Magnesium and Vascular Health

Research appearing in the American Journal of Hypertension (published online Aug. 12, 2010) looked at the relationship between serum magnesium levels and carotid artery plaques.  The subjects were 728 Japanese men and women with a mean age of 67.  Low serum magnesium was found to be strongly associated with increased IMT (intima-media thickness) and carotid plaques.

This makes sense because magnesium influences vascular tone and is a cofactor for acetylcholine-induced endothelium dependent relaxation.  Other research that appeared in Magnesium Research (Volume 1, Number 1, February 2010) looked at magnesium supplementation and its effect on the health of the blood vessel lining.  The subjects of the study were 60 elderly diabetic patients.  Thirty of the subjects, mean age 71, received 368 mg of magnesium supplementation (given as 4.5 g of magnesium pidolate).  The other 30 received no supplementation and acted as a control group.  Endothelial function was evaluated by flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery at the start of the study and again after 30 days of intervention.  Supplementation with magnesium resulted in a significant improvement of the post-ischemic endothelial-dependent flow-mediated dilation.

This research shows why I highly recommend those individuals with Hypertension take a high quality supplement containing absorbable Magnesium.  In my past experience along with other supplements and acupuncture an individuals blood pressure has decreased significantly into normal ranges.  If this interests you contact me via email or phone the office.  If you are not in my area ask your doctor if he/she knows anything about this for your hypertension.  Unfortunately, so many know nothing about this.  Easier to keep you on Blood Pressure Meds. 

Dr. Betts