In a nutshell
This study looked the effect of oral magnesium supplements on blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The authors concluded that magnesium supplements can lower blood pressure in adults and may be beneficial for hypertensive patients.
Some background
Patients with hypertension have a higher resting blood pressure than the body needs. The blood pressure needs to be lowered to avoid complications such as heart attacks, strokes and heart failure.
It is possible that low levels of magnesium may contribute to the development of hypertension. One possible treatment for prevention or management of hypertension is to take magnesium supplements. There is some evidence to suggest that magnesium supplements may be able to lower both systolic blood pressure (SBP – pressure when the heart is contracting) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP – pressure when the heart is between beats).
Methods & findings
The authors investigated data from 34 trials to determine the effect of magnesium supplements on hypertensive adults.
Magnesium supplements taken orally at an average dose of 368 mg/day for an average of 3 months significantly decreased SBP by 2 mm Hg and DBP by 1.78 mm Hg.
Higher levels of magnesium in the bloodstream led to greater deceases in blood pressure. Magnesium taken at 300 mg/day for 1 month increased the levels in the bloodstream sufficiently to lower blood pressure.
Age, sex, location, hypertensive status, current medication, current magnesium levels and methods for measuring blood pressure had no significant effects on these results.
The bottom line
This study determined that magnesium supplements taken orally at a dose of 300 mg/day for 1 month could lead to a decrease in blood pressure.
The fine print
These results came from different studies with large variations in patient numbers, magnesium dosages and length of study.
What’s next?
Consult with your physician before taking any supplements.
Published By :
Hypertension
Date :
Jul 11, 2016
