Magnesium intake of 500 mg/d to 1000 mg/d may reduce blood pressure (BP) as much as 5.6/2.8 mm Hg. In a review article (Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2011), Dr. Mark Houston states, “Preliminary evidence suggests that insulin sensitivity, hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus, left ventricular hypertrophy, and dyslipidemia may be improved with increased magnesium intake. Various genetic defects in magnesium transport are associated with hypertension and possibly with cardiovascular disease. Oral magnesium acts as a natural calcium channel blocker, increases nitric oxide, improves endothelial dysfunction, and induces direct and indirect vasodilation.”
Specifically, magnesium orotate is the best form for hypertension and cardiovascular issues. After a review of studies, researchers (Ter Arkh 87 (6), 88-97 2015 – Review) concluded, “The use of magnesium orotate is promising not only in treating MVP and compensating for hypomagnesemia, but also in preventing and treating cardiac arrhythmias, regulating blood pressure, and improving the function of the autonomic nervous system.”
Arginine is another substance that has been of value to hypertension patients. This is supported by various studies and review articles. One such article (J Nutrit 134 (10 Suppl), 2807S-2811S) states, “Numerous studies, though not uniformly, demonstrate a beneficial effect of acute and chronic L-arginine supplementation on endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO) production and endothelial function, and L-arginine has been shown to reduce systemic blood pressure in some forms of experimental hypertension.” One study (Life Sci 157, 125-130 2016 Jul 15), found that arginine diminished metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activities and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio along with restoring the oxidative stress balance in patients with hypertension. This is significant because increased matrix metalloproteinases activity and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability contributes to the development of hypertension. Another study (J Clin Biochem Nutr 57 (1), 74-81 Jul 2015) found a link between hypertension during pregnancy and low serum arginine levels.
