The effect of magnesium supplementation on the prevention of preeclampsia: A systematic review study

Preeclampsia is one of the major causes of maternal mortality and morbidity, and its prevention is one of the most challenging topics in obstetrics. Magnesium supplementation has been suggested as a way to prevent preeclampsia; therefore, this systematic review study was conducted with aim to determine the effect of magnesium supplementation on the prevention of preeclampsia.

In this systematic review to find relevant clinical trial articles, databases of Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were used. The keywords of Preeclampsia, Pregnancy Toxemia, Dietary Supplement, Supplement, Supplementation, Magnesium, Intervention study, Clinical Trial, Clinical Studies, Randomized Clinical, and Controlled Clinical Trials were searched with Boolean operators (OR, AND) without time limitation until February 2, 2021. The inclusion criteria were oral magnesium supplementation and English language studies. There were no geographical restrictions. The quality of the articles was assessed with Cochran collaboration's tool (Risk of bias) and "Review Manager program" software (RevMan 3.5). Data were analyzed qualitatively.

Finally, 7 articles with a sample size of 2111 people were included in the study. Magnesium supplementation was used as magnesium citrate, magnesium aspartate, Effervescent magnesium, magnesium, and a multivitamin containing 200 mg of magnesium. The result showed that magnesium supplementation in low-risk individuals with hypomagnesemia reduces the incidence of preeclampsia.

It seems that taking magnesium supplements in low-risk pregnant women with hypomagnesemia can be effective in preventing preeclampsia; however, the studies with high quality and sufficient sample size are recommended for definitive conclusions.