Magnesium Intake and its Association with Diabetes

The Journal of Human Nutrition & Food Science concluded through a study that there appears to be “an association between higher magnesium intake and improved diabetes outcomes and metabolic syndrome risk,” according to an article published by Life Extension.

14,338 men and women over the age of 20 were evaluated based on their magnesium intake which was determined as either “adequate” or “inadequate.” 

It was noted that “as magnesium intake increased, insulin, body mass index, waist circumference and systolic blood pressure fell,” according to the study. 

The article continues, “participants were assessed for the presence of diabetes or other associated factors,” including whether or not these individuals were prescribes diabetes medications, their glucose levels at the start of the study, metabolic syndrome, their weight (obese, or overweight), insulin resistance, blood pressure, elevated trigylcerides (fat in the blood), and lipid levels.

In the end, those who were predetermined to have “adequate” magnesium consumption through food or supplements were determined to have lower risk of “elevated glycohemoglobin, metabolic syndrome, overweight or obesity, increased waist circumference, elevated systolic blood pressure, reduced high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and elevated C-reactive protein,” compared to those labeled “inadequate” in their magnesium consumption.

According to a 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) report, “magnesium has been identified as a shortfall nutrient.”  Therefore, if you suspect you’re at risk for diabetes or are experiencing related symptoms, talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional about magnesium options best suited for your dietary needs.

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