April 10, 2006 – A diet rich in magnesium would offer interesting protection against metabolic syndrome, if we are to believe the results of a major study by American researchers1.
The subjects, 4,600 young Americans, were between the ages of 18 and 30 at the start of the research in 1985. Fifteen years later, at the end of the study, the scientists found that those whose diets contained the more magnesium were 31% less likely than others to suffer from metabolic syndrome. Also known as Syndrome X, it takes the form of a series of problems linked to poor body metabolism: high insulin and cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and excess weight. These conditions can make an individual vulnerable to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
The researchers say they have discovered a particularly strong link between food intake of magnesium and fasting blood glucose level, abdominal circumference and HDL cholesterol level.
The subjects who consumed the most magnesium were older, more educated women, more physically active, more likely to take vitamin and mineral supplements, and less inclined to smoke.
This is not the first time that such a correlation between magnesium and metabolic syndrome has been established. Last year, data from the Women’s Health Study showed 27% increased protection. Other studies also indicate that insufficient dietary intake of magnesium can increase the risk of diabetes or high blood pressure.
Researchers are struggling to explain the origin of the protective effect of magnesium. They are calling for new studies to determine whether a higher dietary intake of magnesium would protect against metabolic syndrome in the very long term.
The daily magnesium requirement is 310 mg to 320 mg in women, and 400 mg to 420 mg in men. Food sources of magnesium are beans, chocolate, nuts, almonds, breakfast cereals (such as All Bran), spinach, artichokes, halibut, tuna, haddock, etc. For more details, see our Nutrient Rankings.
Jean-Benoit Legault– PasseportSanté.net
According to New York Times News Service.
1. He K, Liu K, et al. Magnesium intake and incidence of metabolic syndrome among young adults. Circulation. 2006 Mar 27; [Epub ahead of print]