Utilization of magnesium during hypokinesia and magnesium supplementation in healthy subjects

ObjectiveThe incompleteness of electrolyte utilization during hypokinesia and electrolyte supplementation is the defining factor of electrolyte metabolic changes, yet the effect of electrolyte supplementation and HK upon electrolyte utilization is poorly understood. To determine the influence of magnesium (Mg²⁺) supplementation and hypokinesia (diminished movement) on magnesium utilization, we investigated the use of Mg²⁺ supplementation to establish its effect upon muscle Mg²⁺ content and Mg2²⁺ losses.MethodsThis study was conducted in 40 physically healthy male volunteers during a pre-experimental period of 30 d and an experimental period of 364 d. Subjects were equally divided into four groups: unsupplemented control subjects (UCSs), unsupplemented experimental subjects (UESs), supplemented control subjects (SCSs), and supplemented experimental subjects (SESs). A daily supplementation of 3.0 mmol of magnesium-chloride per kilogram of body weight was given to subjects in the SCS and SES groups.ResultsMuscle Mg²⁺ content decreased (P < 0.05) and plasma Mg²⁺ concentration and Mg²⁺ loss in urine and feces increased (P < 0.05) in the SES and UES groups compared with their pre-experimental levels and values in their respective control groups (SCS and UCS). Muscle Mg²⁺ content decreased more (P < 0.05) and plasma Mg²⁺ concentration and Mg²⁺ loss in urine and feces increased more (P < 0.05) in the SES group than in the UES group.The muscle Mg²⁺ content and plasma Mg²⁺ level and Mg²⁺ losses did not change in the control groups.ConclusionDaily Mg²⁺ supplementation during prolonged hypokinesia decreases more muscle Mg²⁺ content and Mg²⁺-deficient muscle increases more Mg²⁺ loss in healthy subjects indicating lower Mg²⁺ utilization with than without Mg²⁺ supplementation.