Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflamed airways, which can result in episodes marked by wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. Research indicates that the mineral magnesium, the fourth most abundant in the body, according to the National Institutes of Health, appears to play a role in reducing symptoms of this condition. If you have asthma, making a point to include magnesium-rich foods in your diet or using magnesium supplements might help you manage your condition when used as part of your overall treatment plan. Talk to your doctor before using magnesium supplements.
Magnesium Deficiency and Incidence of Asthma
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, population-based studies suggest a link between low magnesium levels and an increased risk of developing asthma. It points to research that found this link in both adults and children. Combined, the studies looked at over 5,000 people aged 11 to 70.
Magnesium for Treating Asthma
Researchers at Bastyr University conducted a study looking at the effects of long-term magnesium supplementation on asthma symptoms, for subjects aged 21 to 55 with mild to moderate asthma. The double-blind placebo-controlled trial had participants either take 340 mg of magnesium citrate, divided into two doses of 170 mg each, or a placebo, for 6.5 months. Researchers found that those taking magnesium supplements experienced an improvement in general lung function, the rate at which air moves in and out of the lungs; and improvement in asthma symptoms and overall quality of life. Supplementation, however, did not appear to improve airway inflammation or the amount of air participants could exhale one second after taking a deep breath.
The UMMC reports research has found using intravenous magnesium and magnesium inhaled through a nebulizer helped treat acute asthma attacks in both children and adults.
Supplementation Guidelines
You should not begin supplementing with magnesium without the supervision of your doctor. He can offer guidance on the appropriate dosage for treating your asthma. The aforementioned study tested magnesium on adults and the dosage exceeded the amount typically recommended for adolescent and adult females by 40 mg daily. The UMMC notes safe dosages for children range from 80 mg to 170 mg daily for children depending on age, but you should not give your child supplements without talking to your pediatrician. Magnesium supplementation can affect calcium absorption so if you already have low levels, you might require supplementation. Inadequate B6 levels could reduce the amount of magnesium your body absorbs so you might also require a supplement to ensure optimal absorption of magnesium, says the UMMC.
Food Sources
You should also aim to include magnesium-rich foods in your diet on a regular basis. Rich sources include halibut, soy, cashews, almonds, spinach, cereal, oatmeal, wheat bran, yogurt, beans, bananas, raisins and whole wheat products.
References
- "The Journal of Asthma"; Effect of Oral Magnesium Supplementation on Measures of Airway Resistance and Subjective Assessment of Asthma Control; AG Kazaks, et al.; February 2010
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Magnesium Supplements May Benefit People with Asthma; March 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Magnesium; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; June 2009
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements; Magnesium; July 2009
