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Magnesium Citrate & Blood Pressure

Mar 29, 2011 | By Allison Adams

Magnesium citrate is a dietary supplement taken to compensate for low magnesium levels in the body. Magnesium is an essential mineral utilized in more than 300 fundamental physical reactions. Evidence suggests that magnesium may play an important role in regulating blood pressure, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is a vital sign that measures the force of the blood in circulation, pumped by the heart and against the walls of blood vessels. High blood pressure, called hypertension, can lead to several health conditions like kidney problems, heart failures or even a heart attack. You can easily monitor your blood pressure using palpation methods or special medical equipment.

Magnesium Sources

Some foods, such as green vegetables, some legumes and unrefined grains, have a high magnesium content. Magnesium citrate, the supplement taken to treat magnesium deficiency, is a combination of magnesium with a substance like salt. This combination improves intestinal absorption of the magnesium. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an adult should consume 320 to 420 mg per day of elemental magnesium. If you want to use magnesium citrate as a source of magnesium, check the nutritional content information listed on the packaging to determine the actual amount of magnesium in the magnesium citrate. The amount of magnesium will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Magnesium Deficiency

You can measure the amount of magnesium in your blood through clinical testing. According to MayoClinic.com, people may have a magnesium deficiency because they do not consume enough magnesium in their diets. Also, low magnesium levels are sometimes caused by certain medications that affect magnesium absorption or increase magnesium elimination in urine. Magnesium deficiency is common in alcoholics and persons with diabetes.

Magnesium Citrate and Normal Blood Pressure

Several studies have been conducted concerning the relation of normal magnesium blood content and keeping blood pressure at optimum levels. Studies by the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) note that magnesium may play an important role in regulating blood pressure. Several studies affirm that diets rich in magnesium and potassium are associated with low blood pressure, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Taking a magnesium supplement, in and of itself, cannot guarantee normal blood pressure levels. Magnesium needs others elements such as dietary fiber and potassium to function properly. Magnesium Citrate is one type of magnesium supplement available over-the-counter without a prescription. No studies specifically recommend using magnesium citrate to treat blood pressure; however, magnesium citrate is a potential source of magnesium, and studies do confirm do confirm magnesium can help to control your blood pressure.

References

Article reviewed by Mia Paul Last updated on: Mar 29, 2011

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