Two positive studies on magnesium glycinate

Two recent American Journal of Clinical Nutrition studies using magnesium bisglycinate chelate, had positive outcomes, one related to pregnancy-induced leg cramps and the other around functional variables in children with cystic fibrosis.

The first trial sought to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of oral magnesium in pregnant women with leg cramps. The double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, four-week trial included 80 healthy pregnant women who had leg cramps at least twice per week. Women received 300 mg/d of magnesium bisglycinate chelate or placebo. Intervention with magnesium bisglycinate chelate reduced leg cramp frequency by 50 percent in 86 percent of the treated group; active treatment also yielded a 50 percent reduction in leg cramp intensity in 69.8 percent of the women.

In the second trial, researchers hypothesized patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) may have low body magnesium storage, and that supplementation with magnesium could improve respiratory muscle strength. Patients currently undergoing conventional treatment for CF were randomly assigned to receive 300 mg/d oral magnesium bisglycinate chelate or a placebo for eight weeks. Maximal inspiratory pressure showed an 11 percent predicted increase, while maximal expiratory pressure also showed an 11.9 percent predicted increase. The researchers concluded oral magnesium bisglycinate chelate supplementation could significantly improve the functional status of respiratory musculature in children and adolescents with CF.