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Serum magnesium in Greenland Eskimos
Acta Medica Scandinavica
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Greenlandic Inuit populations exhibit significantly higher serum magnesium levels compared to Danes. This elevation may be linked to dietary factors and potentially influences the low incidence of urinary calculi in this group.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Human Physiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Serum magnesium levels vary geographically and by ethnicity.
- Previous observations suggest differences in Greenlandic populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare serum magnesium levels between Greenlandic Inuit, Greenlanders, and Danes.
- To explore potential dietary and physiological factors influencing these levels.
- To investigate the association between serum magnesium and urinary calculi incidence.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing serum magnesium concentrations.
- Analysis of dietary intake patterns, including fish and sea mammal consumption.
- Consideration of calcium intake and intestinal absorption.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher serum magnesium (p < 0.001) observed in Greenlandic Inuit compared to Danes in Denmark.
- Danes residing in Greenland showed intermediate serum magnesium values.
- Potential contributing factors include high intake of fish/sea mammals and possibly enhanced magnesium absorption due to low dietary calcium.
Conclusions:
- Dietary habits in Greenland significantly impact serum magnesium levels.
- Elevated serum magnesium may play a role in the low prevalence of urinary calculi among Greenlandic Inuit.
- Further research into nutrient absorption and mineral metabolism is warranted.