Magnesium Supplementation on Body Composition

This study's research design is a pilot single-arm intervention trial. Data collection will occur three times (baseline, midpoint, and post-intervention) over the course of the 8 week intervention period. Data collection will take place on Nova Southeastern University Campus (3301 S University Dr, Davie, FL 33328). Eligible participants will undergo an 8-week supplementation regimen with Life Extension® Extend Release Magnesium, containing a 250 mg/capsule blend of ZümXR® magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate. The supplement will be distributed to participants at baseline and midpoint measurement assessments. Dietary intake will be monitored at least 3 days of the week for the 8 week intervention period using the MyFitnessPal app. Participants will be instructed not to change their eating habits for the duration of the intervention. Outside of their usual physical activity training, participants will be instructed not to change their physical activity habits for the duration of the intervention. Body composition will be assessed at baseline, midpoint, and post-intervention using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). Participants will be instructed to wear light clothing (with no zippers, belts, or buttons), remove all jewelry before testing, not consume any food 3-4 hours before testing, not drink caffeine on the day of testing, and hydrate adequately prior to testing. Demographic information (age, sex, and physical activity status) will be assessed via a simple questionnaire at baseline.

Order of events:

• Distribute recruitment through flyers at NSU Main Campus (Davie).
• Screening process via demographic survey to determine qualification based on participant inclusion/exclusion criteria.Sign consent forms, explain procedures and study outcomes to participants.
• Baseline anthropometric measurements (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) [InBody 270; InBody Co., Ltd. (Seoul, Korea)], height, and weight) and diet analysis (MyFitnessPal Nutrition Tracking App).
• Distribute supplements for the first 4 weeks of intervention (Life Extension Extend Release Magnesium, 28 capsules/participant).
• Bi-weekly follow ups with participants via phone (2 follow ups).
• Midpoint anthropometric measurements (BIA [InBody 270; InBody Co., Ltd. (Seoul, Korea)] and diet analysis (MyFitnessPal Nutrition Tracking App). Perform capsule counting.
• Distribute supplements for the last 4 weeks of intervention (Life Extension Magnesium Caps, 28 capsules/participant).
• Bi-weekly follow ups with participants via phone (2 follow ups).
• Final anthropometric measurements (BIA [InBody 270; InBody Co., Ltd. (Seoul, Korea)] and diet analysis (MyFitnessPal Nutrition Tracking App). Perform capsule counting.

Data collection:

Height and weight will be collected at baseline, midpoint, and post-intervention visits using weight scale and stadiometer. BMI will be calculated using height and weight. Body composition will be assessed using a multi-frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) device [InBody 270; InBody Co., Ltd. (Seoul, Korea)].

Participants will be required to keep a food diary for at least 3 days per week using the MyFitnessPal (MFP) Nutrition Tracking Smartphone Application. Similar software has been shown to produce results comparable to other, more time-intensive methods of dietary data collection such as 24-hour recalls. Participants' diets will be analyzed during the baseline and midpoint assessment visits using the MyFitnessPal (MFP) Nutrition Tracking App. Diet analyses will be conducted to determine how much dietary magnesium and protein participants are consuming in their normal diet, as both factors may affect LBM accrual.

Inclusion criteria

• 18-30 years old
• classified as a physically active individual for at least 1 year defined as being any individual that regularly engages in the minimum physical activity requirements as put forth by the American College of Sports Medicine.
• have a BMI of 19-30 kg/m2

Exclusion criteria

• smokers
• have been diagnosed with any metabolic/chronic disease
• are taking medications that can interfere with body composition
• are unwilling to follow study guidelines
• have a current physical condition that may be exacerbated by physical activity as determined by their general practitioner
• are pregnant or intend to become pregnant within 3 months
• have taken Mg supplements within the last 6 months
• are using steroids or any anabolic agents
• have pacemakers, implants, or any non-removable metal surgical implants