Magnesium, inflammation, and obesity in chronic disease

Abstract

About 60% of adults in the United States do not consume the estimated average requirement for magnesium, but widespread pathological conditions attributed to magnesium deficiency have not been reported. Nevertheless, low magnesium status has been associated with numerous pathological conditions characterized as having a chronic inflammatory stress component. In humans, deficient magnesium intakes are mostly marginal to moderate (approximately 50% to <100% of the recommended dietary allowance). Animal experiments indicate that signs of marginal-to-moderate magnesium deficiency can be compensated or exacerbated by other factors influencing inflammatory and oxidative stress; recent studies suggest a similar happening in humans. This suggestion may have significance in obesity, which is characterized as having a chronic low-grade inflammation component and an increased incidence of a low magnesium status. Marginal-to-moderate magnesium deficiency through exacerbating chronic inflammatory stress may be contributing significantly to the occurrence of chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, and cancer.

Hypomagnesemia and its relation with chronic low-grade inflammation in obesity

“…In the presence of obesity, this effect can be accentuated by leptin, a hormone that also favors the receptor's activation. 40 Thus, excessive calcium influx into the neuronal tissue promotes the release of neurotransmitters, such as substance P, which triggers an inflammatory response through the release of cytokines, histamine and free radicals 47 ( Figure 1). In adipose tissue, the increase of the intracellular calcium content derives from the opening of the L-type calcium channels, which is regulated by magnesium binding sites.…”

“…40 In this regard, several researchers have observed that the reduced intake of this mineral and its low serum concentration are strongly related to the increase in the plasma concentration of inflammatory biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). 26,33,41 Nielsen et al 42 found that magnesium intake in amounts below estimated average requirement (EAR) shows a positive correlation with plasma C-reactive protein and body mass index in adults.…”

Dietary factors, epigenetic modifications and obesity outcomes: Progresses and perspectives

“…Thus, low magnesium status has been associated with numerous pathological conditions characterized by chronic inflammatory stress, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, osteoporosis, diabetes, and obesity (Nielsen, 2010). In animals there are numerous examples.…”

Nut consumption for vascular health and cognitive function

“…Nuts are naturally rich in K and Mg, which may facilitate blood pressure reductions unless consumed in the salted form (132) . In addition, Mg, which has been inversely related to serum CRP levels, has the potential to improve inflammation in individuals with low Mg status (133) and Mg intake is inversely associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes (134) .…”