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MgO

Magnesium Oxide

Research reviewed: 2024-2025

Magnesium Oxide (MgO) is a dietary supplement with 7 published peer-reviewed studies involving 7,085 participants, researched for General, Sleep, Constipation and 2 more areas.

7
Studies
7,085
Participants
2012–2025
Research Span

Evidence at a Glance

Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes

Overall: Strong Evidence

General

Moderate
1 study 1 of 1 positive 48 participants

Sleep

Moderate
1 study 1 of 1 positive 43 participants

Constipation

Moderate
2 studies 0 of 2 positive 7,045 participants

Athletic Performance

Moderate
2 studies 0 of 2 positive 0 participants

Pain Relief

Moderate
1 study 0 of 1 positive 40 participants

Research Visualised

Visual breakdown of the clinical data.

Study Quality Breakdown

What types of studies were conducted

1/7
Randomised
1/7
Double-Blind
1/7
Placebo-Controlled

Participants Per Study

Larger samples = more reliable results

Study 1 (2018)
48
Study 1 (2012)
43
Study 2 (2025)
7,045
Study 5 (2025)
0
Study 3 (2025)
0
Study 4 (2025)
0
Study 6 (2024)
40

Research Timeline

When the studies were published

1
2012
1
2018
1
2024
4
2025

All Studies

Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.

General

1

To examine the effects of oral magnesium supplementation on blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension, a condition where a person has high blood pressure in their arteries without any specific identifiable cause.

2018 48 participants 1 month 300 mg/day of oral magnesium-oxide supplementation
Human Study Positive

Study Type

Single-arm non-blinded intervention study

Purpose

To examine the effects of oral magnesium supplementation on blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension, a condition where a person has high blood pressure in their arteries without any specific identifiable cause.

Dose

300 mg/day of oral magnesium-oxide supplementation

Participants

48 men and women with essential hypertension

Duration

1 month

Results

After taking magnesium supplements, both systolic (upper value of BP reading) and diastolic (lower value of BP reading) blood pressures significantly decreased. On average, systolic pressure significantly dropped from 139.7 to 130.8 mmHg, and diastolic pressure significantly decreased from 88.0 to 82.2 mmHg. Overall, results suggest that magnesium supplements may help lower blood pressure.

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Sleep

1

To investigate the effect of magnesium supplementation on insomnia in elderly.

2012 43 participants 8 weeks 500 mg/d elemental magnesium (2 x 250 mg tablets) or placebo
Human Study RCT Double-Blind Placebo Positive

Study Type

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Purpose

To investigate the effect of magnesium supplementation on insomnia in elderly.

Dose

500 mg/d elemental magnesium (2 x 250 mg tablets) or placebo

Participants

43 men and women with an average age of 65 years

Duration

8 weeks

Results

The researchers observed that participants who took magnesium supplements had significant improvements compared to the placebo group. These included significantly longer sleep time, better sleep efficiency, higher levels of serum renin and melatonin, and a significant decrease in insomnia severity, time to fall asleep, and stress levels. They also observed trends in reduced early morning awakenings and increased magnesium levels.

How They Measured It

Insomnia was assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), a seven-item questionnaire measuring sleep difficulties and satisfaction. Participants also kept daily sleep logs to track their sleep time.

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Constipation

2

Efficacy and safety of pharmacological therapies for functional constipation in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

2025 7045 participants 2 weeks See study
Human Study Mixed

Study Type

Meta-Analysis

Purpose

Efficacy and safety of pharmacological therapies for functional constipation in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Dose

See study

Participants

7045 participants

Duration

2 weeks

Results

Study results available at linked source.

How They Measured It

PubMed PMID: 41101321. Lancet Child Adolesc Health

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5

Dietary management of chronic constipation: a review of evidence-based strategies and clinical guidelines.

2025 ? participants Not specified See study
Human Study Mixed

Study Type

Meta-Analysis

Purpose

Dietary management of chronic constipation: a review of evidence-based strategies and clinical guidelines.

Dose

See study

Participants

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Results

demonstrated that psyllium supplements, specific probiotic supplements, magnesium oxide supplements, kiwifruits, prunes, rye bread and high mineral water content may be effective in the management o.

How They Measured It

PubMed PMID: 40888045. Proc Nutr Soc

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Athletic Performance

3

British Dietetic Association Guidelines for the Dietary Management of Chronic Constipation in Adults.

2025 ? participants Not specified See study
Human Study Mixed

Study Type

Meta-Analysis

Purpose

British Dietetic Association Guidelines for the Dietary Management of Chronic Constipation in Adults.

Dose

See study

Participants

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Results

CONCLUSIONS: These are the first comprehensive evidence-based dietary guidelines for the management of constipation based upon a robust systematic review and GRADE processes.

How They Measured It

PubMed PMID: 41081513. J Hum Nutr Diet

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4

British Dietetic Association Guidelines for the Dietary Management of Chronic Constipation in Adults.

2025 ? participants Not specified See study
Human Study Mixed

Study Type

Meta-Analysis

Purpose

British Dietetic Association Guidelines for the Dietary Management of Chronic Constipation in Adults.

Dose

See study

Participants

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Results

CONCLUSIONS: These are the first comprehensive evidence-based dietary guidelines for the management of constipation based upon a robust systematic review and GRADE processes.

How They Measured It

PubMed PMID: 41081381. Neurogastroenterol Motil

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Pain Relief

6

Comparative Clinical Study on Magnesium Absorption and Side Effects After Oral Intake of Microencapsulated Magnesium (MAGSHAPE(TM) Microcapsules) Vers

2024 40 participants 7 days See study
Human Study Mixed

Study Type

RCT

Purpose

Comparative Clinical Study on Magnesium Absorption and Side Effects After Oral Intake of Microencapsulated Magnesium (MAGSHAPE(TM) Microcapsules) Vers

Dose

See study

Participants

40 participants

Duration

7 days

Results

CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, this clinical study introduced MAGSHAPETM microcapsules as a bioavailable and well-tolerated alternative to existing Mg-based ingredients used in food supplements.

How They Measured It

PubMed PMID: 39770988. Nutrients

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Magnesium Oxide research

What does the research say about Magnesium Oxide?

There are currently 7 peer-reviewed studies on Magnesium Oxide (MgO), involving 7,085 total participants. Research covers General, Sleep. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.

How strong is the evidence for Magnesium Oxide?

The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (7 human studies), and reported outcomes.

What health goals has Magnesium Oxide been studied for?

Magnesium Oxide has been researched for: General, Sleep. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.

Are the studies on Magnesium Oxide based on human trials?

Yes, 7 out of 7 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.