Magnesium supplementation for gastroesophageal reflux disease
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Magnesium Supplementation and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Treatment
Magnesium Alginate for GERD and Infant Reflux Symptoms
Magnesium alginate has been shown to effectively reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in both infants and adults. In infants, magnesium alginate significantly decreased regurgitation symptoms, with similar efficacy to thickened formulas but at a lower cost, and was effective for both formula-fed and breast-fed infants . Another study found that magnesium alginate combined with simethicone was more effective in reducing GERD symptoms in infants than thickened formula or lifestyle changes alone . In adults with laryngopharyngeal reflux, magnesium alginate treatment led to significant improvements in symptoms such as dysphonia, dysphagia, and cough, and was well tolerated without notable side effects .
Magnesium-Containing Antacids in Pediatric GERD
A regimen of magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide was effective in treating children with gastroesophageal reflux. After eight weeks of treatment, most children were either cured or showed improvement, with significant reductions in acid exposure and reflux episodes as measured by 24-hour pH monitoring .
Magnesium-Containing Mineral Waters and Prokinetic Effects
Magnesium-rich mineral waters have demonstrated prokinetic and anti-inflammatory effects in patients with mild GERD, leading to reduced reflux symptoms and positive cardiovascular changes. The therapeutic benefits are attributed to magnesium’s membrane-stabilizing and sedative properties, which help reduce reflux and improve cardiac function .
Magnesium Supplementation in GERD with Connective Tissue Disease
In patients with GERD associated with undifferentiated connective tissue disease, supplementation with magnesium (Magne-B6) and calcium (Ca-D3 Nycomed) alongside standard therapy significantly increased magnesium and calcium levels in red blood cells. The combination therapy also led to a marked decrease in matrix metalloproteinase-9, suggesting reduced tissue degradation and improved connective tissue synthesis .
Magnesium Salts in Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) Formulations
Some proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are formulated as magnesium salts, such as pantoprazole magnesium and esomeprazole magnesium. Pantoprazole magnesium was found to be safe, effective, and well tolerated, providing significant symptom relief in GERD patients . Esomeprazole magnesium also significantly reduced stomach acidity in GERD patients compared to placebo, supporting its use in acid suppression therapy . However, in these cases, magnesium is part of the drug’s chemical structure rather than a supplement, and the primary therapeutic effect is due to acid suppression.
Conclusion
Magnesium supplementation, particularly in the form of magnesium alginate or magnesium-containing antacids, has demonstrated efficacy in reducing GERD symptoms in both infants and adults. Magnesium-rich mineral waters and combined magnesium-calcium supplementation may offer additional benefits, especially in patients with connective tissue disorders. Magnesium-based PPIs are effective for acid suppression, though their primary action is not due to magnesium itself. Overall, magnesium supplementation appears to be a safe and beneficial adjunct in the management of GERD.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic