ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MAGNESIUM IN EXTREME PHYSICAL STRESS

In a double-blind randomized study, 23 competitive triathletes competi ng in an event consisting of a 500-meter swim, a 20-km bicycle race, a nd a 5-km run were studied after 4-week supplementation with placebo o r 17 mmol/d Mg orotate. The tests were carried out without a break. Bl ood was collected before and after the test, and between the different events for assaying energy stress and membrane metabolism. Swimming, cycling, and running times decreased in the Mg-orotate group compared with the controls. Serum glucose concentration increased 87% during th e test in the control group and 118% in the Mg-orotate group, while se rum insulin increased 39% in the controls and decreased 65% in the Mg- orotate group. Venous O-2 partial pressure increased 126% during the t est in the controls and increased 208% in the Mg-orotate group. Venous CO2 partial pressure after the bicycle race decreased 66% (significan tly) in the Mg-orotate group compared with 74% in the controls. Blood proton concentration decreased to 90% in the Mg-orotate group (signifi cantly) compared with 98% in the controls. Blood leukocyte count incre ased from 5.92/nL to 11.0/nL in the controls and from 5.81/nL to 9.10/ nL in the Mg-orotate group, a significant difference. Serum cortisol w as lower in the Mg-orotate group before and after the test compared wi th the controls. CK catalytic concentration after the test was elevate d 140% in the controls compared with 122% Mg-orotate group. The stress -induced modifications of energy and hormone metabolism described in t his study indicate altered glucose utilization after Mg-orotate supple mentation and a reduced stress response without affecting competitive potential.