Effect of magnesium supplements on serum C-reactive protein: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Study answer

What this study found

Magnesium supplementation significantly reduced serum C-reactive protein (CRP) by -1.33 mg/L (95% CI -2.63 to -0.02). IL-6 and fasting blood glucose showed no significant changes. Results were robust to sensitivity analyses; CRP change did not depend on dose or duration. Subgroup with baseline CRP ≥ 2 mg/dL showed greater reductions (-2.95 mg/dL, p<0.001). Publication bias was not confirmed. Authors conclude that magnesium may lower CRP levels, but larger, longer trials are needed to confirm and clarify mechanisms.

Study & population

Eight randomized controlled trials; 349 participants; adults aged 18–85; mixed genders (one study female-only); parallel or crossover designs.

Intervention

Oral magnesium supplementation; daily dose 320–1500 mg; duration from 8 h to 6.5 months.

Key limitation

Small sample sizes in most trials; heterogeneity across populations and baseline CRP; varying magnesium doses and durations; some studies had risk of bias in allocation or blinding; potential publication bias; limited number of studies and short follow-up.

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Original abstract