Magnesium lowers risk of type 2 diabetes and sudden cardiac death

(NaturalHealth365) Taking magnesium can help to reduce the risks of some of the most prevalent – and dangerous – health concerns threatening heart health and longevity. Research reveals that magnesium deficiency has now been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes as well as coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death.

Heart disease remains the number one cause of death worldwide, with 17.3 million deaths each year, according to the American Heart Association. That number is expected to climb to 23.6 million by 2030. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.

The statistics are truly staggering: In adults 20 and older, more than 1 in every 10 people suffer with diabetes. And, with people age 65 and older – that number jumps to one in four.

High magnesium intake linked to 23 percent reduction in type 2 diabetes

Research shows magnesium supplementation could decrease the risk of diabetes. A study out of China’s Nantong University reviewed results of 19 studies focusing on the effects of supplemental magnesium and type 2 diabetes. Results of the meta-analysis published in Biomedical and Environmental Sciences adds to existing evidence in support of a link between higher magnesium intake and a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

In reviewing results of 19 studies, the researchers found that 25,252 out of 539,735 study subjects developed type 2 diabetes over follow-up periods that ranged from four to 20 years. High intake of magnesium was linked to a 23 percent lower diabetes risk compared to low intake. Increasing magnesium intake by 100 mg per day was associated with a 16 percent reduction in diabetes risk.

Researchers conducting the review noted that trials show magnesium supplementation improves insulin sensitivity. It also reduces insulin resistance and plasma fasting-glucose levels in both diabetics and non-diabetics.

Heart health news: Magnesium deficiency  increase the risk of sudden cardiac death

There is also good news when it comes to the impact of magnesium on heart health. In a study published as part of the Rotterdam Study, The Netherlands, in the Journal of the American Heart Association, researchers reported a link between higher magnesium, and a lowered risk of coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death.

Researchers evaluated data from 9,820 men and women aged 55 and older. They found that 2,303 deaths had occurred by a follow-up with median of 8.9 years post- study, with 780 of those caused by cardiovascular disease and 431 classified as coronary heart disease deaths. Of those affected, 187 fell victim to sudden cardiac death.

In subjects whose serum magnesium was categorized as low, researchers discovered a 36 percent higher risk of coronary heart disease mortality as well as a 54 percent higher risk of sudden cardiac death when compared to those who had mid-range levels of magnesium. Their findings suggest magnesium supplementation can be effective in reducing the burden of coronary heart disease mortality as well as sudden cardiac death.

Multiple benefits of magnesium supplementation

These research findings on cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes just add to the many benefits of magnesium supplementation backed by scientific research. In addition to the above, magnesium has been found to improve the following health conditions:

• Osteoporosis
• Depression
• Hypertension
• Migraine headaches
• Preeclampsia
• Asthma

The National Institutes of Health notes that magnesium is useful for maintaining normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system and promotes strong bones. The NIH also notes magnesium is beneficial in regulating blood sugar levels, promoting normal blood pressure and is known to contribute to energy metabolism and protein synthesis.

But achieving necessary magnesium requirements from food sources can be difficult. Foods rich in magnesium include beans and nuts, whole grains and green leafy vegetables. Unfortunately, the typical American diet is lacking in these foods. In addition, over-processing of once-healthy foods can make magnesium more difficult to get through diet alone.

So, if you’re suffering with chronic disease symptoms – be sure to talk to your integrative healthcare provider about the health benefits of magnesium.

References:

http://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2016/6/In-The-News/Page-01

http://www.naturalhealth365.com/magnesium-deficiency-chronic-disease-1644.html