The impact of magnesium on psycho-emotional stress and functional activity of the cardiovascular system in students from African countries

The objective of the study is investigation of the impact of magnesium on psycho-emotional stress and functional activity of the cardiovascular system in foreign male students of African origin. A total of 33 male first course students were involved in the study. The examinees were supplemented with 150 mg/day of magnesium. Evaluation of serum and urinary Mg levels was performed using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry, whereas functional activity of the cardiovascular system and psycho-emotional stress were assessed using Angioscan-01 diagnostic complex both before and after a course of magnesium supplementation. It has been demonstrated that magnesium supplementation resulted in a significant 3% increase in serum Mg levels as compared to baseline. The observed increase in circulating magnesium levels was associated with a significant 26% decrease in stress index, whereas arterial stiffness index significantly reduced by 3%. A significant increase in absolute systole duration and time from the start of the pulse wave to a maximum of the early systolic wave was also observed. The results of the study demonstrate a significant decrease in stress index and arterial stiffness in response to magnesium intake, being in agreement with the existing data on protective effects of magnesium. Therefore, monitoring of magnesium supply and its improvement may be considered as a valuable tool supporting somatic and psychic health of students thus improving their academic performance.