Magnesium Down, Strokes Up; Magnesium Up, Diabetes, BP Down

By Dr. Reginald B. Cherry, M.D., Christian Post Contributor Monday, June 01, 2009

Recent research has shown some very interesting relationships between magnesium and the risks for stroke, diabetes and hypertension.

The findings of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, suggest that low blood levels of magnesium may increase the risk of stroke by 25%.

Researchers concluded that increasing levels of the mineral could decrease the risk of ischemic stroke, and that this was probably due to magnesium's effects on blood pressure and on diabetics.

The connection between high sodium intake and hypertension (high blood pressure) is well known. Some previous observational studies have also inversely linked magnesium, potassium and calcium to hypertension (meaning low levels of those minerals were linked to higher blood pressure).

Diet is also known to have an impact on a person's risk of having a stroke. The new study supports the potential of magnesium to reduce the risk of stroke, possibly because of its anti-hypertensive mechanism.

On the diabetes front, an analysis of studies found that for every 100 mg increase in magnesium intake, the risk of developing type-2 diabetes decreased by 15%.

The article in the Journal of Internal Medicine concluded that while it is too early to recommend magnesium supplements for type-2 diabetes prevention, increased consumption of magnesium-rich food "seems prudent." Dietary sources of magnesium include green, leafy vegetables, meats, starches, grains and nuts, and milk.

However, previous dietary surveys have shown that a large portion of adults do not meet the RDA for magnesium (320 mg per day for women and 420 mg per day for men).

Because of this essential mineral's numerous critical and beneficial functions, magnesium is an integral part of the formulations for Blood Sugar Program, Bone Support, Cardiovascular Support, Sleep Support and Stress Support. There is also 400mg of magnesium in each daily recommended dose of Basic Nutrient Support.