Magnesium

Magnesium amino acid chelate (Meta Mag^® - Magnesium bisglycinate)

Taurine

Calcium

Calcium amino acid chelate

Vitamin B6

Pyridoxal 5-phosphate

Vitamin B2

Riboflavin sodium phosphate

Chromium

Chromic chloride

Vitamin B12

Mecobalamin

Folate

Levomefolate calcium (5-methyltetrahydrofolate)

Selenium

Selenomethionine

• Supports normal blood pressure
• Supports normal homocysteine levels
• Supports normal blood glucose levels

• Hypertension
• Hyperhomocysteinaemia
• Hyperlipidaemia
• Coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis
• Hyperglycaemia and/or hyperinsulinaemia

Magnesium is responsible for regulating nerve transmission, cardiac excitability, neuromuscular conduction, muscular contraction, vasomotor tone, and blood pressure (acting as a natural calcium channel blocker). Magnesium also plays a significant role in glucose and insulin metabolism, predominantly through its impact on the activities of tyrosine kinase, phosphorylase kinase, and glucose transporter proteins.[1] Taurine is a semi-essential, sulphur-containing amino acid, although it can be synthesised from other sulphur-containing amino acids such as methionine and cysteine.[2] Exerting a protective effect against cardiovascular disease (CVD), taurine demonstrates particular proficiency in reducing blood pressure and improving vascular function via several mechanisms.[3] These include suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, increasing kallikrein (a subgroup of serine proteases) activity in the blood and peripheral tissues, diuretic and natriuretic actions, inhibition of the renal sympathetic nervous system (SNS), and vasorelaxant activity.[2] Chromium is well known for its insulin sensitising properties and also demonstrates positive effects on mood and appetite.[4] Selenium also plays an important role in glucose transport, exhibiting insulin-like actions on cells and insulin signalling pathways via mechanisms distinct from that of insulin.[5] Methylating nutrients riboflavin (vitamin B2), pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P) (vitamin B6), 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) and mecobalamin (vitamin B12) have been shown to reduce elevated plasma levels of homocysteine.[6]

There are several additional mechanisms that contribute to the beneficial effects of magnesium in hypertension, including regulation of vascular tone and protection against endothelial dysfunction, prevention of vascular injury via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, increasing prostacyclin and nitric oxide (NO) formation, and augmenting the activity of antihypertensive medications.[7,8]

Taurine has also been shown to reduce blood pressure through a number of mechanisms. These include the attenuation of angiotensin II signalling, inhibition of the SNS, enhancing kidney function, and improving endothelial function.[9,10] The combination of 600 mg of magnesium with 6 g of taurine has been shown to be a highly effective antihypertensive intervention.[11,12]

Homocysteine is regarded as an independent risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). Methylating nutrients folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B2 and vitamin B6, play a significant role in modulating the metabolic process of homocysteine.[13,14] In particular, emerging research indicates that supplementation with folate and B12 in patients with elevated homocysteine levels can reduce homocysteine significantly.[15]

Furthermore, folate supplementation has been shown to substantially improve endothelial function in individuals affected with CAD.[15] Endothelial dysfunction is known to precede the initial event in the development of atherosclerosis, which is regarded as the initiating factor of CVD.

Chromium is of particular importance with regard to glucose metabolism.[16] This mineral potentiates insulin signalling through several processes, including increasing the number of insulin receptors on cells, augmenting the binding of insulin to its receptor, and increasing the activation of the receptor in the presence of insulin.[17]Chromium improves insulin sensitivity by increasing insulin receptor phosphorylation through modulation of kinase activity within the insulin signalling pathway.[18]

Evidence also shows a correlation between chronic magnesium deficiency and a diminished post-receptorial function, with resultant decreased cellular glucose utilisation.[19] Moreover, magnesium deficiency may reduce antioxidant barriers, further exacerbating insulin resistance.[19]

In addition to its function as an essential cofactor for enzymes, including those involved in glucose metabolism, vitamin B6 has been shown to avert insulin resistance via prevention of endothelial dysfunction.[20]

In a double-blind placebo-controlled randomised trial of 91 middle-aged and elderly women with mild to moderate hypertension, 480 mg/day of elemental magnesium was given for six months. This resulted in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) falling by 3.4 mmHg (p=0.003) in the magnesium group compared to no change in the placebo group.[21]

In a 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis individuals with insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, or non-communicable chronic diseases were given 365 to 450 mg/day of magnesium.[7] Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was found to be reduced by a mean of 4.18 mmHg, whilst DBP decreased by a mean of 2.27 mmHg.[7]

A further 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the benefits of magnesium supplementation on type 2 diabetes (T2D) associated cardiovascular risk factors, in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. The results demonstrated that magnesium supplementation reduced SBP by 3.056 mmHg, and decreased the risk for T2D-associated CVD.[22]

In a 2016 randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study 120 pre-hypertensive participants were given taurine at a dose of 1.6 g/day over a study period of 12 weeks.[2] SBP decreased by 7.2 mmHg (p<0.001), and DBP reduced by 4.7 mmHg (p<0.001).[2] Researchers concluded that the antihypertensive effect of taurine supplementation demonstrates promise in the successful treatment of pre-hypertension predominantly by way of improvement of vascular function.[2]

The beneficial effect of folate, and vitamin B12 have been supported by a meta-analysis of 25 randomised controlled trials that determined doses of 200 and 400 µg/day of folate were correlated with reductions in homocysteine of 13% and 22%, respectively. The addition of vitamin B12 at a mean dose of 400 µg/day produced 7% further reductions in homocysteine concentrations.[23]

Moreover, folate administration alone has been found to reduce blood homocysteine levels. Doses of supplemental folic acid, as low as 250 µg/day, significantly decrease plasma total homocysteine concentrations.[24]

A 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials evaluated the effect of magnesium supplementation on T2D associated cardiovascular risk factors in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.[25] Researchers found that magnesium exerted a favourable effect upon HDL (p<0.001), LDL (p=0.013), and plasma triglycerides (p=0.026).[25]

Beneficial effects on lipid metabolism have also been noted with supplemental taurine. In a 2003 double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 30 overweight university students (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) received 3 g/day of taurine, or placebo, for a duration of seven weeks. Taurine supplementation was associated with decreased serum triglyceride levels (p<0.05), and was also correlated with significant reductions in body weight (p<0.04).[26]

Both hypomagnesaemia and intracellular magnesium depletion are seen in individuals with heart failure, with replenishment of magnesium demonstrating an anti-inflammatory effect.[27] This may be of particular benefit as serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) have also been found to be elevated in these individuals.[27] In a controlled study of patients with heart failure, oral administration of elemental magnesium at a dose of 300 mg/day for five weeks was found to significantly reduce CRP levels (p<0.001) with no significant change in the untreated group.[27]

In a 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effect of magnesium supplementation on insulin sensitivity and glucose control in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals, magnesium supplementation improved the homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p=0.013), in addition to fasting glucose concentrations (p<0.001).[28] Research has revealed that an average dose of 360 mg/day of elemental magnesium taken for a duration of 12 weeks had a significant effect on fasting glucose, with a reduction of 0.56 mmol/L (p=0.02).[29]

In a 2017 analysis of randomised controlled trials assessing the effects of chromium supplementation on biomarkers in T2D patients, chromium was shown to reduce levels of fasting plasma glucose (p=0.008) and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (p=0.0002).[18]

Disclaimer: In the interest of supporting Healthcare Practitioners, all safety information provided at the time of publishing is in accordance with Natural Medicine Database (NATMED PRO), renowned for its professional monographs which include a thorough assessment of safety, warnings, and adverse effects.

For further information on specific interactions with medications, please contact Clinical Support on 1800 777 648, or via email, anz_clinicalsupport@metagenics.com

• Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.[30]

• Contraindicated with Levodopa/Carbidopa (Sinemet); avoid this combination.[30]

[1] Guerrera MP, Volpe SL, Mao JJ. Therapeutic uses of magnesium. Am Fam Physician. 2009;80(2):157-62.

[2] Sun Q, Wang B, Li Y, et al. Taurine supplementation lowers blood pressure and improves vascular function in prehypertension: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Hypertension. 2016;67(3):541-9. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.115.06624

[3] Ahmadian M, Roshan VD, Aslani E, et al. Taurine supplementation has anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory effects before and after incremental exercise in heart failure. Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis. 2017;11(7):185-194. doi:10.1177/1753944717711138

[4] Brownley KA. Dietary chromium supplementation for targeted treatment of diabetes patients with comorbid depression and binge eating. Med Hypotheses. 2015;85(1):45-8. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2015.03.020

[5] Heart E, Sung CK. Insulin-like and non-insulin-like selenium actions in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. J Cell Biochemistry. 2003; 88(4): 719-731. doi:10.1002/jcb.10395

[6] Braun L, Cohen M. Herbs and Natural Supplements: An Evidence-Based Guide. 3^rd ed. Sydney: Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone; 2010.

[7] Dibaba DT, Xun P, Song Y, et al. The effect of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure in individuals with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or noncommunicable chronic diseases: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Sep;106(3):921-929. doi:10.3945/ajcn.117.155291

[8] Zhang X, Li Y, Del Gobbo LC, et al. Effects of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials. Hypertension. 2016;68(2):324-33. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.116.07664

[9] Fennessy FM, Moneley DS, Wang JH, et al. Taurine and vitamin C modify monocyte and endothelial dysfunction in young smokers. Circulation. 2003;107(3):410-5. doi:10.1161/01.cir.0000046447.72402.47

[10] Wójcik OP, Koenig KL, Zeleniuch-Jacquotte A, et al The potential protective effects of taurine on coronary heart disease. Atherosclerosis. 2010;208(1):19–25. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.06.002

[11] Sanjuliani AF, de Abreu Fagundes VG, et al. Effects of magnesium on blood pressure and intracellular ion levels of Brazilian hypertensive patients. Int J Cardiol. 1996;56(2):177-83. doi:10.1016/0167-5273(96)02716-7

[12] Xu YJ, Arneja AS, Tappia PS, et al. The potential health benefits of taurine in cardiovascular disease. Experimental & Clinical Cardiology. 2008;13(2):57.

[13] Ma Y, Peng D, Liu C, et al. Serum high concentrations of homocysteine and low levels of folate and vitamin B12 are significantly correlated with the categories of coronary artery diseases. BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2017;17(1):37. doi:10.1186/s12872-017-0475-8

[14] Powers HJ. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) and health. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003;77(6):1352-60. doi:10.1093/ajcn/77.6.1352

[15] Ma Y, Peng D, Liu C, et al. Serum high concentrations of homocysteine and low levels of folate and vitamin B12 are significantly correlated with the categories of coronary artery diseases. BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2017;17(1):37. doi:10.1186/s12872-017-0475-8

[16] Gropper SS, Smith JL, Groff JL. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. 4^th ed. Belmont (CA): Wadsworth, Cengage Learning; 2005.

[17] Ahmad H, Ahmed Z, Khan R. Effect of chromium picolinate supplementation on diabetic profile and nutritional status of the type-2 diabetic adult population: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Food and Nutrition Research. 2016;4(8):535-42.

[18] Huang H, Chen G, Dong Y, et al. Chromium supplementation for adjuvant treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: Results from a pooled analysis. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2018;62(1). doi:10.1002/mnfr.201700438

[19] Veronese N, Watutantrige-Fernando S, Luchini C, et al. Effect of magnesium supplementation on glucose metabolism in people with or at risk of diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of double-blind randomized controlled trials. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2016;70(12):1354-1359. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2016.154

[20] Liu Z, Li P, Zhao ZH, et al. Vitamin B6 prevents endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, and hepatic lipid accumulation in apoe (-/-) mice fed with high-fat diet. J Diabetes Res. 2016;1-8. doi:10.1155/2016/1748065

[21] Witteman JC, Grobbee DE, Derkx FH, et al. Reduction of blood pressure with oral magnesium supplementation in women with mild to moderate hypertension. Am J Clin Nutr. 1994;60(1):129-35. doi:10.1093/ajcn/60.1.129

[22] Verma H, Garg R. Effect of magnesium supplementation on type 2 diabetes associated cardiovascular risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2017;30(5):621-633. doi:10.1111/jhn.12454

[23] Homocysteine Lowering Trialists' Collaboration. Dose-dependent effects of folate on blood concentrations of homocysteine: a meta-analysis of the randomized trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005;82(4):806-12. doi:10.1093/ajcn/82.4.806

[24] Brouwer IA, van Dusseldorp M, Thomas CM, et al. Low-dose folate supplementation decreases plasma homocysteine concentrations: a randomized trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Jan;69(1):99-104. doi:10.1093/ajcn/69.1.99

[25] Verma H, Garg R. Effect of magnesium supplementation on type 2 diabetes associated cardiovascular risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2017;30(5):621-633. doi:10.1111/jhn.12454

[26] Zhang M, Bi LF, Fang JH, et al. Beneficial effects of taurine on serum lipids in overweight or obese non-diabetic subjects. Amino Acids. 2004;26(3):267-71. doi:10.1007/s00726-003-0059-z

[27] Almoznino-Sarafian D, Berman S, Mor A, et al. Magnesium and C-reactive protein in heart failure: an anti-inflammatory effect of magnesium administration? Eur J Nutr. 2007;46(4):230-7. doi:10.1007/s00394-007-0655-x

[28] Simental-Mendía LE, Sahebkar A, Rodríguez-Morán M, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the effects of magnesium supplementation on insulin sensitivity and glucose control. Pharmacol Res. 2016;111:272-282. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2016.06.019

[29] Song Y, He K, Levitan EB, Manson JE, Liu S. Effects of oral magnesium supplementation on glycaemic control in Type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized double-blind controlled trials. Diabet Med. 2006; 23(10): 1050-6. doi:10.1111/j.1464-5491.2006.01852.x

[30] Natural Medicines Database. AusDi; 2024. Accessed September 20, 2024. https://ausdi.hcn.com.au/