Magnesium is an essential nutrient used for numerous purposes, including muscle
relaxation, blood clotting, and the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the
body´s main energy molecule). It has been also called nature´s calcium channel
blocker.
Key messages
􀃎 Observational studies indicate that magnesium supplementation is associated
with reduction in foetal growth restriction, low birth weight and preeclampsia.
􀃎 There is not enough quality evidence, however, showing that dietary magnesium
supplementation during pregnancy is beneficial.
􀃎 No information on child health outcomes is available.
􀃎 Future studies of magnesium supplementation in pregnancy should report on
health outcomes during early childhood.