A randomized clinical trial investigating the impact of magnesium supplementation on clinical and biochemical measures in COVID-19 patients

Abstract

Abstract Background This study sought to examine the impact of magnesium supplementation on clinical outcomes and biochemical factors among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods This double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted at Razi Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran, between September 2021 and March 2022. Participants aged 18–70 years with moderate disease severity were enrolled. Magnesium supplementation (300 mg daily) was administered to the intervention group, while the control group received a placebo. Clinical outcomes, including the need for oxygen therapy, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, fever, hs-CRP and TNF-α levels, as well as quality of life and mental health, were assessed. Blood samples were collected to measure biochemical variables. Results The main result was the count of individuals requiring oxygen therapy. Additional outcomes comprised of oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, fever, hs-CRP and TNF-α levels, as well as quality of life and mental health. Out of 64 participants, 60 completed the study. The results showed that magnesium supplementation significantly reduced the number of patients requiring oxygen therapy (9 vs. 14; P < 0.001). Moreover, the magnesium group demonstrated improved oxygen saturation compared to the control group (4.55 ± 2.35 vs. 1.8 ± 1.67; P < 0.001). Furthermore, we observed a noteworthy enhancement in the quality of life and depression score in the magnesium group. No significant differences were observed in respiratory rate, fever, hs-CRP, and TNF-α levels (P > 0.05). Conclusion The findings suggest that magnesium supplementation may have beneficial effects on clinical outcomes and arterial oxygen saturation in COVID-19 patients. More investigation is necessary to delve into its potential mechanisms and long-term effects on patient outcomes. Trial registration This study is registered on Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) under identifier IRCT20210413050957N1. (The registration date: May 1, 2021).