Going to the roots of reduced magnesium dietary intake: A tradeoff between climate changes and sources

Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activity of Seeds and Mucilage of Non-Traditional Cocoas

The biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest includes little-known cocoa species, which are essential resources for local communities. This study evaluated the bioactive compounds and antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of seeds and mucilage of four non-traditional cocoa species (Theobroma subincanum, T. speciosum, T. bicolor and Herrania nitida). Physico-chemical properties, minerals, vitamin C, organic acids, phenolics, and carotenoids were analysed by spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques. The antioxidant activity was measured by ABTS and DPPH, along with the antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus mutans, as well as Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. T. subincanum seeds scored high in titratable acidity, magnesium, sodium, syringic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, and quercetin. In contrast, the mucilage scored high in calcium, m-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, kaempferol, quercetin glycoside, and antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans. T. speciosum mucilage excelled in malic acid, tartaric acid, naringenin, and antioxidant capacity. T. bicolor seeds excelled in lutein and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, and mucilage in iron, potassium, vitamin C, citric acid, gallic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, zeaxanthin, β-carotene, and antioxidant capacity by ABTS. The mucilage of H. nitida has a high soluble solids content. These results highlight the potential of these species as sustainable sources of functional compounds and nutraceuticals.

The Impact of Chronic Magnesium Deficiency on Excitable Tissues-Translational Aspects

Neuromuscular excitability is a vital body function, and Mg2+ is an essential regulatory cation for the function of excitable membranes. Loss of Mg2+ homeostasis disturbs fluxes of other cations across cell membranes, leading to pathophysiological electrogenesis, which can eventually cause vital threat to the patient. Chronic subclinical Mg2+ deficiency is an increasingly prevalent condition in the general population. It is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological conditions and an increased mortality. Magnesium favours bronchodilation (by antagonizing Ca2+ channels on airway smooth muscle and inhibiting the release of endogenous bronchoconstrictors). Magnesium exerts antihypertensive effects by reducing peripheral vascular resistance (increasing endothelial NO and PgI2 release and inhibiting Ca2+ influx into vascular smooth muscle). Magnesium deficiency disturbs heart impulse generation and propagation by prolonging cell depolarization (due to Na+/K+ pump and Kir channel dysfunction) and dysregulating cardiac gap junctions, causing arrhythmias, while prolonged diastolic Ca2+ release (through leaky RyRs) disturbs cardiac excitation-contraction coupling, compromising diastolic relaxation and systolic contraction. In the brain, Mg2+ regulates the function of ion channels and neurotransmitters (blocks voltage-gated Ca2+ channel-mediated transmitter release, antagonizes NMDARs, activates GABAARs, suppresses nAChR ion current and modulates gap junction channels) and blocks ACh release at neuromuscular junctions. Magnesium exerts multiple therapeutic neuroactive effects (antiepileptic, antimigraine, analgesic, neuroprotective, antidepressant, anxiolytic, etc.). This review focuses on the effects of Mg2+ on excitable tissues in health and disease. As a natural membrane stabilizer, Mg2+ opposes the development of many conditions of hyperexcitability. Its beneficial recompensation and supplementation help treat hyperexcitability and should therefore be considered wherever needed.

Hypomagnesemia is Associated with the Skull Computed Tomography Black Hole Sign in Patients with Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVES

The evaluation of hypomagnesemia's significance in predicting the presence of the black hole sign in patients with intracranial hemorrhage is currently under investigation.

METHODS

The study included 261 patients with cerebral hemorrhage who underwent initial skull computed tomography within 24 hours of admission. Sixty-nine patients (26.4%) exhibited hypomagnesemia in the initial laboratory examinations. The black hole sign was observed in 123 patients (referred to as the black hole sign group, which includes patients with and without hypomagnesemia), while the remaining 138 patients (nonblack hole sign group) did not exhibit this feature. The values of hypomagnesemia were assessed through multivariable logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

The black hole sign occurred in 45 of the 69 (65.2%) patients with hypomagnesemia, and in 78 of the 192 (40.6%) patients without hypomagnesemia. In the black hole sign group, hypomagnesemia was observed in 45 patients (36.6%). However, only 24 patients (19.5%) from the normal magnesium concentration group exhibited hypomagnesemia. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of hypomagnesemia for predicting the black hole sign were 69.9%, 82.5%, 36.6%, and 82.8%, respectively. The odds ratios for hypomagnesemia, smoking history, and hypokalemia in predicting the presence of the black hole sign were 2.74, 1.971, and 1.629, correspondingly.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of hypomagnesemia may serve as a predictive factor for the black hole sign and rebleeding in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, thereby providing valuable guidance for clinical treatment.

Nutritional Considerations of Plant-Based Diets for People With Food Allergy

Plant-based diets (PBD) have been reported throughout history, but are increasingly common in current times, likely in part due to considerable emphasis on climate change and human health and wellness. Many dietary organisations around the world endorse well-planned, nutritionally adequate PBD, which exclude some or all forms of animal-based foods. However, special attention must be given to patients who follow PBD and also have food allergy (FA), as avoidance may increase the risk of developing nutritional deficiencies, including poor growth in children, weight loss in adults and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Given the increasing prevalence of both PBD and food allergen avoidance diets, healthcare providers are likely to counsel patients with FA who also follow a PBD. In this review, an overview of PBD in patients with FA is provided, including recent trends, macro- and micronutrient needs, and growth for children and weight gain considerations for adults. With regard to a PBD, special attention should be given to ensure adequate fat and protein intake and improving the bioavailability of several minerals such as iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and magnesium, and vitamins such as A, B2, B12 and D. Although the collective data on growth amongst children following a PBD are varied in outcome and may be influenced in part by the type of PBD, growth must be regularly monitored and in adults weight gain assessed as part of any clinical assessment in those people with FA.

Serum calcium and magnesium levels and quality of life in environmentally exposed populations in Kazakhstan

The relationship between the levels of essential elements and various aspects of well-being in environmentally exposed populations still needs to be better understood. The present study aims to investigate the potential connections between serum concentrations of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and quality of life (QoL) in environmentally exposed populations in Kazakhstan. The present study involved 1881 nominally healthy individuals aged 18-52 years who were permanent residents of Abay, Borodulikha, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kurchum, Uralsk, Aksay, and Berezovka settlements. These settlements were selected to represent different types of environmental exposure: radioactive fallout from the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site (SNTS), non-ferrous metallurgy, and the condensate gas field, compared to environmentally unexposed territories. The Russian version of the SF-36 questionnaire was used to assess the participants' quality of life. Serum Ca levels were measured using colorimetry with O-cresolphthalein, and serum Mg concentrations were measured using colorimetry with xylidyl blue. Both elevated and decreased serum Ca levels were more frequently observed in the environmentally exposed populations. The prevalence of hypermagnesemia was highest among residents near the condensate gas field. Environmentally exposed populations residing near the SNTS and in Ust-Kamenogorsk exhibited lower scores in some QoL domains. In contrast, people near the condensate gas field showed comparable or even higher QoL scores than the control population. Only serum Mg demonstrated a significant association with the average QoL scores, while Ca did not show such an association. These findings have important implications for public health interventions.

Magnesium: A Defense Line to Mitigate Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Adipose Tissue

Magnesium (Mg) is involved in essential cellular and physiological processes. Globally, inadequate consumption of Mg is widespread among populations, especially those who consume processed foods, and its homeostasis is impaired in obese individuals and type 2 diabetes patients. Since Mg deficiency triggers oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, common features of several frequent chronic non-communicable diseases, interest in this mineral is growing in clinical medicine as well as in biomedicine. To date, very little is known about the role of Mg deficiency in adipose tissue. In obesity, the increase in fat tissue leads to changes in the release of cytokines, causing low-grade inflammation and macrophage infiltration. Hypomagnesemia in obesity can potentiate the excessive production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial dysfunction, and decreased ATP production. Importantly, Mg plays a role in regulating intracellular calcium concentration and is involved in carbohydrate metabolism and insulin receptor activity. This narrative review aims to consolidate existing knowledge, identify research gaps, and raise awareness of the critical role of Mg in supporting adipose tissue metabolism and preventing oxidative stress.

Inquiry of the Metabolic Traits in Relationship with Daily Magnesium Intake: Focus on Type 2 Diabetic Population

Magnesium (Mg), an essential nutrient with a wide area of physiological roles, stands as a cofactor in over 600 enzymatic reactions involved in the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids, DNA repair, neuromuscular functions, neuronal transmission, cardiac rhythm regulation, and the modulation of metabolic pathways, as well as acting as a natural blocker for the calcium channels. Our objective was to highlight the most recent clinical data with respect to daily Mg intake (DMI) and metabolic traits, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). This was a PubMed-based review of the English-language medical papers across different key terms of search; the time frame was from January 2019 until April 2024. We included (clinically relevant) original studies and excluded cases reports, series, reviews, editorials, opinion, experimental studies, and non-human data as well as studies that did not specifically assessed DMI and only provided assays of serum Mg, studies on patients diagnosed with type 1 or secondary DM. A total of 30 studies were included and we organized the key findings into several sections as follows. Studies investigating DMI in relationship with the adherence to local recommendations in diabetic subjects (n = 2, one transversal and another retrospective cohort; N = 2823) found that most of them had lower DMI. Deficient DMI was correlated with the risk of developing/having DM across five studies (n = 5, one prospective and four of cross-sectional design; N = 47,166). An inverse correlation between DMI and DM prevalence was identified, but these data are presented amid a rather heterogeneous spectrum. Four novel studies (N = 7279) analysed the relationship between DMI and DM control according to various methods (HbA1c, fasting and postprandial glycaemia, and insulin); the association may be linear in diabetic subjects only at certain levels of DMI; additionally, the multifactorial influence on HBA1c should take into consideration this dietary determinant, as well, but there are no homogenous results. Three studies concerning DMI and diabetic complications (one cross-sectional, one prospective, and another case-control study) in terms of retinopathy (n = 1, N = 3794) and nephropathy (n = 2, N = 4805) suggested a lower DMI was associated with a higher risk of such complications. Additionally, two other studies (one prospective and one retrospective cohort) focused on mortality (N = 6744), which, taking only certain mortality indicators into consideration, might be decreased in the subgroups with a higher DMI. Seven studies (N = 30,610) analysed the perspective of DMI in the general population with the endpoint of different features amid glucose profile, particularly, insulin resistance. Concerning HOMA-IR, there were three confirmatory studies and one non-confirmatory, while fasting plasma glucose was highlighted as inversely correlated with a DMI (n = 1). The highest level of evidence regarding Mg supplementation effects on glucose metabolism stands on seven randomised controlled trials (N = 350). However, the sample size was reduced (from 14 to 86 individuals per study, either diabetic or pre-diabetic) and outcomes were rather discordant. These clinical aspects are essential from a multidisciplinary perspective and further trials are mandatory to address the current areas of discordant results.

Dietary Patterns of Pregnant Women and Their Association with Diet Quality Measures: A Comparative Analysis

Healthy dietary patterns during pregnancy are crucial for ensuring maternal and foetal health outcomes. Numerous methodologies exist for assessing the diet of pregnant women, including dietary patterns and various appraisal tools of diet quality. This study aimed to assess the dietary patterns and diet quality of pregnant women and to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns, diet quality estimators, and the adequacy of nutrient intake. EPIC FFQ was applied to a sample of 251 pregnant women, and questionnaires were interpreted with the FETA program. Dietary patterns were then determined by means of principal component analysis. Our results showed a substantial association between dietary patterns and total diet quality, as measured by the Diet Quality Index for Pregnancy (DQI-Pc), PURE Healthy Diet Score, and FIGO Diet Quality Score. We also found correlations between certain dietary patterns and particular nutrient intakes recommended by the European Food Safety Authority during pregnancy. The most deficient intake was registered for iron (86.1%), zinc (87.3%) and magnesium (79.3%), posing a threat to normal bone development, anaemia prophylaxis, and immune status. These results highlight the importance of assessing and understanding eating habits during pregnancy in order to achieve optimal outcomes for both the mother and the foetus.

Association of serum magnesium with metabolic syndrome and the role of chronic kidney disease: A population-based cohort study with Mendelian randomization

OBJECTIVES

To assess the association of serum magnesium with prevalent and incident metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its individual components in the general population and to examine any effect modification by chronic kidney disease (CKD) status.

METHODS

We analysed longitudinal data from the population-based KORA F4/FF4 study, including 2996 participants (387 with CKD) for cross-sectional analysis and 1446 participants (88 with CKD) for longitudinal analysis. Associations with MetS, as well as single components of MetS, were assessed by adjusted regression models. Nonlinearity was tested by restricted cubic splines and analyses were stratified by CKD. Causality was evaluated by two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR).

RESULTS

Serum magnesium (1 SD) was inversely associated with prevalent MetS (odds ratio [OR] 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83, 0.98). The association was more pronounced in individuals with CKD (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.59, 0.94). Among MetS components, serum magnesium was negatively associated with elevated fasting glucose (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.71, 0.88) and, again, this association was more pronounced in individuals with CKD (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.53, 0.84). Serum magnesium was not associated with incident MetS or its components. Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a significant nonlinear inverse relationship of serum magnesium with MetS and elevated fasting glucose. MR analysis suggested an inverse causal effect of serum magnesium on MetS (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85, 0.97).

CONCLUSION

Serum magnesium is associated with prevalent, but not incident MetS, and this effect is stronger in individuals with CKD. MR analysis implies a potential, albeit weak, causal role of magnesium in MetS.

Nutritional quality of the traditionally cooked Zamnè, a wild legume and a delicacy in Burkina Faso: assessment of the process effectiveness and the properties of cooking alkalis

Zamnè is a wild legume and a famine food that attracts interest for its health benefits and has become a delicacy in Burkina Faso. This study aimed to determine the nutritional quality of the traditionally cooked Zamnè, appreciate the effectiveness of the traditional cooking process, and compare the properties of the traditionally used cooking alkalis (i.e., potash or plant ash leachate and sodium bicarbonate). Yet, as shown, the traditional cooking of Zamnè is a very aggressive process that results in high disintegration of cell walls and membranes and leaching of most water-soluble constituents and nutrients (i.e., free amino acids, soluble nitrogen, sugars, soluble dietary fibers, and soluble phenolics). In addition, the extensive boiling and the cooking alkalis induced the sequestration of calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc, significantly impairing their bioaccessibility. Despite the difference in the modus operandi of the cooking alkalis, there was no significant difference in the cooking outcomes. The traditionally cooked Zamnè presented high dietary protein (4.8 g), lipid (3.3 g), fiber (6.7-7.7 g), and metabolizable energy (63-65 kcal) contents (per 100 g fresh weight). Most antinutritional factors (i.e., non-protein nitrogen, tannins, and trypsin inhibitors) were eliminated. The proteins were relatively well preserved despite the aggressive alkaline processing. They demonstrated an appreciable digestibility (75%) and predicted PER (1.5) and a fairly balanced essential amino acid composition - which should completely meet the requirements for adults. The lipid content and composition were also well preserved and contained predominantly linoleic (C18:2n-6), oleic (C18:1c9), stearic (C18:0), and palmitic (C16:0) acids (33, 34, 10, and 15% total fatty acids, respectively). Overall, though extensive alkaline cooking seems a straightforward option to overcome the hard-to-cook problem of Zamnè, processing alternatives might be useful to reduce nutrient losses, improve the digestibility of the final product, and capture its full nutritional value.

Pathogenesis and treatment of depression: Role of diet in prevention and therapy

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in depression, which is related to, among other things, the COVID-19 pandemic. Depression can be fatal if not treated or if treated inappropriately. Depression is the leading cause of suicide attempts. The disease is multifactorial, and pharmacotherapy often fails to bring satisfactory results. Therefore, increasingly more importance is attached to the natural healing substances and nutrients in food, which can significantly affect the therapy process and prevention of depressive disorders. A proper diet is vital to preventing depression and can be a valuable addition to psychological and pharmacologic treatment. An inadequate diet may reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants or increase their side effects, leading to life-threatening symptoms. This study aimed to review the literature on the pathogenesis of the development and treatment of depression, with particular emphasis on dietary supplements and the role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of depressive disorders.

The micronutrient content of the diet is correlated with serum glucose biomarkers and lipid profile and is associated with the odds of being overweight/obese-a case-control study

Background

A low micronutrient intake has been reported to contribute to the double-burden of obesity, increasing the risk for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and mental disorders. This case-control study compared micronutrient intake profiles in overweight/obese vs. normal-weight individuals. We hypothesized that a low intake of certain micronutrients would increase the odds of being overweight/obese.

Methods

The case group (n = 812 adults) consisted of individuals with a BMI of ≥25  kg/m², and the control group (n = 793) had BMIs of 17.9-24.9  kg/m². A validated 124-item food frequency questionnaire was used to determine micronutrient-related dietary-quality, using the index of nutritional quality (INQ), calculated as the fraction of a micronutrient consumed vs. its dietary requirement. In addition, body surface area (BSA) was calculated according to the Mosteller formula.

Results

The control group had significantly higher INQ-scores of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and selenium compared to the case group. Furthermore, individuals with normal BSA (≤1.91 m² for men; ≤1.71  m² for women) had significantly higher INQ scores of vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and zinc compared to participants with high BSA. In multivariable adjustment regression models, INQs of vitamin C (OR_BMI = 0.79, 95%CI: 0.64-0.97; OR_BSA = 0.81, 95%CI, 0.68-0.97) and magnesium (OR_BMI = 0.69, 95%CI: 0.47-0.99; OR_BSA = 0.71, 95%CI: 0.52-0.97) were significantly associated with the odds of obesity/overweight (in both BMI and BSA categories).

Conclusion

The significant association between micronutrient levels of the diet, especially of vitamin C and magnesium, with both obesity criteria, emphasized the importance of certain micronutrients in the obesity/overweight causal network.

Elevated C-Reactive Protein Levels Modify the Effect of Magnesium on Depressive Symptoms: A Population-Based Study

Depression is a profound public health concern, yet its etiology remains unclear. A body's magnesium status and low-grade systemic inflammation are associated with depression. However, the interaction of magnesium status and inflammation on depression/depressive symptoms is unknown. We assessed the association between serum magnesium levels and depressive symptoms by analyzing data from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan 2005-2008. In total, 2196 participants aged ≥20 years were included. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 5-item Brief-Symptom Rating Scale. We performed logistic regression and multiple linear regression analyses to examine the association. A dose-response analysis was performed using restricted cubic spline models, and stratification by chronic inflammation was also performed. We found that higher serum magnesium levels were associated with lower depression scores and a lower risk of depression. In the subgroup analysis, serum magnesium levels were inversely associated with depressive symptoms more prominently among people with higher CRP levels, with a threshold at 5 mg/L (≥5 vs. <5) showing a greater difference than at 3 mg/L (≥3 vs. <3). Conclusions: Serum magnesium levels were inversely associated with depressive symptoms. This inverse association was affected by inflammation level. A dose-response relationship was also observed.

Magnesium and the Brain: A Focus on Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration

Magnesium (Mg) is involved in the regulation of metabolism and in the maintenance of the homeostasis of all the tissues, including the brain, where it harmonizes nerve signal transmission and preserves the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. Mg deficiency contributes to systemic low-grade inflammation, the common denominator of most diseases. In particular, neuroinflammation is the hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders. Starting from a rapid overview on the role of magnesium in the brain, this narrative review provides evidences linking the derangement of magnesium balance with multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases.

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.

Minerals and Trace Elements in 990 Beverages and Their Contribution to Dietary Reference Values for German Consumers

Beverages are an integral part of human nutrition, yet little is known about their contribution to daily intakes of minerals and trace elements in German consumers. Using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, we determined the concentration of five minerals and six trace elements in beverage samples (n = 990, assigned to different beverage groups) collected throughout Germany. For a calculation of their relative contribution to the mineral supply, available beverage consumption data was combined with our quantitative analysis to calculate the average contribution of beverage groups to meet the respective dietary reference values currently used in Germany, Austria and Switzerland (D-A-CH region). Based on their presence in beverages and their consumption, the top three minerals are phosphorous, calcium and magnesium, and they, therefore, may reasonably contribute to the reference values. Among the trace elements, beverages mostly contributed to the manganese supply, whereas at the same time, concentrations of iron, cobalt and copper were low across all tested groups. Our study provides an overview of the assumed mineral and trace element intake via beverages in Germany and may, thus, serve as a foundation for a mineral and trace element database of beverages that needs to be expanded in the future.

No association between dietary magnesium intake and body composition among Iranian adults: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Obesity is becoming more prevalent worldwide. Magnesium (Mg) intake may play a role in the regulation of energy metabolism and body weight. Therefore, in this cross-sectional study, we aimed to investigate the association between dietary Mg intake and body composition among healthy adults.

METHODS

A total of 778 adult men and women aged 18-59 years who attended health care centers in Tehran, Iran, entered the final analysis. Dietary intake was assessed with a validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire with 168 items and the dietary Mg intake was estimated using Nutritionist IV software. Anthropometric measurements and blood samples were collected and body composition was evaluated employing the Body Mass Index (BMI), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Body Adiposity Index (BAI), Body Roundness Index (BRI), Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI), Lipid Accumulation Index (LAP), and Triglyceride-Glucose index (TyG). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the association of the dietary Mg intake with body composition indices.

RESULTS

The mean daily dietary Mg intake was 294 ± 140 mg in men and 262 ± 112 mg in women. Unadjusted linear regression showed that dietary magnesium intake is significantly associated with a waist to hip ratio (WHR) and total cholesterol (TC) in men, and hip circumference (HC) in women. After adjusting for potential confounders including age, education, marriage, occupation and smoking, total energy intake, and activity score, there remained no significant association between dietary Mg intake and any of the body composition indices including BMI, ABSI, BAI, BRI, VAI, LAP, and TyG neither in men nor women.

CONCLUSION

Higher Mg intake was not associated with anthropometric indices in Iranian adults, according to our findings. Additional observational studies would be beneficial in clarifying the existing findings.

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 relevance of magnesium homeostasis in COVID-19

PURPOSE

In less than one and a half year, the COVID-19 pandemic has nearly brought to a collapse our health care and economic systems. The scientific research community has concentrated all possible efforts to understand the pathogenesis of this complex disease, and several groups have recently emphasized recommendations for nutritional support in COVID-19 patients. In this scoping review, we aim at encouraging a deeper appreciation of magnesium in clinical nutrition, in view of the vital role of magnesium and the numerous links between the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and magnesium-dependent functions.

METHODS

By searching PubMed and Google Scholar from 1990 to date, we review existing evidence from experimental and clinical studies on the role of magnesium in chronic non-communicable diseases and infectious diseases, and we focus on recent reports of alterations of magnesium homeostasis in COVID-19 patients and their association with disease outcomes. Importantly, we conduct a census on ongoing clinical trials specifically dedicated to disclosing the role of magnesium in COVID-19.

RESULTS

Despite many methodological limitations, existing data seem to corroborate an association between deranged magnesium homeostasis and COVID-19, and call for further and better studies to explore the prophylactic or therapeutic potential of magnesium supplementation.

CONCLUSION

We propose to reconsider the relevance of magnesium, frequently overlooked in clinical practice. Therefore, magnesemia should be monitored and, in case of imbalanced magnesium homeostasis, an appropriate nutritional regimen or supplementation might contribute to protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection, reduce severity of COVID-19 symptoms and facilitate the recovery after the acute phase.

Effects of short-term magnesium supplementation on ionized, total magnesium and other relevant electrolytes levels

This study aimed to investigate the short-term effects of three magnesium (Mg) dietary supplements containing mineral immediately available for absorption on Mg biochemical status indices (ionized and total Mg), as well as their effects on electrolytes levels in healthy female young adults (n = 61). After a 10-days intervention period supplementation with powder/granulate containing Mg oxide led to an increase in both ionized Mg concentration and % in total Mg in comparison with the baseline. Supplementation with Mg citrate was associated with the significant increase in % of ionized fraction and decrease in serum total Mg concentration. By contrast, among participants consuming Mg carbonate in the form of effervescent tablets ionized Mg concentration and % in total Mg decreased, without detectable changes in serum total Mg. In conclusion, after the short-term supplementation period, Mg oxide demonstrated superior bioavailability compared to the other examined Mg supplements without affecting other minerals' levels.

Magnesium supplementation and iron status among female students: the intervention study

Background

Literature data indicate the benefit of magnesium (Mg) supplementation. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of short-term Mg supplementation on iron status in healthy female participants.

Methods

One hundred healthy female students of the University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy participated the study during eleven intervention days. Students ingested Mg preparations with the same dose of the active substance. The analysis included the measurement of serum iron, unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), total Mg (tMg), ionized Mg (iMg), complete blood count, met-, carboxyand oxy-haemoglobin (metHgb, COHgb, O2Hgb). Transferrin concentrations and percentage of transferrin saturation (SAT) were calculated manually. The association among the analyzed biochemical parameters was examined using polynomial regression. A principal component analysis (PCA) was used for the evaluation of interdependence between the analyzed parameters.

Results

A statistically significant trend for change in O2Hgb (%) by tertiles of iMg concentrations was found (P = 0.029). Serum tMg reached significant positive correlation with the SAT at concentration levels greater than 0.9 mmol/L, after 11 days of intervention (R2=0.116). Ionized Mg in a concentration higher than 0.6 mmol/L is positively correlated with SAT and serum Fe (R2=0.214; 0.199, respectively). PCA revealed variability of 64.7% for two axes after 11 days.

Conclusions

Mg supplementation leads to an improvement in the certain iron status parameters even in individuals with optimal levels of these indices. However, caution should be exercised when supplementing Mg, and laboratory monitoring of the interaction is required.

Animal and plant-sourced nutrition: complementary not competitive

Debate on the sustainability of the global food system often compares the environmental, economic and health impacts of plant- and animal-sourced foods. This distinction can mask the considerable variation in impacts across and within these food groups. Moreover, the nutritional benefits of these food groups are insufficiently discussed. In this review, we highlight the nutritional contribution to the current global food system of both plant- and animal-sourced foods and place their impacts on human health in the global context. We highlight how the comparison of the environmental impacts of foods via life cycle analyses can change on the basis of the functional unit used, particularly the use of mass as opposed to nutrient content or nutrient richness. We review the literature on the affordability of nutrient-adequate diets, demonstrating the presence of both plant- and animal-sourced foods in affordable nutritious diets. Finally, we address the potential of alternative food sources that are gaining momentum, to ask where they may fit in a sustainable food system. We conclude that there is a clear place for both plant- and animal-sourced foods in future sustainable food systems, and a requirement for both for sustainable global nutrition; as such, the two groups are complementary and not competitive.

Elevation of brain magnesium with Swiss chard and buckwheat extracts in an animal model of reduced magnesium dietary intake

OBJECTIVES

Inadequate dietary magnesium (Mg) intake is a growing public health concern. Mg is critical for diverse metabolic processes including energy production, macromolecule biosynthesis, and electrolyte homeostasis. Inadequate free Mg²⁺ ion concentration ([Mg²⁺]) in the brain is associated with several neurological and behavioral disorders. Elevating [Mg²⁺]in the brain using oral Mg supplementation has proven to be challenging due to the tight regulation of Mg²⁺ transport to the brain. This study explored the effect of short-term moderate reduction in dietary Mg intake (87% of normal Mg diet for 30 days) on [Mg²⁺] in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ([Mg²⁺]_CSF) and red blood cells (RBCs) ([Mg²⁺]_RBC) in adult male rats. In addition, we investigated the effectiveness of magnesium-rich blend of Swiss chard and buckwheat extracts (SC/BW extract) in increasing brain [Mg²⁺] compared to various Mg salts commonly used as dietary supplements.

METHODS

Animals were assigned to either normal or low Mg diet for 30 - 45 days. Following this, animals maintained on low Mg diet were supplemented with various Mg compounds. [Mg²⁺]_CSF and [Mg²⁺]_RBC were measured at baseline and following Mg administration. Anxiety-like behavior and cognitive function were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The present study showed that a short-term and moderate reduction in Mg dietary intake results in a significant decline in [Mg²⁺]_CSF and [Mg²⁺]_RBC and the emergence of anxiety-like behavior in comparison to animals maintained on normal Mg diet. Supplementation with SC/BW extract significantly elevated [Mg²⁺]_CSF and improved animal performance in the novel object recognition test in comparison with animals maintained on reduced Mg intake and supplemented with various Mg compounds.

DISCUSSION

These observations indicate that brain [Mg²⁺] is more sensitive to a short-term and moderate reduction in Mg dietary intake than previously thought and emphasizes the importance of dietary Mg in replenishing brain Mg²⁺ reserves.

Magnesium Deficiency Alters Expression of Genes Critical for Muscle Magnesium Homeostasis and Physiology in Mice

Chronic Mg²⁺ deficiency is the underlying cause of a broad range of health dysfunctions. As 25% of body Mg²⁺ is located in the skeletal muscle, Mg²⁺ transport and homeostasis systems (MgTHs) in the muscle are critical for whole-body Mg²⁺ homeostasis. In the present study, we assessed whether Mg²⁺ deficiency alters muscle fiber characteristics and major pathways regulating muscle physiology. C57BL/6J mice received either a control, mildly, or severely Mg²⁺-deficient diet (0.1%; 0.01%; and 0.003% Mg²⁺ wt/wt, respectively) for 14 days. Mg²⁺ deficiency slightly decreased body weight gain and muscle Mg²⁺ concentrations but was not associated with detectable variations in gastrocnemius muscle weight, fiber morphometry, and capillarization. Nonetheless, muscles exhibited decreased expression of several MgTHs (MagT1, CNNM2, CNNM4, and TRPM6). Moreover, TaqMan low-density array (TLDA) analyses further revealed that, before the emergence of major muscle dysfunctions, even a mild Mg²⁺ deficiency was sufficient to alter the expression of genes critical for muscle physiology, including energy metabolism, muscle regeneration, proteostasis, mitochondrial dynamics, and excitation–contraction coupling.

Genetic and drug-induced hypomagnesemia: different cause, same mechanism

Magnesium (Mg2+) plays an essential role in many biological processes. Mg2+ deficiency is therefore associated with a wide range of clinical effects including muscle cramps, fatigue, seizures and arrhythmias. To maintain sufficient Mg2+ levels, (re)absorption of Mg2+ in the intestine and kidney is tightly regulated. Genetic defects that disturb Mg2+ uptake pathways, as well as drugs interfering with Mg2+ (re)absorption cause hypomagnesemia. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic and drug-induced Mg2+ deficiencies. This leads to the identification of four main mechanisms that are affected by hypomagnesemia-causing mutations or drugs: luminal transient receptor potential melastatin type 6/7-mediated Mg2+ uptake, paracellular Mg2+ reabsorption in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop, structural integrity of the distal convoluted tubule and Na+-dependent Mg2+ extrusion driven by the Na+/K+-ATPase. Our analysis demonstrates that genetic and drug-induced causes of hypomagnesemia share common molecular mechanisms. Targeting these shared pathways can lead to novel treatment options for patients with hypomagnesemia.

Milk Fat Globule Membrane Proteome and Micronutrients in the Milk Lipid Fraction: Insights into Milk Bioactive Compounds

Milk lipids are composed of milk fat globules (MFGs) surrounded by the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). MFGM protects MFGs from coalescence and enzymatic degradation. The milk lipid fraction is a “natural solvent” for macronutrients such as phospholipids, proteins and cholesterol, and micronutrients such as minerals and vitamins. The research focused largely on the polar lipids of MFGM, given their wide bioactive properties. In this review we discussed (i) the composition of MFGM proteome and its variations among species and phases of lactation and (ii) the micronutrient content of human and cow’s milk lipid fraction. The major MFGM proteins are shared among species, but the molecular function and protein expression of MFGM proteins vary among species and phases of lactation. The main minerals in the milk lipid fraction are iron, zinc, copper and calcium, whereas the major vitamins are vitamin A, β-carotene, riboflavin and α-tocopherol. The update and the combination of this knowledge could lead to the exploitation of the MFGM proteome and the milk lipid fraction at nutritional, biological or technological levels. An example is the design of innovative and value-added products, such as MFGM-supplemented infant formulas.

Magnesium: Biochemistry, Nutrition, Detection, and Social Impact of Diseases Linked to Its Deficiency

Magnesium plays an important role in many physiological functions. Habitually low intakes of magnesium and in general the deficiency of this micronutrient induce changes in biochemical pathways that can increase the risk of illness and, in particular, chronic degenerative diseases. The assessment of magnesium status is consequently of great importance, however, its evaluation is difficult. The measurement of serum magnesium concentration is the most commonly used and readily available method for assessing magnesium status, even if serum levels have no reliable correlation with total body magnesium levels or concentrations in specific tissues. Therefore, this review offers an overview of recent insights into magnesium from multiple perspectives. Starting from a biochemical point of view, it aims at highlighting the risk due to insufficient uptake (frequently due to the low content of magnesium in the modern western diet), at suggesting strategies to reach the recommended dietary reference values, and at focusing on the importance of detecting physiological or pathological levels of magnesium in various body districts, in order to counteract the social impact of diseases linked to magnesium deficiency.

Cow's Milk Processing-Friend or Foe in Food Allergy?

Cow’s milk (CM) is an integral part of our daily diet starting in infancy and continuing throughout our lifetime. Its composition is rich in proteins with a high nutritional value, bioactive components, milk minerals including calcium, and a range of immunoactive substances. However, cow’s milk can also induce a range of immune-mediated diseases including non-IgE-mediated food allergies and IgE-mediated food allergies. Cow’s milk allergens have been identified and characterized and the most relevant ones can be assigned to both, the whey and casein fraction. For preservation a range of processing methods are applied to make cow’s milk and dairy products safe for consumers. However, these methods affect milk components and thus alter the overall immunogenic activity of cow’s milk. This review summarizes the current knowledge on cow’s milk allergens and immunoactive substances and the impact of the different processes up- or downregulating the immunogenicity of the respective proteins. It highlights the gaps of knowledge of the related disease mechanisms and the still unidentified beneficial immunomodulating compounds of cow’s milk.

The Contribution of Dietary Magnesium in Farm Animals and Human Nutrition

Magnesium (Mg) is a mineral that plays an essential role as cofactor of more than 300 enzymes. Mg in farm animals' and human nutrition is recommended to avoid Mg deficiency, ensure adequate growth and health maintenance. Mg supplementation above the estimated minimum requirements is the best practice to improve farm animals' performances (fertility and yield) and food products' quality, since the performance of farm animals has grown in recent decades. Mg supplementation in pigs increases meat quality and sows' fertility; in poultry, it helps to avoid deficiency-related health conditions and to improve meat quality and egg production by laying hens; in dairy cows, it serves to avoid grass tetany and milk fever, two conditions related to hypomagnesaemia, and to support their growth. Thus, Mg supplementation increases food products' quality and prevents Mg deficiency in farm animals, ensuring an adequate Mg content in animal-source food. These latter are excellent Mg sources in human diets. Sub-optimal Mg intake by humans has several implications in bone development, muscle function, and health maintenance. This review summarizes the main knowledge about Mg in farm animals and in human nutrition.

Magnesium in Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Type 2 Diabetes

Magnesium (Mg²⁺) deficiency is probably the most underestimated electrolyte imbalance in Western countries. It is frequent in obese patients, subjects with type-2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, both in adulthood and in childhood. This narrative review aims to offer insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms linking Mg²⁺ deficiency with obesity and the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Literature highlights critical issues about the treatment of Mg²⁺ deficiency, such as the lack of a clear definition of Mg²⁺ nutritional status, the use of different Mg²⁺ salts and dosage and the different duration of the Mg²⁺ supplementation. Despite the lack of agreement, an appropriate dietary pattern, including the right intake of Mg²⁺, improves metabolic syndrome by reducing blood pressure, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. This occurs through the modulation of gene expression and proteomic profile as well as through a positive influence on the composition of the intestinal microbiota and the metabolism of vitamins B1 and D.

Magnesium Deficiency Induces Lipid Accumulation in Vascular Endothelial Cells via Oxidative Stress-The Potential Contribution of EDF-1 and PPARγ

Background: Magnesium deficiency contributes to atherogenesis partly by promoting the dysfunction of endothelial cells, which are critical in vascular homeostasis and diseases. Since EDF-1 and PPARγ regulate crucial endothelial activities, we investigated the modulation of these proteins involved in lipogenesis as well the deposition of lipids in human endothelial cells cultured in different concentrations of magnesium. Methods: Human endothelial cells from the umbilical vein were cultured in medium containing from 0.1 to 5 mM magnesium for 24 h. The levels of EDF-1 and PPARγ were visualized by Western blot. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by DCFDA. Lipids were detected after O Red Oil staining. Results: Magnesium deficiency leads to the accumulation of ROS which upregulate EDF-1. Further, PPARγ is increased after culture in low magnesium, but independently from ROS. Moreover, lipids accumulate in magnesium-deficient cells. Conclusions: Our results suggest that magnesium deficiency leads to the deposition of lipids by inducing EDF-1 and PPARγ. The increase in intracellular lipids might be interpreted as an adaptive response of endothelial cells to magnesium deficiency.