Magnesium Reduces Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death in Women

A recent study involving a large group of women studied over 26 years found that those with the highest magnesium intake (and corresponding plasma levels) had a 41% lower risk of sudden cardiac death.

Magnesium has beneficial cardiovascular properties in cellular and experimental models, but its relation to sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk in humans is unclear.

In a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers examined the association between magnesium, as measured in diet and plasma, and risk of SCD. The association for magnesium intake was examined prospectively in 88,375 women who were free of disease in 1980 and part of the Nurses’ Health Study. Information on magnesium intake, other nutrients, and lifestyle factors was updated every 2–4 years through questionnaires. In this group of women, there were 505 cases of sudden or arrhythmic death documented over 26 years of follow-up.

After adjustment for confounders and potential intermediaries, the relative risk of SCD was significantly lower in women in the highest quartile of both dietary intake and plasma levels of magnesium (when compared to those in the lowest quartile). The inverse relation with SCD was stronger for plasma magnesium than dietary intake of magnesium, with each 0.25 mg/dL (one standard deviation) increment in plasma magnesium associated with a 41% lower risk of SCD.

In this study group of women, higher plasma concentrations and dietary intakes of magnesium were associated with lower risks of SCD. The researchers stated that if the observation is causal, interventions aimed at increasing dietary or plasma magnesium might lower the risk of sudden cardiac death.

Chiuve SE, et al. Plasma and dietary magnesium and risk of sudden cardiac death in women. 2011. Am J Clin Nutr 93(2):253-260.

Poor Magnesium Status May Be Related to Metabolic Syndrome

In a recent study, lower Magnesium levels correlated with an increased number of metabolic syndrome risk factors.

Metabolic syndrome has been defined as the presence of abdominal obesity combined with two of the following factors: hypertension, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance, or diabetes mellitus. Magnesium is an essential cofactor for more than 300 enzymes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

In a recent study, researchers enrolled 117 overweight and obese patients and measured serum magnesium levels together with fasting serum glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and triacylglycerols. Researchers found a strong inverse relationship between serum magnesium levels and the presence of metabolic syndrome. In addition, as the level of serum magnesium decreased, the number of factors relating to metabolic syndrome increased. Also, there was an inverse relationship between serum magnesium levels and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation).

The scientists concluded that decreased levels of serum magnesium are associated with increased risk for metabolic syndrome, possibly due to a low-grade inflammatory process.

Angelos A, et al. An inverse relationship between cumulative components of the metabolic syndrome and serum magnesium levels. 2008. Nutrition Research 28(10):659-63.

Increased Magnesium Intake Linked to Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes prevalence is rising in Asian countries. New research indicates that increased magnesium intake may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in Japanese adults.

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition reports a correlation between higher magnesium intake and a reduced rate of type 2 diabetes. Low magnesium intakes have previously been linked to insulin resistance and impaired glucose utilization.

Researchers evaluated data from 17,592 men and women aged 40 to 79 who took part in the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study for Evaluation of Cancer Risk established between 1988 and 1990. Dietary magnesium was calculated using a validated questionnaire, and incidence of diabetes was defined by self-report of physician diagnosis.

At the five year follow-up, 459 new cases of diabetes were reported. Dietary intake of magnesium was inversely associated with age, body mass index (BMI), and diabetes incidence in both sexes.

After making adjustments for cardiovascular risk factors, participants whose intake of magnesium was among the top 25 percent had a 36 percent lower adjusted risk of developing diabetes.

The incidence of type 2 diabetes is increasing in Asian countries, and this is the first study to examine the association between magnesium intake and the risk of diabetes in adults living in Japan. The results of this study are important for the development of potential health policies to help prevent and control this increasingly common degenerative disease.

Kyoko K, et al. Magnesium Intake and Risk of Self-Reported Type 2 Diabetes among Japanese. 2010. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol. 29, No. 2, 99-106.

What is Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral for many fundamental processes in the body. It normally exists in the body as a charged particle (or ion) and is primarily stored in bones. Magnesium plays an integral role in hundreds of enzymatic functions and is important for nerve, muscle, and bone health.

Magnesium helps with the absorption of calcium and depends on vitamin D for its own absorption. Food dietary sources of magnesium include spinach, legumes, nuts, and grains.

The recommended dietary allowance for magnesium is 400 mg/d for men and 310 mg/d for women. Excessive intake can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, but no adverse effect has been seen for long-term consumption of amounts less than or equal to 700 mg/d.

By the way, Magnesium silicate is used in tablet formulations as a glidant and anti-caking agent.