Health Benefits of Magnesium Intake
Magnesium (Mg) is one of the most abundant cations in the body, and it is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions, including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolism.
Magnesium deficiency has been linked to various adverse health outcomes, including the development of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and headaches [1].
Magnesium and Cardiovascular diseases
Most reports on the role of magnesium are provided by epidemiologic studies in relation to dietary Mg intake. These studies reported a dose-dependent relationship between Mg intake and stroke risk [2].
Mg depletion has also been shown to induce heart rhythm changes and subsequent Mg repletion with supplements reverses these effects [3]. Finally, Mg intake appears to have a protective role in cardiovascular death, particularly in women [4].
Magnesium and Type 2 Diabetes
Higher magnesium intake has been shown to be associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, especially in the context of lower carbohydrate–quality diets [5].
This observation may be explained by the important role that Mg plays in glucose and insulin metabolism, likely via insulin resistance pathways and through a direct effect on the glucose transporter protein activity 4 (GLUT 4) [6].
Magnesium and Hypertension
Although several studies investigated the exact underlying causes for altered Mg metabolism in hypertensive individuals, magnesium intake was suggested to be beneficial in preventing hypertension. Mg inadequate dietary intake or metabolic malfunction can lead to vasospasm and endothelial damage which promote hypertension [7].
Magnesium and Headaches (Migraines)
Mg is an essential mineral that plays an important role in nerve function. Magnesium can inhibit neuronal overexcitation and vasospasm, reduce the formation of inflammatory substances, and improve mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and serotonin receptor transmission [8]. A recent study has shown that Mg intake appears to be effective in preventing migraines [9], however, more studies are required to confirm this observation.
Conclusion
Mg deficiency appears to be associated with cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, and potentially migraines. The studies that provided these observations indicate that dietary Mg intake can be beneficial in preventing these health issues.
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