The effect of acute vs chronic magnesium supplementation on exercise and recovery on resistance exercise, blood pressure and total peripheral resistance on normotensive adults

The Integral Role of Magnesium in Muscle Integrity and Aging: A Comprehensive Review

Aging is characterized by significant physiological changes, with the degree of decline varying significantly among individuals. The preservation of intrinsic capacity over the course of an individual's lifespan is fundamental for healthy aging. Locomotion, which entails the capacity for independent movement, is intricately connected with various dimensions of human life, including cognition, vitality, sensory perception, and psychological well-being. Notably, skeletal muscle functions as a pivotal nexus within this intricate framework. Any perturbation in its functionality can manifest as compromised physical performance and an elevated susceptibility to frailty. Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a central role in approximately 800 biochemical reactions within the human body. Its distinctive physical and chemical attributes render it an indispensable stabilizing factor in the orchestration of diverse cellular reactions and organelle functions, thereby rendering it irreplaceable in processes directly impacting muscle health. This narrative review offers a comprehensive exploration of the pivotal role played by magnesium in maintaining skeletal muscle integrity, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining optimal magnesium levels for promoting healthy aging.

Vitamins and Minerals for Blood Pressure Reduction in the General, Normotensive Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Six Supplements

Hypertension is the leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality worldwide. However, studies have shown increased risk of mortality from heart disease and stroke even within the normal blood pressure (BP) range, starting at BPs above 110-115/70-75 mm Hg. Nutraceuticals, such as vitamins and minerals, have been studied extensively for their efficacy in lowering BP and may be of benefit to the general, normotensive population in achieving optimal BP. Our study investigated the effects of six nutraceuticals (Vitamins: C, D, E; Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium) on both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in this population. We performed a systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis for all six supplements versus placebo. Calcium and magnesium achieved significant reductions in both SBP and DBP of -1.37/-1.63 mm Hg and -2.79/-1.56 mm Hg, respectively. Vitamin E and potassium only yielded significant reductions in SBP with values of -1.76 mm Hg and -2.10 mm Hg, respectively. Vitamins C and D were not found to significantly lower either SBP or DBP. Future studies should determine optimal dosage and treatment length for these supplements in the general, normotensive population.

Effectively Prescribing Oral Magnesium Therapy for Hypertension: A Categorized Systematic Review of 49 Clinical Trials

Trials and meta-analyses of oral magnesium for hypertension show promising but conflicting results. An inclusive collection of 49 oral magnesium for blood pressure (BP) trials were categorized into four groups: (1) Untreated Hypertensives; (2) Uncontrolled Hypertensives; (3) Controlled Hypertensives; (4) Normotensive subjects. Each group was tabulated by ascending magnesium dose. Studies reporting statistically significant (p < 0.05) decreases in both systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) from both baseline and placebo (if reported) were labeled "Decrease"; all others were deemed "No Change." Results: Studies of Untreated Hypertensives (20 studies) showed BP "Decrease" only when Mg dose was >600 mg/day; <50% of the studies at 120-486 mg Mg/day showed SBP or DBP decreases but not both while others at this Mg dosage showed no change in either BP measure. In contrast, all magnesium doses (240-607 mg/day) showed "Decrease" in 10 studies on Uncontrolled Hypertensives. Controlled Hypertensives, Normotensives and "magnesium-replete" studies showed "No Change" even at high magnesium doses (>600 mg/day). Where magnesium did not lower BP, other cardiovascular risk factors showed improvement. Conclusion: Controlled Hypertensives and Normotensives do not show a BP-lowering effect with oral Mg therapy, but oral magnesium (≥240 mg/day) safely lowers BP in Uncontrolled Hypertensive patients taking antihypertensive medications, while >600 mg/day magnesium is required to safely lower BP in Untreated Hypertensives; <600 mg/day for non-medicated hypertensives may not lower both SBP and DBP but may safely achieve other risk factor improvements without antihypertensive medication side effects.

'Magnesium'-the master cation-as a drug-possibilities and evidences

Magnesium (Mg²⁺) is the 2nd most abundant intracellular cation, which participates in various enzymatic reactions; there by regulating vital biological functions. Magnesium (Mg²⁺) can regulate several cations, including sodium, potassium, and calcium; it consequently maintains physiological functions like impulse conduction, blood pressure, heart rhythm, and muscle contraction. But, it doesn't get much attention in account with its functions, making it a "Forgotten cation". Like other cations, maintenance of the normal physiological level of Mg²⁺ is important. Its deficiency is associated with various diseases, which point out to the importance of Mg²⁺ as a drug. The roles of Mg²⁺ such as natural calcium antagonist, glutamate NMDA receptor blocker, vasodilator, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent are responsible for its therapeutic benefits. Various salts of Mg²⁺ are currently in clinical use, but their application is limited. This review collates all the possible mechanisms behind the behavior of magnesium as a drug at different disease conditions with clinical shreds of evidence.

Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Muscle Soreness and Performance

Reno, AM, Green, M, Killen, LG, O'Neal, EK, Pritchett, K, and Hanson, Z. Effects of magnesium supplementation on muscle soreness and performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-This double-blind, between-group study examined effects of magnesium (Mg) supplementation (350 mg·d, 10 days) on muscle soreness and performance. College-aged male (n = 9) and female (n = 13) subjects completed baseline and posttreatment eccentric bench press sessions inducing fatigue/soreness followed by performance sessions (total volume and repetitions to failure [RTF] [65, 75, and 85% of 1 repetition maximum]) 48 hours later with perceptual measures. Subjects estimated soreness using a Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness scale by striking a vertical line on a 6-cm horizontal line (at 24, 36, and 48 hours post trial) from 0-no soreness to 6-intolerable soreness. Results are presented as means ± SD (alpha ≤0.05). Mg significantly reduced (∼1-2 units lower on a 6-point scale) muscle soreness from the baseline eccentric to postintervention trial 24, 36, and 48 hours with no significant change for placebo (Pla) group. Performance approached significance for total RTF (p = 0.06) and 65 and 75% RTF (p = 0.08) (Mg vs. Pla). Perceptual responses for session rating of perceived exertion and acute rating of perceived exertion were significant for Mg (5.1 ± 2.4 to 4.1 ± 2.0) vs. Pla (5.0 ± 1.8 to 5.5 ± 1.6). Perceived recovery after supplementation was improved vs. baseline for Mg (5.4 ± 2.2 to 7.5 ± 2.3) but not for Pla (6.2 ± 2.4 to 7.2 ± 3.3). Results show significantly reduced muscle soreness, session rating of perceived exertion, acute rating of perceived exertion, and improved perceived recovery after Mg (vs. Pla) supplementation and some evidence for positive performance impact.

Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence

Vitamins and minerals are essential to humans as they play essential roles in a variety of basic metabolic pathways that support fundamental cellular functions. In particular, their involvement in energy-yielding metabolism, DNA synthesis, oxygen transport, and neuronal functions makes them critical for brain and muscular function. These, in turn, translate into effects on cognitive and psychological processes, including mental and physical fatigue. This review is focused on B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B9 and B12), vitamin C, iron, magnesium and zinc, which have recognized roles in these outcomes. It summarizes the biochemical bases and actions of these micronutrients at both the molecular and cellular levels and connects them with cognitive and psychological symptoms, as well as manifestations of fatigue that may occur when status or supplies of these micronutrients are not adequate.

The Role of Mineral and Trace Element Supplementation in Exercise and Athletic Performance: A Systematic Review

Minerals and trace elements (MTEs) are micronutrients involved in hundreds of biological processes. Deficiency in MTEs can negatively affect athletic performance. Approximately 50% of athletes have reported consuming some form of micronutrient supplement; however, there is limited data confirming their efficacy for improving performance. The aim of this study was to systematically review the role of MTEs in exercise and athletic performance. Six electronic databases and grey literature sources (MEDLINE; EMBASE; CINAHL and SportDISCUS; Web of Science and clinicaltrials.gov) were searched, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Results: 17,433 articles were identified and 130 experiments from 128 studies were included. Retrieved articles included Iron (n = 29), Calcium (n = 11), Magnesium, (n = 22), Phosphate (n = 17), Zinc (n = 9), Sodium (n = 15), Boron (n = 4), Selenium (n = 5), Chromium (n = 12) and multi-mineral articles (n = 5). No relevant articles were identified for Copper, Manganese, Iodine, Nickel, Fluoride or Cobalt. Only Iron and Magnesium included articles of sufficient quality to be assigned as 'strong'. Currently, there is little evidence to support the use of MTE supplementation to improve physiological markers of athletic performance, with the possible exception of Iron (in particular, biological situations) and Magnesium as these currently have the strongest quality evidence. Regardless, some MTEs may possess the potential to improve athletic performance, but more high quality research is required before support for these MTEs can be given. PROSPERO preregistered (CRD42018090502).

Magnesium and vitamin B2 supplementation is an important nutritional resource of sports medicine

The supply of the with magnesium and vitamin B2 is essential to maintain the energy metabolism of cells, hormonal balance, endurance, immunity, cardiovascular health of athletes. As a result, by increasing the availability of these micronutrients, it is possible to increase maximum aerobic power, achieve better sports results and stimulate adequate recovery after competition or after intensive training. A promising way to increase the supply of athletes with magnesium and vitamin B2 is the use of aqueous solutions of magnesium citrate in combination with riboflavin.

Supplements with purported effects on muscle mass and strength

PURPOSE

Several supplements are purported to promote muscle hypertrophy and strength gains in healthy subjects, or to prevent muscle wasting in atrophying situations (e.g., ageing or disuse periods). However, their effectiveness remains unclear.

METHODS

This review summarizes the available evidence on the beneficial impacts of several popular supplements on muscle mass or strength.

RESULTS

Among the supplements tested, nitrate and caffeine returned sufficient evidence supporting their acute beneficial effects on muscle strength, whereas the long-term consumption of creatine, protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids seems to consistently increase or preserve muscle mass and strength (evidence level A). On the other hand, mixed or unclear evidence was found for several popular supplements including branched-chain amino acids, adenosine triphosphate, citrulline, β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, minerals, most vitamins, phosphatidic acid or arginine (evidence level B), weak or scarce evidence was found for conjugated linoleic acid, glutamine, resveratrol, tribulus terrestris or ursolic acid (evidence level C), and no evidence was found for other supplements such as ornithine or α-ketoglutarate (evidence D). Of note, although most supplements appear to be safe when consumed at typical doses, some adverse events have been reported for some of them (e.g., caffeine, vitamins, α-ketoglutarate, tribulus terrestris, arginine) after large intakes, and there is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of many frequently used supplements (e.g., ornithine, conjugated linoleic acid, ursolic acid).

CONCLUSION

 In summary, despite their popularity, there is little evidence supporting the use of most supplements, and some of them have been even proven ineffective or potentially associated with adverse effects.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Metabolic Disease or Disturbed Homeostasis due to Focal Inflammation in the Hypothalamus?

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex disease characterized by debilitating fatigue, lasting for at least 6 months, with associated malaise, headaches, sleep disturbance, and cognitive impairment, which severely impacts quality of life. A significant percentage of ME/CFS patients remain undiagnosed, mainly due to the complexity of the disease and the lack of reliable objective biomarkers. ME/CFS patients display decreased metabolism and the severity of symptoms appears to be directly correlated to the degree of metabolic reduction that may be unique to each individual patient. However, the precise pathogenesis is still unknown, preventing the development of effective treatments. The ME/CFS phenotype has been associated with abnormalities in energy metabolism, which are apparently due to mitochondrial dysfunction in the absence of mitochondrial diseases, resulting in reduced oxidative metabolism. Such mitochondria may be further contributing to the ME/CFS symptomatology by extracellular secretion of mitochondrial DNA, which could act as an innate pathogen and create an autoinflammatory state in the hypothalamus. We propose that stimulation of hypothalamic mast cells by environmental, neuroimmune, pathogenic and stress triggers activates microglia, leading to focal inflammation in the brain and disturbed homeostasis. This process could be targeted for the development of novel effective treatments.

Correction to: The effect of acute vs chronic magnesium supplementation on exercise and recovery on resistance exercise, blood pressure and total peripheral resistance on normotensive adults

The original article [1] contains an error whereby the datum value of '17.7%' in both the Abstract and the first line of the Bench press sub-section of the Results section is incorrect.

Can Magnesium Enhance Exercise Performance?

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in the human body. It takes part in the process of energy metabolism and assists the maintenance of normal muscle function. A number of studies evaluated the association between Mg status/supplementation and exercise performance and found that the need for Mg increased as individuals’ physical activity level went up. Animal studies indicated that Mg might improve exercise performance via enhancing glucose availability in the brain, muscle and blood; and reducing/delaying lactate accumulation in the muscle. The majority of human studies focused on physiological effects in blood pressure, heart rate and maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ max), rather than direct functional performances. Some cross-sectional surveys demonstrated a positive association between Mg status and muscle performance, including grip strength, lower-leg power, knee extension torque, ankle extension strength, maximal isometric trunk flexion, rotation, and jumping performance. Additionally, findings from intervention studies showed that Mg supplementation might lead to improvements in functional indices such as quadriceps torque. Moreover, Mg supplementation could improve gait speed and chair stand time in elderly women. This comprehensive review summarized the literature from both animal and human studies and aimed to evaluate scientific evidence on Mg status/supplementation in relation to exercise performance.