Magnesium and athletic performance in athletes: Review article

Sporcularda magnezyum ve atletik performans: Derleme makale

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14687/jhs.v22i2.6522

Keywords:

Magnesium, athletic performance, athlete, supplement, mineral, Magnezyum, atletik performans, sporcu, takviye

Abstract

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in our body. It acts as a cofactor for many enzymes and proteins. It is involved in normal functions of the body such as energy production, oxidative phosphorylation, protein synthesis and glycolysis. In general, it is known that many people do not get enough magnesium in their diet. This is supported by the declining quality of soil and the accompanying decline in the magnesium content of foods. In some cases, deficiencies can also occur as a result of medications and excess excretion by the kidneys.  In particular, athletes and those who train hard are at risk of deficiency due to the amount of magnesium lost through sweat and urine. Magnesium deficiency can be corrected by using supplements in the appropriate dosage. In addition, using the appropriate type of magnesium for the purpose will ensure a more accurate effect.

Research has shown that magnesium plays an important role in sports performance and that athletes who eat a magnesium-rich diet or take supplements have better endurance, muscle strength and metabolism. However, it is still unclear whether these positive effects of magnesium supplementation are exactly due to the natural effects of magnesium on the body, or whether they are due to correcting an existing magnesium deficiency. Another problem is that magnesium status is difficult to assess because most of the magnesium in the body is stored in the bones and the amount in the bloodstream can vary depending on daily diet and exercise. Therefore, plasma and serum magnesium levels are often not reliable indicators. Many studies are needed for more universal information on magnesium.

(Extended English summary is at the end of this document)

Özet

Magnezyum vücudumuzda en çok bulunan dördüncü mineraldir. Birçok enzim ve protein için kofaktör olarak görev alır. Enerji üretimi, oksidatif fosforilasyon, protein sentezi ve glikoliz gibi vücudun normal fonksiyonlarında rol oynar. Genel olarak, birçok insanın diyetleriyle yeterli magnezyum almadığı bilinmektedir. Gün geçtikçe azalan toprak kalitesi ve beraberinde gıdalardaki magnezyum oranının düşüşü bu durumu desteklemektedir. Bazı durumlarda alınan ilaçlar ve böbreklerin fazladan atımı sonucunda da eksiklikler ortaya çıkabilir.  Özellikle, sporcular ve ağır antrenman yapanlar, ter ve idrar yoluyla kaybettikleri magnezyum miktarı nedeniyle eksiklik riski altındadır. Magnezyum eksikliği uygun dozajda takviyeler kullanılarak giderilebilmektedir. Ayrıca amaca uygun magnezyum türünü kullanmak daha doğru etki alınmasını sağlayacaktır. Araştırmalar, magnezyumun spor performansında önemli bir rol oynadığını ve magnezyum açısından zengin beslenen veya takviye alan sporcuların dayanıklılıklarının, kas kuvvetlerinin ve metabolizmalarının daha iyi olduğunu göstermiştir. Ancak, magnezyum takviyesinin bu olumlu etkileri tam olarak magnezyumun vücut üzerindeki doğal etkilerinden mi, yoksa var olan bir magnezyum eksikliğinin giderilmesinden mi kaynaklanıyor, hala net değildir. Bir diğer sorun ise magnezyum durumunun değerlendirilmesi zor olmasıdır çünkü vücuttaki magnezyumun büyük bir kısmı kemiklerde depolanmakta ve kan dolaşımındaki miktarı günlük diyet ve egzersize bağlı olarak değişebilmektedir. Bu nedenle, plazma ve serum magnezyum seviyeleri genellikle güvenilir göstergeler değildir. Magnezyum hakkında daha evrensel bilgiler için birçok çalışmaya ihtiyaç vardır.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

  • Emre Çegen

    Yüksek Lisans Öğrencisi, Sakarya Uygulamalı Bilimler Üniversitesi, Spor Bilimleri Fakültesi, Antrençrlük Eğitimi Anabilim Dalı

  • Nehir Yalçınkaya, Sakarya Uygulamalı Bilimler University

    Dr. Öğr. Üyesi, Sakarya Uygulamalı Bilimler Üniversitesi, Spor Bilimleri Fakültesi, Antrençrlük Eğitimi Bölümü

References

Ates, M., Kizildag, S., Yuksel, O., Hosgorler, F., Yuce, Z., Guvendi, G., Kandis, S., Karakilic, A., Koc, B., & Uysal, N. (2019). Dose-dependent absorption profile of different magnesium compounds. Biological Trace Element Research, 192(2), 244-251.

Azoulay, A., Garzon, P., Eisenberg, M. J., & Rd, C. (2001). Comparison of the mineral content of tap water and bottled waters.

Bergstrom, M., Hultman, E., & Energycost, E. H. (1988). Energy cost and fatigue during intermittent electrical stimulation of human skeletal muscle. -

Bohl, C. H., & Volpe, S. L. (2002). Magnesium and exercise. İçinde Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 42(6), 533-563.

Brilla, L. R., & Haley, T. F. (1992). Effect of magnesium supplementation on strength training in humans. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 11(3), 326-329.

Buchman, A. L., Dunn, J. K., Keen, C., Commisso, J., Killip, D., Ou, C. N., Rognerud, C. L., & Dennis, K. (1998). The effect of a marathon run on plasma and urine mineral and metal concentrations. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 17(2), 124-127.

Chen, Y. J., Chen, H. Y., Wang, M. F., Hsu, M. H., Liang, W. M., & Cheng, F. C. (2009). Effects of magnesium on exercise performance and plasma glucose and lactate concentrations in rats using a novel blood-sampling technique. Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism, 34(6), 1040-1047.

Cheng, S. M., Yang, L. L., Chen, S. H., Hsu, M. H., Chen, I. J., & Cheng, F. C. (2010). Magnesium sulfate enhances exercise performance and manipulates dynamic changes in peripheral glucose utilization. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 108(2), 363-369.

Cinar, V., Polat, Y., Baltaci, A. K., & Mogulkoc, R. (2011). Effects of magnesium supplementation on testosterone levels of athletes and sedentary subjects at rest and after exhaustion. Biological Trace Element Research, 140(1), 18-23.

Coates, P. M. (2010). Encyclopedia of dietary supplements. Informa Healthcare.

Collins, A. L. (2017). Magnesium status in Olympic & Paralympic athletes compared with a sedentary population and validation of a FFQ as an assessment tool for dietary magnesium intake. -

Crosby, V., Wilcock, A., Mrcp, D. M., & Corcoran, R. (2000). The safety and efficacy of a single dose (500 mg or 1 g) of intravenous magnesium sulfate in neuropathic pain poorly responsive to strong opioid analgesics in patients with cancer. İçinde Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 19(1).

Eisenberg, M. J. (1991). Magnesium deficiency and sudden death.

Ergün, F. (t.y.). İnsan sağlığı ve beslenme fizyolojisi açısından magnezyum.

Farsinejad-Marj, M., Saneei, P., & Esmaillzadeh, A. (2016). Dietary magnesium intake, bone mineral density and risk of fracture: A systematic review and meta-analysis. İçinde Osteoporosis International, 27(4), 1389-1399.

Fine, K. D., Ana, C. A. S., Porter, J. L., & Fordtran, J. S. (1991). Intestinal absorption of magnesium from food and supplements. -

FoodData Central. (2019). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. -

Gerald, K., & McEvoy. (1998). AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, Md.: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

Guo, W., Nazim, H., Liang, Z., & Yang, D. (2016). Magnesium deficiency in plants: An urgent problem. İçinde Crop Journal, 4(2), 83-91.

Imamura, H., Iide, K., Yoshimura, Y., Kumagai, K., Oshikata, R., Miyahara, K., Oda, K., Miyamoto, N., & Nakazawa, A. (2013). Nutrient intake, serum lipids and iron status of collegiate rugby players. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10.

Kass, L., Skinner, P., & Biomet, Z. (2013). A pilot study on the effects of magnesium supplementation with high and low habitual dietary magnesium intake on resting and recovery from aerobic and resistance exercise. İçinde Journal of Sports Science and Medicine.

Kew, K. M., Kirtchuk, L., & Michell, C. I. (2014). Intravenous magnesium sulfate for treating adults with acute asthma in the emergency department. İçinde Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014(5).

King, D. E., Mainous, A. G., Geesey, M. E., Egan, B. M., & Rehman, S. (2006). Magnesium supplement intake and C-reactive protein levels in adults. Nutrition Research, 26(5), 193-196.

King, D. E., Mainous, A. G., Geesey, M. E., & Woolson, R. F. (2005). Dietary magnesium and C-reactive protein levels. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 24(3), 166-171.

Krejs, G. J., Nicar, M. J., Zerwekh, J. E., Norman, D. A., Kane, M. G., & Pak, C. Y. (1983). Effect of 1,25Dihydroxyvitamin D3 on calcium and magnesium absorption in the healthy human jejunum and ileum. -

Lowenstein, F. W., & Stanton, M. F. (1986). Serum magnesium levels in the United States, 1971-1974. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 5(4), 399-414.

Lukaski, H. C. (2000). Magnesium, zinc, and chromium nutriture and physical activity. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 72(2 SUPPL.).

Lukaski, H. C. (2004). Vitamin and mineral status: Effects on physical performance. İçinde Nutrition, 20(7-8), 632-644.

Malliaropoulos, N., Tsitas, K., Porfiriadou, A., Papalada, A., Ames, P. R., Del Buono, A., Lippi, G., Maffulli, N. (2013). Blood phosphorus and magnesium levels in 130 elite track and field athletes. İçinde Asian Journal of Sports Medicine, 4(1).

Mcdonald, R., & Keen, C. L. (1988). Iron, zinc and magnesium nutrition and athletic performance. İçinde Sports Medicine, 5.

Metin Özata. (2022). Magnezyumun İyileştirici Gücü (1. bs). Efe Akademi Yayınları.

Moisa, C., Gratiela Vicas, L., & Ganea, M. (2018). Murine studies regarding the tissue intake of different magnesium compounds. -

Musso, C. G. (2009). Magnesium metabolism in health and disease. İçinde International Urology and Nephrology, 41(2), 357-362.

Newhouse, I. J., & Finstad, E. W. (2000). The effects of magnesium supplementation on exercise performance. İçinde Clin J Sport Med, 10.

Nielsen, F. H. (2010). Magnesium, inflammation, and obesity in chronic disease. Nutrition Reviews, 68(6), 333-340.

Nielsen, F. H., Johnson, L. K., & Zeng, H. (2010). Magnesium supplementation improves indicators of low magnesium status and inflammatory stress in adults older than 51 years with poor quality sleep. Magnesium Research, 23(4), 158-168.

Nielsen, F. H., Lukaski, H. C., & Nielsen, F. H. (2006). Update on the relationship between magnesium and exercise. Magnesium Research, 19(3), 180-189.

Noda, Y., Iide Phd, K., Rd, R. M., Rd, R. K., Rd, A. N., Rd, F. H., Yoshimura, Y., & Imamura, H. (2009). Nutrient intake and blood iron status of male collegiate soccer players. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 18(3).

Nuviala, R. J., Lapieza, M. G., & Bernal, E. (1999). Magnesium, zinc, and copper status in women involved in different sports. Int J Sport Nutr, 9(3), 295-309.

Omiya, K., Akashi, Y. J., Yoneyama, K., Osada, N., Tanabe, K., & Miyake, F. (2009). Heart-rate response to sympathetic nervous stimulation, exercise, and magnesium concentration in various sleep conditions. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 19(2), 127-135.

Orchard, T. S., Larson, J. C., Alghothani, N., Bout-Tabaku, S., Cauley, J. A., Chen, Z., LaCroix, A. Z., Wactawski-Wende, J., & Jackson, R. D. (2014). Magnesium intake, bone mineral density, and fractures: Results from the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 99(4), 926-933.

Ranade, V. V., & Somberg, J. C. (2001). Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of magnesium after administration of magnesium salts to humans.

Santos, D. A., Matias, C. N., Monteiro, C. P., Silva, A. M., Rocha, P. M., Minderico, C. S., Sardinha, L. B., & Laires, M. J. (2011). Magnesium intake is associated with strength performance in elite basketball, handball and volleyball players. Magnesium Research, 24(4), 215-219.

Saris, N.-E. L., Mervaala, E., Karppanen, H., Khawaja, J. A., & Lewenstam, A. (2000). Magnesium an update on physiological, clinical and analytical aspects. Clinica Chimica Acta, 294.

Schuchardt, J. P., & Hahn, A. (2017). Intestinal absorption and factors influencing bioavailability of magnesium - an update. Current Nutrition & Food Science, 13(4).

Schuette, S. A., & Lashner, B. A. (1994). Bioavailability of magnesium diglycinate vs magnesium oxide in patients with ileal resection. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 18(5), 430-435.

Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for magnesium. (2015). EFSA Journal, 13(7).

Setaro, L., Santos-Silva, P. R., Nakano, E. Y., Sales, C. H., Nunes, N., Greve, J. M., & Colli, C. (2014). Magnesium status and the physical performance of volleyball players: Effects of magnesium supplementation. Journal of Sports Sciences, 32(5), 438-445.

Sousa, M., Fernandes, M. J., Moreira, P., & Teixeira, V. H. (2013). Nutritional supplements usage by Portuguese athletes. International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 83(1), 48-58.

Speich, M., Pineau, A., Ballereau, F., & Franc贴, F. F. (2001). Minerals, trace elements and related biological variables in athletes and during physical activity. Clinica Chimica Acta, 312.

Staff, I. of Medicine., & Vedral, J. L. (1900a). Dietary reference intakes for calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin D, and fluoride. National Academies Press.

Staff, I. of Medicine., & Vedral, J. L. (1900b). Dietary reference intakes for calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin D, and fluoride. National Academies Press.

Stendig-Lindberg, G. (1992). Sudden death of athletes: Is γγ due to long-term changes in serum magnesium, lipids and blood sugar? 3(2).

Terink, R., Balvers, M. G. J., Hopman, M. T., Witkamp, R. F., Mensink, M., & Gunnewiek, J. M. T. K. (2017). Decrease in ionized and total magnesium blood concentrations in endurance athletes following an exercise bout restores within hours potential consequences for monitoring and supplementation. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 27(3), 264-270.

Uysal, N., Kizildag, S., Yuce, Z., Guvendi, G., Kandis, S., Koc, B., Karakilic, A., Camsari, U. M., & Ates, M. (2019). Timeline (bioavailability) of magnesium compounds in hours: Which magnesium compound works best? Biological Trace Element Research, 187(1), 128-136.

van Dronkelaar, C., van Velzen, A., Abdelrazek, M., van der Steen, A., Weijs, P. J. M., & Tieland, M. (2018). Minerals and sarcopenia; The role of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, and zinc on muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance in older adults: A systematic review. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 19(1), 6-11.e3.

Volpe, S. L. (2015a). Magnesium and the athlete. http://journals.lww.com/acsm-csmr.

Volpe, S. L. (2015b). Magnesium and the athlete. http://journals.lww.com/acsm-csmr.

Wang, M. L., Chen, Y. J., & Cheng, F. C. (2014). Nigari (deep seawater concentrate) enhances the treadmill exercise performance of gerbils. Biology of Sport, 31(1), 69-72.

Yalçınkaya, N. (2023). Boksörlerde kuvvet antrenmanı ile birlikte alınan magnezyumun vücut kompozisyonu, sportif performans, nörotransmitter ve stres hormonu üzerine etkisi. Sakarya Uygulamalı Bilimler Üniversitesi, Spor Bilimleri Fakültesi, Lisansüstü Enstitüsü. Doktora Tezi.

Zhang, Y., Xun, P., Wang, R., Mao, L., & He, K. (2017). Can magnesium enhance exercise performance Nutrients, 9(9).

Downloads

Published

02.08.2025

Issue

Section

Sport Sciences and Physical Education

How to Cite

Çegen, E., & Yalçınkaya, N. (2025). Magnesium and athletic performance in athletes: Review article: Sporcularda magnezyum ve atletik performans: Derleme makale. Journal of Human Sciences, 22(2), 189-201. https://doi.org/10.14687/jhs.v22i2.6522