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Effects of magnesium supplementation on muscle soreness in different type of physical activities: a systematic review

M. G. Tarsitano, Federico Quinzi, Katia Folino, Francesca Greco, F. P. Oranges, C. Cerulli, G. Emerenziani

Journal of Translational Medicine, 2024

22 citations

Abstract

Magnesium is a micronutrient and an intracellular cation responsible for different biochemical reactions involved in energy production and storage, control of neuronal and vasomotor activity, cardiac excitability, and muscle contraction. Magnesium deficiency may result in impaired physical performance. Moreover, magnesium plays an important role on delayed onset muscle soreness after training. Thus, physically active individuals and sport specialists have to pay attention to magnesium supplementation (MgS). However, the type, timing and dosage of magnesium intake are not well elucidated yet. Hence, we aimed to systematically review the literature regarding the effects of MgS on muscle soreness in physically active individuals. We focused exclusively on MgS, excluding those studies in which magnesium was administered together with other substances. Three electronic databases and literature sources (PUBMED, SCOPUS and Web of Sciences-Core Collection) were searched, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. After the database search, 1254 articles were identified, and after excluding duplicates, 960 articles remained. Among these, 955 were excluded following the title and abstract screening. The remaining 5 articles were screened in full text and 4 study met the eligibility criteria. These studies showed that MgS reduced muscle soreness, improved performance, recovery and induced a protective effect on muscle damage. To reach these positive effects, individuals engaged in intense…

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