The effect of magnesium supplementation on anthropometric indices: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of clinical trials

Rafiee et al., 2021 | Br J Nutr | Meta Analysis

Citation

Rafiee Masoumeh, Ghavami Abed, ... Askari Gholamreza. The effect of magnesium supplementation on anthropometric indices: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of clinical trials. Br J Nutr. 2021-Mar-28;125(6):644-656. doi:10.1017/S0007114520003037

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Mg supplementation on anthropometric indices consisting of body weight, waist circumference (WC), BMI and body fat percentage. In this systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar from databases inception up to February 2020 for relevant randomised controlled trials. Quality of evidence was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool. All the outcomes of this meta-analysis were pooled using the random effect model. Analysis of dose–response for Mg dosage was carried out using a fractional polynomial model. The systematic review and meta-analysis include twenty-eight randomised clinical trials, comprising 2013 participants. There were no significant changes in anthropometric indices after Mg supplementation in the overall analysis. However, subgroup analysis revealed that Mg supplementation decreases WC in subjects with BMI > 30 kg/m2 (obese) (twelve trials, n 997 participants; weighted mean difference = –2·09 cm, 95 % CI –4·12, –0·07, P = 0·040; I2 = 0 %). Dose–response analysis revealed a non-significant non-linear effect of supplementation dosage on anthropometric indices. The results suggest that Mg supplementation is associated with lower WC only in obese subjects. However, more high-quality studies are needed to clarify the nature of this association.

Key Findings

However, more high-quality studies are needed to clarify the nature of this association.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population bmi
Sample Size 2013
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adipose Tissue
  • Adiposity
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnesium
  • Male
  • Waist Circumference

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: magnesium

Provenance


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