Role of Zinc and Magnesium in Glycemic Status Among the Saudi Population

Certain trace minerals, such as zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg), may play a role in glucose regulation and insulin signaling pathways. However, population data from the Middle East are scarce and may differ in terms of dietary and metabolic profiles from those previously studied. We examined the association of circulating and dietary Zn and Mg with prediabetes, insulin resistance, and β-cell function in Saudi adults.

A cross-sectional study of 1009 Saudi adults aged ≥ 18 years (861 participants with normoglycemia, 148 participants with prediabetes) recruited from Riyadh and Almadinah cities, Saudi Arabia. Demographic data, anthropometry, fasting glucose, insulin, serum Zn and Mg were measured. Dietary intakes were estimated from two 24-h recalls and a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Insulin resistance and β-cell function were assessed with HOMA-IR and HOMA-β. Between-group differences, partial correlations, and multivariable logistic and linear regression (adjusted for age, sex, BMI, physical activity, energy, dietary supplement use, and lipid profile) analyses were conducted.

Compared to participants with normoglycemia, those with prediabetes had higher Serum Zn (119.9 ±33.5 vs 112.4 ±23.3 µg dL, P<0.001), whereas serum Mg was not significantly different. Fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR were all elevated in prediabetes (P<0.001). Low serum Mg (<1.7 mg dL) was independently associated with higher odds of prediabetes (OR =1.9, 95% CI 1.3-2.8).

Lower serum magnesium was linked to higher odds of prediabetes, while higher serum Zn was associated with greater insulin resistance; dietary Zn showed no significant associations. Given the low prevalence of Zn deficiency, intake-status associations may be attenuated. Mg status appears more consistently tied to glucose regulation, highlighting the need for targeted nutrition strategies and further research on zinc's metabolic role.