Health Benefits of Magnesium Citrate

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Magnesium citrate offers a range of health benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health, metabolic syndrome, bone health, kidney health, and respiratory function. While its effects on arterial stiffness require further investigation, the existing evidence supports the use of magnesium citrate as a beneficial supplement for various health conditions.

Magnesium citrate is a popular supplement known for its various health benefits. This article explores the scientific evidence supporting the use of magnesium citrate in different health conditions.

1. Cardiovascular Health

Magnesium citrate has been shown to have significant benefits for cardiovascular health. A study comparing potassium magnesium citrate with potassium chloride found that magnesium citrate effectively increased serum potassium levels and reduced fasting plasma glucose in hypertensive patients, which may improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes1. Another study demonstrated that magnesium citrate supplementation decreased blood pressure and HbA1c levels in normomagnesemic individuals with metabolic syndrome, indicating its potential in managing cardiovascular risk factors2.

2. Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes

Magnesium citrate supplementation has been found to improve metabolic parameters in individuals with metabolic syndrome. In a 12-week, placebo-controlled trial, magnesium citrate significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure and HbA1c levels in normomagnesemic subjects with metabolic syndrome2. Additionally, magnesium citrate supplementation in diabetic nephropathy patients led to a significant reduction in urinary albumin to creatinine ratio, improved glycemic control, and enhanced lipid profiles, suggesting its role in managing diabetes and its complications3.

3. Bone Health

Magnesium plays a crucial role in bone health, and magnesium citrate supplementation has been shown to positively affect bone turnover. In postmenopausal osteoporotic women, short-term oral magnesium citrate supplementation significantly decreased serum iPTH levels, increased serum osteocalcin levels, and reduced urinary deoxypyridinoline levels, indicating suppressed bone turnover and potential benefits for bone density10.

4. Kidney Health

Magnesium citrate has also been studied for its effects on kidney health. A study on the prophylactic use of potassium-magnesium citrate in preventing recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stones found that it significantly reduced the risk of stone recurrence by 85% compared to placebo5. This suggests that magnesium citrate can be an effective preventive measure against kidney stone formation.

5. Respiratory Health

Magnesium citrate may benefit respiratory health, particularly in asthma patients. A clinical trial involving patients with mild to moderate asthma showed that oral magnesium citrate supplementation significantly improved lung function parameters, including FVC, FEV1, and the FEV1/FVC ratio, indicating better respiratory function9.

6. Arterial Stiffness

While magnesium citrate has shown benefits in various health conditions, its effects on arterial stiffness are less clear. A randomized trial assessing the impact of different magnesium formulations, including magnesium citrate, on arterial stiffness found no significant changes in carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity or blood pressure after 24 weeks of supplementation6. However, magnesium citrate did increase plasma and urinary magnesium levels, suggesting improved magnesium status.