The role of oral magnesium supplements for the management of stable bronchial asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness of airway smooth muscles. There is growing evidence that magnesium may have a role in managing asthma through its dual effect as an anti-inflammatory and bronchodilating agent. To assess the efficacy of oral magnesium supplements in chronic asthmatic patients. In addition to searching through Clinicaltrials.gov/ and references for oral magnesium supplement studies, we performed a database search in Medline, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Embase. We contacted the authors of the included trials to ask for additional information. We included randomized controlled trials that compared oral magnesium supplements versus placebo, in addition to standard asthma treatment in mild-moderate asthmatic adults and children (older than 6 years). Two reviewers independently performed the study selection, data abstraction, and the assessment of the risk of bias. Eight trials at moderate risk of bias enrolling a total of 917 patients were included. Oral magnesium improved FEV1 at week 8 (5.69 (L/min); 95% CI: 1.92, 9.46; I2: 45%). There was no significant improvement in FEV1 at other follow up periods. There was no significant change in FVC, Methacholine challenge test, the frequency of bronchodilator use, or symptoms score. There were no data on mortality or quality of life. Oral magnesium supplements may lead to improvement in FEV1 that was only demonstrated at eight weeks; but no effect on any other outcome. Until future evidence emerges, oral magnesium cannot be recommended as adjuvants to standard treatment for mild to moderate asthmatic individuals.

Role of Intravenous Magnesium in the Management of Moderate to Severe Exacerbation of Asthma: A Literature Review

“…Asthma is a chronic respiratory illness that affects a significant portion of the world’s population [ 1 ]. Asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and an increased respiratory rate.…”

Is the Magnesium Content in Food Supplements Consistent with the Manufacturers’ Declarations?

“…Mg is necessary, inter alia, to maintain normal cell function, muscle contraction, including the heart muscle, and conditions nervous excitability [9,10]. Mg deficiency has also been shown to contribute to the development of oxidative stress in obese people [11], disturbances in mineral homeostasis such as Mg may interfere with cancer progression [12], and Mg supplementation may play a beneficial role in controlling asthma by acting as an anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator [13].…”