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Diseases and Conditions of Cation Regulation

Endothelial dysfunction: Vascular endothelial cells line the walls of arteries where they are in contact with the blood that flows through the circulatory system. Normally functioning vascular endothelium promotes vasodilation when needed, for example, during exercise, and inhibits the formation of blood clots. With cardiovascular disease, arteries develop atherosclerotic plaque. Atherosclerosis impairs normal endothelial function, increasing the risk of vasoconstriction and clot formation, which may lead to a heart attack or a stroke. Recent research indicates that pharmacologic doses of oral magnesium may improve endothelial function in individuals with cardiovascular disease. A randomized double blind placebo-controlled trial in 50 men and women with stable coronary artery disease found that 6 months of oral magnesium supplementation (730 mg/day) resulted in a 12% improvement in flow-mediated vasodilation compared to placebo (18). In other words, the normal dilation response of the brachial (arm) artery to increased blood flow was improved. Magnesium supplementation also resulted in increased exercise tolerance during an exercise stress test compared to placebo. In another study of 42 patients with coronary artery disease who were already taking low dose aspirin (an inhibitor of platelet aggregation), 3 months of oral magnesium supplementation (800-1,200 mg/day) improved some laboratory measures of the propensity of their blood to form clots (19). Although preliminary, these studies suggest that magnesium may be of benefit in improving endothelial function in individuals with cardiovascular diseases.

From the Micronutrient Information Center,  Jane Higdon, Ph.D. at jane.higdon@oregonstate.edu.

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See Also Eclampsia

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