Can supplementation with magnesium negatively affect exercise performance? Original paper
In this randomized crossover trial in 15 participants who exercised regularly, taking a magnesium supplement had a negative effect on some exercise performance metrics.
This Study Summary was published on April 25, 2025.
The study
The participants took 300 milligrams of magnesium chloride or a placebo twice daily for 9 days and performed cycling tests on days 8 and 9. The washout period was 3 weeks.
Magnesium decreased VO2max (44.4 vs. 41.3 mL/kg/min) and average power output, measured during a 30-second sprint (439 vs. 415 watts), compared with the placebo. The researchers observed the negative effect on performance in 11 participants for both outcomes.
However, performance on a 10-kilometer time trial did not differ between the conditions.
The manufacturer of the magnesium supplement funded the study.
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The results
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This Study Summary was published on April 25, 2025.
References
- ^Setaro L, Santos-Silva PR, Nakano EY, Sales CH, Nunes N, Greve JM, Colli CMagnesium status and the physical performance of volleyball players: effects of magnesium supplementation.J Sports Sci.(2014)
- ^Newhouse IJ, Finstad EWThe effects of magnesium supplementation on exercise performance.Clin J Sport Med.(2000 Jul)