Calcium/magnesium levels may dictate metabolic syndrome

Published: 8-Jan-2016

Metabolic syndrome significantly increases the risk of atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease, coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke and type 2 diabetes


Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of traits that includes abdominal obesity, glucose intolerance, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, one in three US adults — approximately 34% of the population — have metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome significantly increases the risk of atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease, coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

The American Heart Association reports that the best way to treat metabolic syndrome is through a diet and lifestyle programme geared towards healthy weight management. Dietary supplements may also play a role. A 2015 study featuring data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination (NHANES) from 2001 to 2010 establishes a clear link between calcium and magnesium supplementation and reduced risk of metabolic syndrome.

The researchers found that women who met the RDA for both calcium and magnesium reduced their risk by 41%. Men who had the highest intakes of calcium and magnesium also significantly reduced their risk by 26% with the most protective dosage for men higher than the RDA (≥386mg/day of magnesium and ≥1224mg/day of calcium).

It’s interesting to note that the association between men who met the RDA and metabolic syndrome development was not significant. With men, reduced risk was only seen in those who exceeded the RDA.

Individually, studies have shown that each of these important minerals can reduce risk of the various traits associated with metabolic syndrome. This is the first study, however, to evaluate the combination as it relates directly to metabolic syndrome risk. Supplementing both of these minerals in this patient population is economical, logical and safe—a therapeutic trifecta.

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