Magnesium Glycinate Supplementation in Bariatric Surgery Patients and Physically Fit Young Adults

Abstract

Moderate deficiencies of magnesium could occur in diverse groups of people. Three questions that need to be answered are: One, what forms of magnesium supplements can correct the problem? Two, what types of people are prone to this problem? Three, what benefits are derived from correcting this problem? Some recent pilot data from our laboratory has been directed toward these questions. In one study, 6 week supplementation with 400 mg of magnesium as magnesium glycinate was effective at raising plasma magnesium readings in people who have had bariatric surgery (comparison made pre‐surgery to 6 weeks post‐surgery). Magnesium oxide did not produce this effect in these same type people, albeit at a slightly lower dose. In physically fit young adults, supplementation for 4 weeks with 400 mg of magnesium as magnesium glycinate, but not placebo, raised erythrocyte potassium content (a reflection of magnesium's role in body potassium retention and distribution). Magnesium supplementation also improved two measures of exercise performance (pre‐supplementation vs post‐supplementation). Interestingly, plasma magnesium was not increased significantly, though this does not provide the most sensitive indicator of altered magnesium status. In conclusion, the positive results obtained in this pilot work suggests that young fit adults, as well as people who have had bariatric surgery, tend to have less than optimal magnesium intake. The glycinate form of magnesium can improve magnesium status. In addition, in the pilot work, no reports were given of diarrhea, which can be a problem with some types of magnesium supplements.