Magnesium Reduces Metabolic Syndrome Risk

CHICAGOResearchers from Northwestern University have drawn an inverse link between intake of magnesium (Mg) and incidence of metabolic syndrome. Using an interviewer-administered quantitative food frequency questionnaire in conjunction with the nutrient database developed by the Minnesota Nutrition Coordinating Center, researchers assessed the dietary magnesium intakes of 4,637 Americans, aged 18 to 30 years, who were free from metabolic syndrome and diabetes at baseline. During 15 years of follow-up, 608 incident cases of the metabolic syndrome were identified. After adjusting for major lifestyle and dietary variables and the baseline status of each metabolic syndrome component, results showed the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio of metabolic syndrome for participants in the highest quartile of Mg intake was 0.69, compared with those in the lowest quartile of intake. They also showed Mg intake was inversely correlated to individual components of the metabolic syndrome, including fasting insulin levels. The researchers concluded young adults with higher magnesium intake have a lower risk of development of metabolic syndrome.

The study appeared in the March 27 issue of Circulation (113:1675-82, 2006).