Magnesium is involved in a number of processes that affect muscle function, including oxygen uptake, energy production, and electrolyte balance. Thus, the relationship between magnesium status and exercise has received considerable research attention. This research has shown that exercise induces a redistribution of magnesium in the body to meet metabolic demands. There is evidence that marginal magnesium deficiency impairs exercise performance and enhances the negative consequences of strenuous exercise (e.g., oxidative stress). Strenuous exercise appears to increase urinary and sweat losses, which can increase magnesium requirements by 10–20%. Dietary surveys and recent human studies suggest that magnesium deficiency may develop at intakes of less than 260 mg/day in men and 220 mg/day in women. Recent surveys also indicate that a significant number of people consume magnesium regularly, which may result in a deficiency. Athletes participating in weight-bearing sports (e.g., wrestling, gymnastics) appear to be particularly at risk of inadequate magnesium status. Magnesium supplementation or increased dietary intake of magnesium will benefit exercise performance in individuals with magnesium deficiency. Magnesium supplementation in physically active individuals with adequate magnesium status does not improve physical performance. Activity-specific RNIs or RDAs based on long-term equilibrium data from well-controlled human trials should be established so that physically active individuals can be assured that their magnesium intakes may affect their performance or increase the risk of adverse health outcomes (e.g., immunosuppression, oxidative damage, arrhythmias).
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17172008/
