Scottsdale Magnesium Study: Absorption, Cellular Uptake, and Clinical Effectiveness of a Timed-Release Magnesium Supplement in a Standard Adult Clinical Population
Decker Weiss 1, Debra K Brunk 2, Dennis A Goodman 3Affiliations expand
- PMID: 29425476
- DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2017.1398686
Abstract
Objective: Suboptimal magnesium status is likely widespread in the United States and increasing evidence links it to many chronic diseases. Therapeutically addressing magnesium status can be challenging, as higher supplementation often leads to bowel intolerance. This study evaluated the absorption, cellular uptake, and clinical effectiveness of a timed-release formulation containing dimagnesium malate with vitamins B6, B12, and folate (MagSRT™) in a standard clinical population.Methods: A standard clinical population of 91 adults participated in a placebo-controlled study carried out at two clinics; 53 individuals received MagSRT™, containing 500 mg dimagnesium malate and vitamins B6, B12, and folate, while the remaining individuals received a placebo. Baseline serum magnesium, red blood cell (RBC) magnesium, and magnesium status questionnaire scores were collected prior to trial initiation. Serum magnesium was measured 4 and 8 hours after participants ingested 2 supplemental tablets (250 mg magnesium) or 2 placebo tablets. After 30 days, RBC magnesium was evaluated and participants completed the magnesium status questionnaire. A subset of MagSRT™ participants (24) continued the trial for 90 days. Both RBC magnesium and the magnesium status questionnaire were evaluated at 90 days.
Results: More than 75% of trial participants presented with suboptimal serum and RBC magnesium status at baseline, while the magnesium status questionnaire predicted 100% of participants to have suboptimal magnesium status. MagSRT™ was well tolerated by 91% of magnesium intervention participants. RBC magnesium increased 6% and 30% over 30 and 90 days, respectively, suggesting magnesium absorption and uptake into red blood cells over time. Overall symptomatology, assessed through a magnesium status questionnaire, improved 28% over 30 days and 63% over 90 days.
Conclusion: A standard adult clinical population presented with both qualitative and quantitative evidence of compromised magnesium status at the beginning of the trial. Supplementation with MagSRT™, a timed-release dimagnesium malate supplement containing vitamins B6, B12, and folate, for at least 30 days significantly improved magnesium status symptoms and increased RBC magnesium with minimal gastrointestinal symptoms.