Evidence supporting the use of: Magnesium
For the health condition: Body Building

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Magnesium is commonly used as a supplement among bodybuilders and athletes, and its use is supported by moderate scientific evidence. Magnesium plays a critical role in muscle contraction, energy production (ATP synthesis), protein synthesis, and electrolyte balance—all of which are important during intense physical activity such as bodybuilding. Deficiency in magnesium can lead to muscle cramps, weakness, and impaired exercise performance, which has led to the rationale for supplementation, especially in physically active individuals who may have higher magnesium requirements due to loss in sweat and increased metabolic demand.

Several studies have indicated that magnesium supplementation may improve muscle strength, power, and exercise performance, especially in individuals who are deficient. For example, research published in the journal Magnesium Research and Journal of Sports Science & Medicine has shown that magnesium supplementation can enhance muscle performance and recovery. However, these benefits are most pronounced in those with inadequate magnesium levels to begin with. In individuals with sufficient dietary magnesium, supplementation may not yield significant additional benefits.

Overall, the use of magnesium in bodybuilding is scientifically justified, but the strength of evidence is moderate rather than strong. Supplementation is most beneficial for those at risk of deficiency, and the general population should focus on meeting magnesium needs through a balanced diet rich in nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy greens.

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Other health conditions supported by magnesium

Addictions (drugs)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Alkalosis
Alzheimer's Disease
Angina
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Birth Control (countering side effects)
Body Building
Body Odor
Boils
Broken Bones
Bronchitis
Bulimia
Calcium Deficiency
Calcium Deposits
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Cardiac Arrest
Cardiovascular Disease
Chest Pain
Colon (atonic)
Dysmenorrhea
Emotional Sensitivity
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Epilepsy
Exercise
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Headache (cluster)
Headache (tension)
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Mental Illness
Migraine
Mood Swings
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nerve Damage
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Neurosis
Numbness
Osteoporosis
Oxygen Deficiency
Pain (general remedies for)
Paralysis
Pets (supplements for)
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Progesterone (low)
Psoriasis
Restless Leg Syndrome
Rhinitis
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seizures
Senility
Shock
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Stress
Sugar Cravings
Surgery (healing from)
Surgery (preparation for)
Tachycardia
Tension
Testosterone (low)
Tetanus
Thinking (cloudy)
Tics
Tinnitus
TMJ
Tooth Decay
Toxemia
Triglycerides (high)
Twitching
Wasting
Wheezing
Worry
Wounds and Sores
Adrenal Fatigue
Abscesses
Allergies (respiratory)
Abdominal Pain
Acid Indigestion
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Constipation (adults)
Convulsions
Cramps (leg)
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hypertension
Insomnia