Effects of long-term magnesium supplementation on endothelial function and cardiometabolic risk markers: A randomized controlled trial in overweight/obese adults

Abstract

Long-term magnesium supplementation improves arterial stiffness, a cardiovascular disease risk marker. Effects on endothelial function may be another mechanism whereby increased magnesium intakes affect cardiovascular risk. Therefore, a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed to examine effects of magnesium supplementation on endothelial function and cardiometabolic risk markers. Fifty-two overweight and obese subjects (30 men and 22 women, age 62 ± 6 years) were randomized to receive either three times daily magnesium (total dose: 350 mg) or placebo capsules. Endothelial function was assessed at the start and at the end of the study. Cardiometabolic risk markers were measured at baseline, after 12 weeks, and at week 24. Brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation did not change following long-term magnesium supplementation (0.49 pp; 95% CI: -0.38 to 1.36 pp; P = 0.26). Changes in reactive hyperemia index, retinal microvascular caliber and plasma markers for microvascular endothelial function (sVCAM-1, sICAM-1 and sE-selectin) were also not different. In addition, no effects on serum lipids, plasma glucose, insulin sensitivity, and low-grade systemic inflammation were observed. In conclusion, a daily magnesium supplement of 350 mg for 24 weeks does not improve endothelial function and cardiometabolic risk markers in overweight and obese middle-aged and elderly adults.

Figure 1

Individual changes in flow-mediated vasodilation. Effects of 24-week magnesium (black) and placebo supplementation (grey) on brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation in overweight and obese middle-aged and elderly adults.