Data from Controlled Metabolic Ward Studies Provide Guidance for the Determination of Status Indicators and Dietary Requirements for Magnesium

The Association between Magnesium Depletion Score and Hypertension in US Adults: Evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2018)

The magnesium depletion score (MDS) emerges as a new valuable predictor of the body's magnesium status index. This study aims to explore the link between MDS and hypertension (HTN) using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. A total of 9708 participants from NHANES (2007-2018) were enrolled to investigate MDS's connection with HTN. HTN was defined based on clinical guidelines. MDS classification (low, 0-1; middle, 2; high, 3-5) relied on alcohol consumption, diuretic use, proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) usage, and kidney disease. Multivariable logistic regression assessed MDS-HTN association. Subsequent analyses included interaction tests, subgroups, and sensitivity analysis. Each unit increase in MDS correlated with an 87% higher HTN risk (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.64-2.13) after adjusting for confounders. High MDS participants exhibited significantly elevated HTN risk compared to low MDS counterparts (OR, 8.31; 95% CI, 4.81-14.36), with a significant trend across MDS groups (p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses supported a consistent positive correlation. Sensitivity analysis confirmed a robust association. The results indicated a positive correlation between MDS and the risk of developing HTN in US adults.

The Urinary Excretion of Magnesium as an Effective Magnesium Deficiency State Indicator: A Controlled Intervention Trial

With the western influence in our diets, food consumption has changed, and our magnesium (Mg) intake is no longer optimal. Serum Mg (S-Mg) level is currently used as an indicator of Mg deficiency and is strictly regulated via compensatory mechanisms. It is believed that a 24-h urine collection can be used to evaluate potential Mg deficiency. This study aimed to assess whether Mg deficiency state as found in urine Mg (U-Mg) excretion and improving such deficiency with a diet that meets the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) of Mg for 15 d. Healthy Japanese women were recruited for Study 1 (n=22) and Study 2 (n=10). Study 1 was 1-d balance test, where fasting blood and 24-h urine samples were collected. Study 2 was 15-d diet load test, where fasting blood (days 1, 7, and 15) and 24-h urine (odd days) were collected. All test meals were made certain to have met the RDA for Mg for women in their 20s. In Studies 1 and 2, S-Mg was within the normal range. In Study 1, U-Mg excretion was 67.7±17.0 mg/d, with a large dispersion. In Study 2, U-Mg excretion on days 7 and 15 was significantly higher than on day 1, but have no significant differences in U-Mg excretion between days 7-15. U-Mg excretion can be a valuable indicator to evaluate Mg state. In young women, improvements in Mg deficient state were observed after 7-15 d of taking meals that met the RDAs of Mg.

The Association of Serum and Dietary Magnesium with Depressive Symptoms

Depression is a leading cause of the global burden of disease and has a multifactorial etiology that includes nutrients. Magnesium status has been associated with depression with inconclusive results. The impact of chronic latent magnesium deficiency (CLMD, 0.75 ≤ serum magnesium < 0.85 mmol/L) on depression has not yet been investigated. We assessed the association between serum magnesium levels/dietary magnesium intake and depressive symptoms by analyzing nationally representative data from Taiwan (Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan, NAHSIT). We used the 5-item Brief Symptom Rating Scale to measure depressive symptoms. Subgroup analysis by sex was also performed. Serum magnesium levels had a low correlation with dietary magnesium intake. Higher serum magnesium levels were associated with lower depressive scores and a lower risk of depressive symptoms, but dietary magnesium intake showed no association. Sex differences were found. Compared with subjects with serum magnesium <0.75 mmol/L, those with ≥0.85 mmol/L had lower depressive scores. In conclusion, serum magnesium was inversely associated with depressive symptoms, but dietary magnesium intake was not. Subjects with CLMD showed similar depressive scores and were at a similar risk of depressive symptoms to those with serum magnesium < 0.75 mmol/L. CLMD should be considered while assessing the association between magnesium status and depressive symptoms.

Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease Markers in Relation to Serum and Dietary Magnesium in Individuals from the General Population: The KORA-MRI Study

Several studies have implied a role of magnesium in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Thus, magnesium might serve as a potential risk marker for early CVD. Therefore, we investigated the association of serum magnesium and dietary magnesium intake with markers of subclinical CVD in a population-based study. We used cross-sectional data from the sub-study of the Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA-FF4). Markers of subclinical CVD, namely, left and right ventricular structure and function and carotid plaque and carotid wall thickness, were derived by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Multivariable-adjusted regression models were applied to assess the relationship between serum and dietary magnesium and MRI-derived subclinical CVD markers. Among 396 included participants (mean age: 56.3 ± 9.2 years; 57.8% male), 181 (45.7%) had low serum magnesium levels (<2.07 mg/dL). Among 311 subjects with complete dietary data (mean age: 56.3 ± 9.1 years; 56.3% male), 154 (49.5%) had low dietary magnesium intake (≤155.2 mg/1000 kcal/day). Serum and dietary magnesium were not correlated (p-value = 0.5). Serum magnesium was significantly associated with presence of carotid plaque (OR 1.62, p-value 0.033). Dietary magnesium was associated with higher left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic volume (0.04 mL/m2, 0.06 mL/m2; p-value 0.011, 0.013, respectively), and also with a decrease in left ventricular remodeling index and mean diastolic wall thickness (−0.001 g/mL/m2, −0.002 mm/m2; p-value 0.004, 0.029, respectively). In summary, there was no consistent association of serum and dietary magnesium with imaging markers of subclinical CVD.

Associations of the Dietary Magnesium Intake and Magnesium Depletion Score With Osteoporosis Among American Adults: Data From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objectives

The study aimed to explore the associations between dietary magnesium (Mg) intake and magnesium depletion score (MDS) among American adults with osteoporosis.

Methods

The continuous data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006, 2007–2008, 2009–2010, 2013–2014, and 2017–2018 were merged to ensure a large and representative sample and a total of 14,566 participants were enrolled for the analysis. The weighted multivariate linear regression model was performed to assess the linear relationship between dietary Mg intake and osteoporosis. Further, the non-linear relationship was also characterized by smooth curve fitting (SCF) and weighted generalized additive model (GAM). In addition, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for associations between the MDS and osteoporosis were assessed by weighted logistic regression models.

Results

After adjusting all covariates, the weighted multivariable linear regression models demonstrated that the dietary Mg intake negatively correlated with osteoporosis, especially in participants aged 55 years or older. In addition, the non-linear relationship characterized by SCF and weighted GAM showed that the dietary Mg intake presented an L-shaped association with osteoporosis among females aged 55 years or older. Moreover, the weighted logistic regression model demonstrated that compared with MDS 0, the OR between MDS ≥3 and osteoporosis was 2.987 (95% CI 1.904, 4.686) in the male-middle intake group. Moreover, compared with MDS 0, the ORs between MDS ≥3 and osteoporosis was 5.666 (95% CI 3.188, 10.069) in the female-low intake group and 1.691 (95% CI 1.394, 2.051) in the female-middle intake group.

Conclusion

The present study indicated that in people with a daily intake of Mg level below the recommended daily intake (RDI), the dietary Mg intake and Mg bioavailability represented by MDS have a negative correlation with osteoporosis. According to the results, the combination of MDS and dietary Mg intake may be more comprehensive and rigorous in screening the population with osteoporosis. Therefore, early monitoring and interventions for osteoporosis may be necessary for those with insufficient dietary Mg intake or high MDS scores.

Leptin and its relationship with magnesium biomarkers in women with obesity

Some studies have demonstrated the participation of leptin in magnesium metabolism. On the other hand, there is evidence of the role of magnesium in the leptin intracellular signaling pathway. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the existence of a relationship between serum leptin concentrations and magnesium biomarkers in women with obesity. Case-control study involving 108 women aged between 20 and 50 years, divided into two groups: obese (n = 52) and control (n = 56). Body weight, height and waist circumference, body mass index, dietary magnesium intake, magnesium biomarkers and serum leptin concentrations were measured. Serum leptin concentrations showed a statistically significant difference between groups (p < 0.001). Mean values of magnesium intake were lower than intake recommended, and with no statistically significant difference between two groups (p > 0.05). Women with obesity had lower plasma and erythrocyte magnesium concentrations than control group did (p < 0.001). Magnesium concentrations found in the urine of women with obesity were higher than the control group was, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). There was a correlation between serum leptin and magnesium biomarkers (p < 0.001). Women with obesity show an inadequate magnesium nutritional status characterized by low plasma and erythrocyte concentrations and high concentrations in urine, and they also have high serum leptin concentrations. Thus, it was possible to observe a correlation between hyperleptinemia and magnesium biomarkers, requiring further studies to determine whether the dysfunction of this hormone can influence the compartmentalization of the mineral in obese organisms.

Magnesium Status and Calcium/Magnesium Ratios in a Series of Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential micronutrient that participates in various enzymatic reactions that regulate vital biological functions. The main aim was to assess the Mg status and its association with nutritional indicators in seventeen cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The serum Mg and calcium (Ca) levels were determined using standardized methods and the dietary Mg intake by prospective 72 h dietary surveys. The mean serum Ca (2.45 mmol/L) and Mg (0.82 mmol/L) had normal levels, and the mean dietary intake of the Ca (127% DRI: Dietary Reference Intake) and Mg (125% DRI) were high. No patients had an abnormal serum Ca. A total of 47% of the subjects had hypomagnesemia and 12% insufficient Mg consumption. One patient had a serum Mg deficiency and inadequate Mg intake. A total of 47 and 82% of our series had a high serum Ca/Mg ratio of >4.70 (mean 4.89) and a low Ca/Mg intake ratio of <1.70 (mean 1.10), respectively. The likelihood of a high Ca/Mg ratio was 49 times higher in patients with a serum Mg deficiency than in normal serum Mg patients. Both Ca/Mg ratios were associated with the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), metabolic syndrome (MetS), and even several cancers. Therefore, 53% of the CF patients were at high risk of a Mg deficiency and developing other chronic diseases.

The Role of Magnesium in the Pathogenesis of Metabolic Disorders

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential nutrient for maintaining vital physiological functions. It is involved in many fundamental processes, and Mg deficiency is often correlated with negative health outcomes. On the one hand, most western civilizations consume less than the recommended daily allowance of Mg. On the other hand, a growing body of evidence has indicated that chronic hypomagnesemia may be implicated in the pathogenesis of various metabolic disorders such as overweight and obesity, insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension (HTN), changes in lipid metabolism, and low-grade inflammation. High Mg intake with diet and/or supplementation seems to prevent chronic metabolic complications. The protective action of Mg may include limiting the adipose tissue accumulation, improving glucose and insulin metabolism, enhancing endothelium-dependent vasodilation, normalizing lipid profile, and attenuating inflammatory processes. Thus, it currently seems that Mg plays an important role in developing metabolic disorders associated with obesity, although more randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating Mg supplementation strategies are needed. This work represents a review and synthesis of recent data on the role of Mg in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders.

The Impact of Post-Prandial Delay Periods on Ad Libitum Consumption of a Laboratory Breakfast Meal

This study examined the impact of varying the holding time following an ad libitum laboratory breakfast on acute dietary behaviour and subsequent intake. 24 participants (20 females (age: 23.4±6.3 y; BMI: 23.9±3.9 kg·m-2, mean±SD)) completed three trials following a quasi-randomized, crossover design. Each trial (seven day separation) incorporated a defined post-prandial delay (DPD) period of either zero (no delay), one or three hours following a buffet breakfast consumed over 30-minutes. Dietary intake outcomes included energy, macronutrient and core food group intakes. On completion of the DPD period, participants left the laboratory and recorded all food/beverages consumed for the remainder of the day. One-way repeated-measures ANOVA assessed all outcomes, with post hoc analysis conducted on significant main effects. Energy and carbohydrate intakes were significantly lower on no delay vs one hour (p = 0.014) and three hour (p = 0.06) DPD trials (EI: 1853±814 kJ vs. 2250±1345 kJ vs. 1948±1289 kJ; CHO: 68±34 g vs. 77±44 vs. 69±43 g; respectively). DPD periods did not influence the time to consume next meal or energy, macronutrient and core food group intakes for the remainder of the day. Delaying participants from leaving a laboratory alters dietary intake at an ad libitum test meal. The post-meal holding period is an important methodological consideration when planning laboratory studies to assess appetite. Novelty Bullets: 1. Delaying participants from leaving a laboratory alters dietary intake at ad libitum breakfast meals. 2. The length of the delay period did not affect dietary intake at ad libitum breakfast meals.

Dietary magnesium and migraine in adults: A cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2004

BACKGROUND

Clinical trials have demonstrated magnesium supplements to be effective for prophylactic treatment of migraine. Dietary magnesium intake of many Americans is known to be below nutritional recommendations, but typical magnesium intake from dietary sources in adults with migraine has not previously been evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to quantify dietary and total (diet + supplement) magnesium consumption of adults with migraine or severe headache in the United States, and to investigate the relationship between magnesium consumption levels and prevalence of migraine or severe headache.

METHODS

This analysis included cross-sectional data from 3626 participants, 20- to 50-years old in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2001 and 2004. Presence of migraine or severe headache in the past 3 months was determined by questionnaire. Individuals responding affirmatively were classified as having migraine, and individuals reporting not experiencing migraine or severe headache were classified as controls. Dietary magnesium intake was determined from a 24-hour recall interview, supplemental magnesium intake was determined from the dietary supplements interview, and total magnesium intake was the sum of dietary and supplement intake.

RESULTS

Mean dietary consumption of magnesium was below the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for both migraine (n = 905) and control groups (n = 2721). Attainment of the RDA through a combination of diet and supplements was associated with lower adjusted odds of migraine (odds ratio [OR] = 0.83, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] = 0.70, 0.99, p = 0.035). Magnesium consumption in the highest quartile (Q) was associated with lower odds of migraine than in the lowest Q for both dietary (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.63, 0.92, p = 0.006) and total (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.62, 0.99, p = 0.042) magnesium intake in adjusted models.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest inadequate consumption of magnesium intake is associated with migraine in U.S. adults ages 20-50. Further prospective investigations are warranted to evaluate the role of dietary magnesium intake on migraine.

Narrative Review: Nutrient Deficiencies in Adults and Children with Treated and Untreated Celiac Disease

Nutrient deficiencies are well recognized as secondary consequences of celiac disease (CD) and closely related to the clinical presentation of affected patients. Despite their clinical significance, consensus is lacking on the pattern and frequency of nutrient deficiencies in CD, the usefulness of their assessment at the time of diagnosis and during follow-up. This review aims to provide an overview of nutrient deficiencies among pediatric and adult CD patients at diagnosis and on a gluten-free diet (GFD), and their potential causes in CD. Secondly, we review their impact on CD management strategies including the potential of nutrient supplementation. A search of Medline, Pubmed and Embase until January 2019 was performed. Despite a high variability between the reported deficiencies, we noted that nutrient deficiencies occur frequently in children and adults with CD at diagnosis and during treatment with a GFD. Both inadequate dietary intake and/or diminished uptake due to intestinal dysfunction contribute to nutrient deficiencies. Most deficiencies can be restored with (long-term) treatment with a GFD and/or supplementation. However, some of them persist while others may become even more prominent during GFD. Our results indicate a lack of comprehensive evidence on the clinical efficacy of nutrient supplementation in CD management highlighting the need for further studies.

The Problematic Use of Dietary Reference Intakes to Assess Magnesium Status and Clinical Importance

Determination of the public health concern about magnesium (Mg) in health and disease has been confounded by the lack of a practical measure of status. This has resulted in a lack of consistency in associating Mg deficiency with specific pathological conditions. Some attempts at associating Mg with a chronic disease have used the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) as a status assessment measure. Use of current DRIs for Mg is problematic because recent evidence suggests that they should be updated and based on body weight. An evidence-based suggested Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for a 70-kg individual is 175 and 250 mg/day, respectively. However, numerous dietary and physiological factors can affect the need for Mg and thus affect the use of the current or suggested new DRIs to assess Mg status. Calcium intakes above normal requirements can decrease Mg balance and exacerbate signs of Mg deficiency. Mg deficiency apparently occurs often in obesity because of increased need to counteract the inflammatory stress induced by adipose tissue dysfunction. Deficiency in anti-oxidant nutrients such as vitamin E and selenium can exacerbate a response to low dietary Mg indicated by increased oxidative stress which can lead to chronic disease. Dietary modifiers of Mg absorption and excretion affect balance and thus the need for Mg. Factors decreasing Mg balance include low dietary protein and non-fermentable fiber, while factors that can increase balance include fructose and fermentable fiber and fructose-containing oligosaccharides. Use of the DRIs to assess the Mg status of a population or group needs to consider their physiological characteristics and dietary habits and be aware that the DRIs may need updating. The DRIs only can be considered a component of a toolbox that presently includes serum Mg concentration and the daily urinary Mg excretion to assess the Mg status of an individual.

Severely low serum magnesium is associated with increased risks of positive anti-thyroglobulin antibody and hypothyroidism: A cross-sectional study

Trace elements, such as iodine and selenium, are closely related to autoimmune thyroiditis and thyroid function. Low serum magnesium is associated with several chronic diseases; however, its associations with autoimmune thyroiditis and thyroid function are unclear. We investigated the relationships between low serum magnesium, autoimmune thyroiditis, and thyroid function in 1,257 Chinese participants. Demographic data were collected via questionnaires, and levels of serum thyroid stimulating hormone, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody, anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb), free thyroxine, serum magnesium, serum iodine, and urinary iodine concentration were measured. Participants were divided into serum magnesium level quartiles (≤0.55, 0.551-0.85, 0.851-1.15, and >1.15 mmol/L). The median serum magnesium level was 0.89 (0.73-1.06) mmol/L; levels ≤0.55 mmol/L were considered severely low (5.9% of participants). The risks of TGAb positivity and Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) diagnosed using ultrasonography in the lowest quartile group were higher than those in the adequate magnesium group (0.851-1.15 mmol/L) (p < 0.01, odds ratios [ORs] = 2.748-3.236). The risks of total and subclinical-only hypothyroidism in the lowest quartile group were higher than those in the adequate magnesium group (0.851-1.15 mmol/L) (p < 0.01, ORs = 4.482-4.971). Severely low serum magnesium levels are associated with an increased rate of TGAb positivity, HT, and hypothyroidism.

Dietary Magnesium and Chronic Disease

Although official magnesium (Mg) dietary reference intakes are open to question, a significant number of adults likely have intakes that are in the range of 50%-99% of the requirement. This moderate or marginal (subclinical) deficient Mg intake generally is asymptomatic. Animal studies, however, indicate that moderate or subclinical Mg deficiency primes phagocytic cells for the release of proinflammatory cytokines leading to chronic inflammatory and oxidative stress. Human studies have found that dietary Mg is inversely related to serum or plasma C-reactive protein (CRP). Individuals with apparently deficient Mg intakes have an increased likelihood of serum or plasma CRP ≥3.0 mg/L, considered an indicator of chronic inflammatory stress that increases the risk for chronic disease. In addition, elevated serum or plasma CRP in individuals with chronic disease is decreased by Mg supplementation, which suggests that Mg decreases the risk for chronic disease. The importance of dietary Mg intake on the risk for chronic disease through affecting inflammatory and oxidative stress is supported by numerous meta-analyses and systematic reviews that have found dietary Mg is inversely associated with chronic diseases such hypertension, ischemic heart disease, stroke, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and colorectal cancer.

Magnesium Balance in Chronic and End-Stage Kidney Disease

This article explores the effects of CKD and end-stage kidney disease on magnesium balance. In CKD, there is decreased glomerular filtration of magnesium. Decreased tubular reabsorption can compensate to a degree, but once CKD stage 4 is reached there is a tendency toward hypermagnesemia. In dialysis, magnesium balance is dependent on the constituents of the dialysate that the blood is exposed to. The concentration of dialysate magnesium is just one of the factors that need to be considered. During transplantation, there are particular effects of immunosuppressants that can affect the magnesium balance and need to be considered by the clinician.

Viewpoint: A Contributory Role of Shell Ginger (Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L. Burtt & R.M. Sm) for Human Longevity in Okinawa, Japan?

The longevity of the population in the Okinawa Islands of Japan has been ascribed to genetic factors and the traditional Okinawa cuisine, which is low in calories and high in plant content. This diet includes shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L. Burtt &amp; R.M. Sm) of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Due to its local popularity, Alpinia zerumbet has become the subject of a good deal of study at the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa. Personal local experience and review of the literature now suggest that culinary shell ginger may contribute to longevity among the population in Okinawa. This is supported by its abundant phytochemical content, with antioxidant and anti-obesity properties. The major bioactive phytochemicals are dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain (DDK; 80-410 mg g^-1 fresh weight), 5,6-dehydrokawain (DK; ≤100 mg g^-1), and essential oils, phenols, phenolic acids, and fatty acids (≤150 mg g^-1 each). Further, Alpinia zerumbet extends the lifespan in animals by 22.6%. In conclusion, culinary shell ginger may significantly contribute to human longevity in Okinawa.

Magnesium deficiency and increased inflammation: current perspectives

Animal studies have shown that magnesium deficiency induces an inflammatory response that results in leukocyte and macrophage activation, release of inflammatory cytokines and acute-phase proteins, and excessive production of free radicals. Animal and in vitro studies indicate that the primary mechanism through which magnesium deficiency has this effect is through increasing cellular Ca²⁺, which is the signal that results in the priming of cells to give the inflammatory response. Primary pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-1; the messenger cytokine IL-6; cytokine responders E-selectin, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1; and acute-phase reactants C-reactive protein and fibrinogen have been determined to associate magnesium deficiency with chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammatory stress). When magnesium dietary intake, supplementation, and/or serum concentration suggest/s the presence of magnesium deficiency, it often is associated with low-grade inflammation and/or with pathological conditions for which inflammatory stress is considered a risk factor. When magnesium intake, supplementation, and/or serum concentration suggest/s an adequate status, magnesium generally has not been found to significantly affect markers of chronic low-grade inflammation or chronic disease. The consistency of these findings can be modified by other nutritional and metabolic factors that affect inflammatory and oxidative stress. In spite of this, findings to date provide convincing evidence that magnesium deficiency is a significant contributor to chronic low-grade inflammation that is a risk factor for a variety of pathological conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Because magnesium deficiency commonly occurs in countries where foods rich in magnesium are not consumed in recommended amounts, magnesium should be considered an element of significant nutritional concern for health and well-being in these countries.

Interpreting magnesium status to enhance clinical care: key indicators

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To update advances in identifying factors affecting magnesium (Mg) status that assist in providing improved evidence-based clinical decision-making for assessing Mg status.

RECENT FINDINGS

Findings from recent cohort studies, small randomized control trials, and multiple meta-analyses reinforce earlier work that serum Mg concentrations, urinary Mg excretion, and Mg dietary intakes are inversely associated with cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes. These studies indicate that the reference range for serum Mg needs updating, and that individuals with serum Mg in the range of 0.75-0.85 mmol/l and displaying changes in other factors associated with a low Mg status may be Mg deficient. Individuals with serum Mg concentrations below this range most likely are Mg deficient and, above this range, are most likely Mg sufficient.

SUMMARY

The combined determination of serum Mg concentration, 24-h urinary Mg excretion, and dietary Mg intake is currently the most practical method to obtain a sound assessment of Mg status. The strong correlations of Mg deficiency with increased risk of several chronic diseases, some of which exist as comorbidities, indicate that Mg status should be ascertained in patients presenting such disorder.