Low magnesium associated with coronary artery calcification
Magnesium is probably the greatest predictor of all aspects of heart disease. More than 50% of Americans are deficient in this mineral. Magnesium plays a key role in more than 350 enzymes and is involved in virtually every metabolic process occurring in the body.
Studies have suggested an association between low serum magnesium levels and cardiovascular disease. Low magnesium intake has also been associated with future risk of hypertension and stroke. Furthermore numerous studies have shown that low serum magnesium is associated with vascular calcification.
In a study published in Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Disease, researchers analyzed 34,553 participants who underwent coronary multi-detector computed tomography and serum magnesium levels from 2010 to 2012. According to the analysis, low serum magnesium was associated with coronary artery calcification after adjustments for factors such as age, gender and other variables.
Low serum magnesium was significantly associated with coronary artery calcification for those who do not have other risk factors.
We have seen decades of increased dietary calcium intake in the American population that has not been balanced with an increase in dietary magnesium, resulting in most adults becoming magnesium deficient. Studies have show that calcium supplements not balanced with magnesium contribute to an increase in the risk of heart disease.
