A Summary of a Magnesium Scientific Review by Carvil & Cronin (2010)

Reviewed by John Cutts, PhD | Research & Development

Overview

Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation in the human body and a cofactor in more than 300 enzymatic reactions. The following is a summary of a scientific review examining the physiological role of magnesium in muscle functions.

Summary

Magnesium and Implications on Muscle Function

Published in: Strength and Conditioning Journal

Study Design: Narrative review

What Was Reviewed: The existing scientific literature was reviewed to examine magnesium’s functional and biological roles within the human body, with particular attention to its contributions to muscle contraction, energy production, and other physiological processes relevant to athletic performance and general health. The review explored magnesium’s role in excitation-contraction coupling, its function as a calcium antagonist and transporter within the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and its involvement as a cofactor in ATP-dependent enzymatic reactions and oxidative-reduction pathways. The authors also examined the consequences of magnesium deficiency, including effects on neuromuscular contractility, glucose metabolism, oxygen uptake, and immune function.

About the Reviewer

Name & Title: John Cutts, Director of Research at Solaray
Credentials: PhD Pharmacology & Toxicology

Bio: John Cutts, Ph.D. earned his Doctorate of Philosophy in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and his Bachelors of Science in Chemistry from BYU-Idaho. He has nearly 20 years of experience in the dietary supplement space, with a focus on scientific substantiation, regulatory affairs, and product development. His graduate research centered on the health-related properties of botanical compounds. He currently works in research and development, where he evaluates clinical evidence for dietary supplement ingredients.

References

Carvil P, Cronin J. Magnesium and implications on muscle function. Strength Cond J. 2010;32(1):48–54. https://journals.lww.com/nsca-scj/FullText/2010/02000/Magnesium_and_Implications_on_Muscle_Function.7.aspx?ref=lavieensante.com

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