Magnesium is a mineral that plays a role in numerous functions in the body, including building and strengthening bones, muscle function and blood circulation. It is found in spinach, pumpkin seeds, almonds, soybeans and halibut, and is available in supplement form. Research indicates that magnesium might be effective for lowering blood pressure. Consult your health care provider before taking magnesium supplements.
Recent Research
In research reported in the December 2009 issue of the journal "Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases," researchers from Pusan National University Hospital in South Korea investigated the impact of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure levels in overweight subjects with normal magnesium levels. For 12 weeks, patients consumed 300 mg of magnesium or a placebo. At the end of the study, scientists discovered that magnesium supplementation reduced blood pressure in subjects whose systolic blood pressure was 140 mmHg or greater and whose diastolic pressure was between 80 and 90 mmHg compared with subjects receiving a placebo. However, magnesium supplementation did not lower blood pressure in subjects with normal blood pressure.
Older Research
In findings reported in the August 1998 issue of the "Journal of the American Heart Association," researchers from the National Cardiovascular Center in Japan examined the effects of magnesium supplementation on men and women with high blood pressure. They discovered that subjects taking magnesium supplements for eight weeks lowered their blood pressure.
Meta-Analysis
Researchers from Yonsei University Graduate School of Health Science and Management in Korea performed a meta-analysis, or a review of the literature regarding the impact of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure. They concluded that magnesium supplementation results in a small decrease in blood pressure in subjects with normal or high blood pressure, or hypertension, according to research published in the August 2002 issue of the "American Journal of Hypertension."
Side Effects and Interactions
Although magnesium might reduce blood pressure, it can cause a few side effects, including diarrhea and stomach upset. In addition, magnesium supplementation might interact with antibiotics, blood pressure medications and calcium channel blockers, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- "Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases"; "Effect of Oral Magnesium Supplementation on Insulin Sensitivity and Blood Pressure in Normo-Magnesemic Nondiabetic Overweight Korean Adults"; Lee et al; December 2009
- Science Daily: Magnesium Supplements May Help Lower High Blood Pressure
- "American Journal of Hypertension"; "The Effect of Magnesium Supplementation on Blood Pressure: a Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials"; S.H. Jee et al; August 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium
