Effects of magnesium supplementation on the glutathione redox system in atopic asthmatic children
Our aim was to investigate the effects of 12-week oral magnesium (Mg) supplementation on the RBC redox system in stable, persistent, moderately asthmatic children (N = 40, 24 boys, 16 girls) aged 4–16 years in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Oxidized (GSSG) and reduced (GSH) glutathione, oxyhaemoglobin, methaemoglobin (metHb), hemichrome and bilirubin levels before and after treatment were determined, and GSH stability tests were performed. The GSH concentration was significantly higher in the Mg-treated than in the placebo-treated patients after the treatment period. There was a positive correlation between the decreased plasma metHb and hemichrome levels and the decreased plasma haemoglobin concentrations in the Mg-treated patients at the end of the study. Mg in the given doses exerts antioxidant activity and influences the glutathione redox system.