follow up duration and subjects with higher baseline CIMT also reduced the heterogeneity to some degree (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium supplementation may improve endothelial function without affecting carotid intima media thickness.

Key Findings

Seven RCTs with 306 participants were included. Mg supplementation significantly increased FMD (MD: 2.97; 95% CI: 0.23 to 5.70%, p = 0.033). Between studies heterogeneity was high and subgroup analysis could not identify the sources of heterogeneity. Magnesium supplementation had no significant effect on CIMT (MD: -0.13 mm; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.01; p = 0.077) with high heterogeneity. Mg dose, duration of treatment, healthy status, baseline CIMT and sample size were the potential sources of heterogene

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population higher baseline cimt also
Sample Size 306
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Carotid Intima-Media Thickness
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Endothelium, Vascular
  • Humans
  • Magnesium
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Vasodilation

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: magnesium

Provenance

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