Effect of oral magnesium supplementation on physical performance in healthy elderly women involved in a weekly exercise program: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Magnesium deficiency is associated with poor physical performance, but no trials are available on how magnesium supplementation affects elderly people's physical performance.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of our study was to investigate whether 12 wk of oral magnesium supplementation can improve physical performance in healthy elderly women.

DESIGN:

In a parallel-group, randomized controlled trial, 139 healthy women (mean ± SD age: 71.5 ± 5.2 y) attending a mild fitness program were randomly allocated to a treatment group (300 mg Mg/d; n = 62) or a control group (no placebo or intervention; n = 77) by using a computer-generated randomization sequence, and researchers were blinded to their grouping. After assessment at baseline and again after 12 wk, the primary outcome was a change in the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB); secondary outcomes were changes in peak torque isometric and isokinetic strength of the lower limbs and handgrip strength.

RESULTS:

A total of 124 participants allocated to the treatment (n = 53) or control (n = 71) group were considered in the final analysis. At baseline, the SPPB scores did not differ between the 2 groups. After 12 wk, the treated group had a significantly better total SPPB score (Δ = 0.41 ± 0.24 points; P = 0.03), chair stand times (Δ = -1.31 ± 0.33 s; P < 0.0001), and 4-m walking speeds (Δ = 0.14 ± 0.03 m/s; P = 0.006) than did the control group. These findings were more evident in participants with a magnesium dietary intake lower than the Recommended Dietary Allowance. No significant differences emerged for the secondary outcomes investigated, and no serious adverse effects were reported.

CONCLUSIONS:

Daily magnesium oxide supplementation for 12 wk seems to improve physical performance in healthy elderly women. These findings suggest a role for magnesium supplementation in preventing or delaying the age-related decline in physical performance.

• Authors: Nicola Veronese, Linda Berton, Sara Carraro, Francesco Bolzetta, Marina De Rui, Egle Perissinotto, Elena Debora Toffanello, Giulia Bano, Simona Pizzato, Fabrizia Miotto, Alessandra Coin, Enzo Manzato, Giuseppe Sergi
• Journal: The American journal of clinical nutrition (Am J Clin Nutr) Vol. 100 Issue 3 Pg. 974-81 (Sep 2014) ISSN: 1938-3207 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25008857 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: © 2014 American Society for Nutrition.

Chemical References

• Performance-Enhancing Substances
• Magnesium Oxide
• Magnesium

Topics

• Aged
• Aging
• Dietary Supplements (adverse effects)
• Double-Blind Method
• Exercise
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Gait
• Geriatric Assessment
• Hand Strength
• Humans
• Italy
• Lower Extremity
• Magnesium (blood)
• Magnesium Deficiency (blood, diet therapy, physiopathology, prevention & control)
• Magnesium Oxide (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Muscle Strength
• Performance-Enhancing Substances (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Psychomotor Performance
• Severity of Illness Index