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Dietary magnesium intake and the future risk of coronary heart disease (the Honolulu Heart Program)

Robert D Abbott1, Fujiko Ando, Kamal H Masaki

  • 1Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Health Evaluation Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, PO Box 800717, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0717, USA. rda3e@virginia.edu

The American Journal of Cardiology
|September 16, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Adequate dietary magnesium intake is linked to a lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). This study found that men with the lowest magnesium intake had a significantly higher risk of developing CHD compared to those with the highest intake.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Nutritional Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Magnesium (Mg) deficiency may impact cardiovascular health, but its link to coronary heart disease (CHD) risk is not well-established.
  • Understanding the relationship between dietary Mg intake and future CHD risk is crucial for preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between dietary magnesium intake and the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD).

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of dietary magnesium intake data from 7,172 men in the Honolulu Heart Program, collected between 1965-1968.
  • Follow-up for 30 years to identify 1,431 incident cases of CHD.
  • Statistical adjustments for age, other nutrients, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Results:

  • A significant decrease in age-adjusted CHD incidence was observed from the lowest to the highest quintiles of Mg intake within 15 years.
  • Men in the lowest Mg intake quintile had a 1.7- to 2.1-fold excess risk of CHD compared to the highest quintile, even after nutrient adjustments.
  • Further adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors showed a 1.5- to 1.8-fold excess risk for the lowest Mg intake group.

Conclusions:

  • Dietary magnesium intake is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).
  • The findings suggest that maintaining adequate magnesium levels through diet may be protective against CHD.
  • Further research is needed to determine if increasing dietary magnesium intake can modify future CHD risk.

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