Latest News

Magnesium and the lungs

I have written extensively over the years about the importance of magnesium, in fact you are all probably moaning, “Oh no, she’s on the magnesium band-wagon again!” But hold your horses!

Yes, okay we all know magnesium is crucial for energy production, sound nervous system, relaxed muscular contraction, helps prevent migraines and headaches, helps with insomnia, breaks down lactic acid etc…, etc…

In fact, if I were the Health Minister, I would put it in the water so all Australians receive an adequate daily dose!

But, let’s now consider another pivotal role for magnesium in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung condition which causes narrowing of the bronchial tubes and obstructs airflow, resulting in difficulty breathing. Emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma are the most common conditions found in COPD.

In Australia, one in seven adults aged 40 years and over have some form of COPD, with increasing prevalence in the elderly.

Magnesium supplementation is beneficial in the prevention and treatment of a variety of disorders related to the respiratory system. Research has shown an increase in inflammatory markers, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), interleulin-1 (IL-1) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in individuals with magnesium deficiency.

Current research suggests this mineral offers further health benefits by providing an anti-inflammatory effect. Magnesium supplementation has been shown to decrease the inflammatory markers.

Magnesium deficiency in COPD patients affects bronchoobstruction, inflammation and physical performance. Previous studies using intravenous magnesium sulphate supplementation in COPD patients have shown its ability to reduce lung hyperventilation and increase the strength of respiratory muscles.

In 2019, the first clinical trial investigating the effect of oral magnesium supplementation on lung function, physical performance and quality of life in clinically stable COPD patients, found a potential anti-inflammatory role for the mineral.

The double-blind randomised trial involving 49 participants included two groups: one group was given 300mg per day of magnesium citrate powder, while the other group received a sachet of placebo daily. The study showed that after six months, the intervention group had significantly lower CRP levels compared to the placebo group, indicating that magnesium is effective for reducing inflammation.

Leave a Comment (0) ↓