Effects of Oral Magnesium Supplementation on Vascular Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#administration-oral #adult #age-factors #aged #body-mass-index

Effects of Oral Magnesium Supplementation on Vascular Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Marques et al., 2020 | High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev | Meta Analysis

Citation

Marques Bianca Cristina Antunes Alves, Klein Márcia Regina Simas Torres, ... Neves Mario Fritsch. Effects of Oral Magnesium Supplementation on Vascular Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev. 2020-Feb;27(1):19-28. doi:10.1007/s40292-019-00355-z

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The effects of magnesium (Mg) supplementation on vascular function have been evaluated in some randomized controlled trials (RCT) but their results are conflicting. AIM: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to summarize the effects of oral Mg supplementation on vascular function in RCT. METHODS: The databases MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were accessed from inception to May 27, 2019. Intergroup differences (treatment vs. control group) related to changes in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and pulse wave velocity (PWV), expressed as mean and standard deviation, were used to evaluate the effect of Mg supplementation on these outcomes. The results of the meta-analysis were expressed using a random-effects model. The heterogeneity between studies was evaluated using the I2 statistic. RESULTS: The oral supplementation of Mg had no significant effect on FMD (mean difference 2.13; 95% CI - 0.56, 4.82; p = 0.12) and PWV (mean difference - 0.54, 95% CI - 1.45, 0.36, p = 0.24). Heterogeneity for both outcomes (FMD and PWV) was high (I2 = 99%, p < 0.001). However, in subgroup analyses, oral Mg significantly improved FMD in studies longer than 6 months, in unhealthy subjects, in individuals older than 50 years, or in those with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2. The reduced number of RCT and the heterogeneity among them were the main limitations. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggest that oral Mg supplementation may improve endothelial function when conducted at least for 6 months and in unhealthy, overweight or older individuals. Registration number: PROSPERO CRD42019111462.

Key Findings

The oral supplementation of Mg had no significant effect on FMD (mean difference 2.13; 95% CI - 0.56, 4.82; p = 0.12) and PWV (mean difference - 0.54, 95% CI - 1.45, 0.36, p = 0.24). Heterogeneity for both outcomes (FMD and PWV) was high (I2 = 99%, p < 0.001). However, in subgroup analyses, oral Mg significantly improved FMD in studies longer than 6 months, in unhealthy subjects, in individuals older than 50 years, or in those with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2. The reduced number of RCT and

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Endothelium, Vascular
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Magnesium
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Stiffness
  • 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