Magnesium for Inflammation: What the Research Says

meta-analysis PMID: 35277037

Quick Summary: A review of studies found that taking magnesium supplements may help lower inflammation in the body. Specifically, it was linked to lower levels of a key inflammation marker called CRP.

What The Research Found

This research looked at many smaller studies to see if magnesium supplements affect inflammation. The main finding was that magnesium helped lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood. CRP is a sign of inflammation. The study also found that magnesium increased nitric oxide (NO) levels, which is good for blood vessel health.

Study Details

Who was studied: The research looked at data from 17 different studies. These studies included a total of 889 people, with an average age of 46. About 62% of the participants were women.

How long: The length of the studies varied, but the research looked at the effects of taking magnesium supplements.

What they took: Participants in the studies took magnesium supplements by mouth. The exact dose of magnesium wasn't the same in all studies.

What This Means For You

If you're looking for ways to reduce inflammation, magnesium supplements may be helpful. This research suggests that magnesium could help lower CRP levels, which is linked to many health problems. However, talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements. They can help you figure out the right dose and if magnesium is safe for you.

Study Limitations

It's important to know that the studies used different amounts of magnesium. Also, the research only looked at existing studies, so more research is needed. The results are promising, but more research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the best way to use magnesium for inflammation.

Key Findings

This meta-analysis concluded that magnesium supplementation significantly reduced serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and increased nitric oxide (NO) levels compared to placebo. Descriptive analysis (not pooled in meta-analysis) indicated significant reductions in plasma fibrinogen, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase type 5, tumor necrosis factor-ligand superfamily member 13B, ST2 protein, and interleukin-1 (IL-1). The primary quantitative evidence supports magnesium's role in modulating key inflammatory pathways, particularly through CRP reduction and NO elevation.

Study Design

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Researchers screened 2,484 papers from multiple databases up to November 23, 2021, identifying 17 eligible RCTs involving 889 participants. The pooled sample had a mean age of 46 years and 62.5% female participants. Studies compared oral magnesium supplementation against placebo with serum inflammatory markers as outcomes. Risk of bias across included trials was generally low.

Dosage & Administration

The study summary did not specify standardized magnesium doses, forms (e.g., oxide, citrate), or exact administration protocols across the 17 included trials. All interventions involved oral magnesium supplementation versus placebo, but heterogeneity in dosing regimens was acknowledged as a limitation.

Results & Efficacy

Meta-analysis demonstrated statistically significant effects:
- Serum CRP decreased significantly with magnesium vs. placebo (p<0.05).
- Nitric oxide (NO) levels increased significantly (p<0.05).
Exact effect sizes, confidence intervals, and p-values beyond significance thresholds were not provided in the given summary. Descriptive findings (without pooled meta-analysis) showed significant reductions in fibrinogen, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase type 5, tumor necrosis factor-ligand superfamily member 13B, ST2, and IL-1.

Limitations

Key limitations included heterogeneity in magnesium dosing, formulations, and intervention durations across studies, preventing dose-response analysis. The descriptive findings for fibrinogen, IL-1, and other markers were not subjected to formal meta-analysis, reducing the strength of evidence for these outcomes. The search cutoff (November 2021) excludes newer trials. Participant health status varied (e.g., some studies included individuals with chronic diseases), potentially affecting generalizability.

Clinical Relevance

For supplement users, this analysis suggests magnesium may help reduce systemic inflammation, particularly by lowering CRP—a clinically recognized marker of chronic inflammation. The increase in nitric oxide could support vascular health. However, the lack of standardized dosing in the analysis means optimal intake levels for anti-inflammatory effects remain unclear. Individuals seeking inflammation management should note that effects were observed across diverse populations (including those with health conditions), but consultation with a healthcare provider is advised to determine appropriate magnesium forms and doses based on individual needs.