S. Kisters1, K. Kisters2,3,4, T. Werner4, J. Vormann4, F. Tokmak3,4, H.G. Predel5, H.Reuter6,7
1Dental Univ. Clinic, Cologne, 2Med. Univ. Policlinic, Münster, 3Operasan Dialysis Centre, Herne, 4Society for Magnesium Research, Tutzing, 5Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sport Medicine, German Sport University, Cologne, 6Dpt. of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, EVK Cologne Weyertal, Cologne and 7University Hypertension Centre, Cologne, Germany
Introduction: Magnesium is an essential electrolyte involved in about 600 enzymatic reactions and metabolic processes. Recent data show that magesium supplementation decreases interleukin-6 levels.
Patients and Methods: In this context we conducted a prospective study on magnesium and interleukin-6 levels in 27 patients (13 male/14 female, age: 60.2+/-12.5 years) with a metabolic syndrome. All patients were supplemented with orally given 400 mg magnesium daily. Interleukin-6 concentrations were measurd before and after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment. 27 patients served as controls without an additional magnesium treatment (10 male/17 female, age: 64.6+/-13.2 years).
Results: In the magnesium treated group interleukin-6 values decreased signicantly from 4.94+/-3.30 to 4.53+/-6.89 after 6 weeks to 3.01+/-1.32 pg/mL after 12 weeks (means+/-s.d.) (p< 0.01).
In the control group interleukin-6 was 3.73+/-4.36 before the start of the supplementation, 4.87+/-4.35 after 6 weeks, 4.41+/-3.15 pg/mL after 12 weeks (means+/-s.d.) (n.s.).
In the magnesium treated group there was a signifivant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure values after 12 weeks (systolic: 134.6+/-6.8 to 126.3+/-5.6 mmHg, diastolic: 84.1+/-3.9 to 79.4+/-1.6 mmHg) (means+/-s.d.) (p< 0.01).
For statistical analysis Mann-Whitney-U-Test was used.
Conclusion: In patients with metabolic syndrome magnesium supplementation significantly decreased interleukin-6 levels and systolic and diastolic blood pressure values. The anti-inflammatory effects of magnesium as well as anti-arteriosclerotic effects of magnesium therapy are of benefit for these patients at a high risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. A long-lasting magnesium supplementation has to be preferred in these patients.