Serum calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and lipid profile in healthy Iranian premenopausal women

Recent epidemiological evidence suggests that alteration in calcium, phosphorous or magnesium metabolism may have direct cardiovascular consequences. However, it is unknown whether variations in serum values of these minerals are in relationship with lipid profile and adiposity as metabolic risk factors of cardiovascular events in premenopausal women independent of confounders. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum calcium, magnesium and phosphorous with lipid profile in healthy premenopausal women.

This study was performed on 82 reproductive age women aged 17-50 who were randomly selected from general population of Tabriz, Iran. They were assigned into obese and none-obese groups. Weight and height for BMI calculation were measured using a calibrated Seca scale and cotton ruler which was attached to the wall. Body composition was analyzed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Serum magnesium, calcium and phosphorous were measured colorimetrically; fasting blood glucose (FBG) and serum lipids were assessed by enzymatic methods.

Obese woman had significantly lower serum magnesium (P = 0.035) and significantly higher fasting blood glucose (P = 0.028), total cholesterol (P = 0.035), triglyceride (P = 0.019), low density lipoprotein (P =0.003) and parathyroid hormone concentrations (P = 0.031) compared to non obese women. In correlation coefficient analysis, serum calcium concentrations had a positive weak relationship with total cholesterol (r = 0.267, P = 0.013) and triglyceride (r = 0.301, P = 0.005) concentrations in all participants; whereas in separate analysis of subjects as obese and non obese groups, these relationships lost their significance. Serum phosphorous had a weak positive relationship with total cholesterol (r = 0.31, P = 0.002) and an inverse weak relationship with parathyroid hormone (r = -0.32, P = 0.002). After adjusting for confounding variables by multiple regression analysis, the positive relationship between serum calcium, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were significant.

Our results indicate that abnormality in serum calcium and phosphorous is significantly correlated with serum lipids. Further studies are warranted for interpretation of these associations and understanding the underlying mechanisms.