# A multinational cross-sectional study on knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards magnesium supplements

## TL;DR

This study found that Arab communities have low knowledge and neutral attitudes about magnesium supplements, highlighting the need for public education.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into magnesium supplement knowledge and practices in Arab communities through a multinational survey.

## Key findings

- Mean knowledge scores were low at 8.61 ± 5.9.
- Magnesium citrate was the most commonly used magnesium salt.
- Only 31.8% reported using magnesium supplements, with 36.1% consulting a medical professional.

## Abstract

Magnesium is a vital mineral with a crucial role in different biochemical reactions. There is a contradicting evidences about its role in maintaining bone, muscle and cardiovascular health. Recently, magnesium supplements gained attention due to claimed effectiveness in improving sleep quality and relieving muscle spasm.

This study aimed to assess Arab communities’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding magnesium supplementation.

A cross-sectional self-administered survey was disseminated to collect responses from different Arab countries. Descriptive statistics were calculated for demographics. Data normality was assessed using Shapiro-Wilk test. Associations between sociodemographic variables and knowledge, attitudes and practices were explored using simple and multiple linear regression. Significance level was considered at p < 0.05.

A total of 1,445 responses were collected. Mean (±SD) knowledge scores were low 8.61 ± 5.9. Eighty seven percent recognized magnesium role in alleviating muscle spasm and sleep disorders (83%). Magnesium citrate was the mostly used magnesium salt (37.43%). Neutral attitudes were observed with a mean score of 3.02 ± 0.66. Only 31.8% reported using magnesium supplements, 36.1% of them received a medical consultation. Having poly cystic ovary (p = 0.033), relying on scientific articles (0.004), receiving pharmacist consultation (p = 0.019) significantly associated with higher knowledge.

Despite the huge debate regarding magnesium benefits in maintaining muscle, bone health and improving sleep quality, this study found that there is a significant gap in knowledge and neutral attitude towards magnesium supplementation in Arab communities. These findings emphasizes the need for educational campaigns targeting the public on the rationale use of supplements.