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Clinical trial on the effects of oral magnesium supplementation in stable-phase COPD patients

B. M. Zanforlini, C. Ceolin, C. Trevisan, Agnese Alessi, Daniele Michele Seccia, M. Noale, S. Maggi, G. Guarnieri et al.

Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, 2021

49 participants · 34 citations

Abstract

Background and aims COPD is a common chronic condition in older age that impacts on daily activities and quality of life. Previous studies suggest that magnesium deficit in COPD patients affects bronco-obstruction, inflammation, and physical performance. We investigated whether oral magnesium supplementation in stable-phase COPD patients improves lung function, physical performance, and quality of life. Methods We conducted a double-blind randomized-controlled clinical study with 49 participants divided into two groups: one given 300 mg/day of magnesium citrate ( n = 25) and the other one sachet/day of a placebo ( n = 24). The following parameters were assessed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months: lung function (spirometry), physical performance (handgrip strength, lower limb strength, six-minute walk test), inflammation (e.g., C-reactive protein, CRP), disease-related symptoms, and quality of life (St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, EuroQoL-5D, the Modified British Medical Research Council Questionnaire). Results Linear mixed models revealed significantly lower CRP values in the intervention group than in the placebo group at the 6 month follow-up ( β = − 3.2, 95% CI − 6.0, − 0.4, p = 0.03). Moreover, the maximum work for flexion tended to increase in both groups between the 3 and the 6 month assessments, especially in the placebo group. No significant differences within and between groups over the study period were observed for the other parameters tested. Conclusions…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 49 participants or records.

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