New findings on dietary intake of magnesium were highlighted in an article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Results from a 26 year follow-up study indicated that the highest dietary intakes of magnesium were associated with a significant reduction in the risk of sudden cardiac death when compared with the lowest average intakes.
The prospective cohort study, starting in 1980, evaluated 88, 375 healthy women over a 26 year period. During this follow-up period, 505 cases of sudden cardiac death were noted by researchers. The role of magnesium was analyzed through subsequent research including 99 cases of sudden cardiac death and 291 women who did not die. Results indicated the importance of plasma magnesium and its role in cardiac death in women.
Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Dietary sources include green, leafy vegetables, unpolished grains and nuts. Unfortunately, the average daily magnesium intake in the U.S. is below the USDA’s RDA (320 mg/day for women and 420 mg/day for men). This article reinforces the importance of trace minerals such as magnesium in human health.
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