The effect of magnesium depletion on thyroid function in rats

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science
• Physiology

Background:

• Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral involved in numerous enzymatic reactions.
• Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and growth.
• The role of Mg in thyroid function requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of dietary magnesium depletion on thyroid function in young male rats.
• To assess the effects of Mg deficiency on thyroid hormone levels and thyroid gland response.

Main Methods:

• Rats were fed either a Mg-deficient (12 ppm) or Mg-adequate (662 ppm) diet for 14–28 days.
• Measurements included body weight, plasma Mg and thyroxine (T4) levels, thyroid gland weight, iodine uptake, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) response to TRH.
• Radioactive iodine (131I) and TRH challenges were used to evaluate thyroid activity.

Main Results:

• Mg-deficient rats exhibited reduced body weight gain, lower plasma Mg and T4 concentrations, and increased relative thyroid weight.
• No significant difference in iodine uptake was observed between groups.
• Mg deficiency led to reduced plasma protein-bound 131I and an impaired T4 response to TRH stimulation.

Conclusions:

• Dietary magnesium depletion significantly affects thyroid hormone homeostasis.
• Mg deficiency may impair thyroid hormone synthesis or release, impacting overall thyroid function.
• These findings highlight the importance of adequate magnesium intake for maintaining thyroid health.