Written by Dr. Sandra Miranda, ND

Last week I wrote a blog on how magnesium is a common mineral deficiency, in fact it may be a new epidemic!  Yesterday, I came across a study showing that improving our magnesium levels will lower our risk for Type 2 Diabetes even if you are still eating a poor diet.  Amazing! 

Collaborators from Tufts University, Harvard University, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, investigated the impact of magnesium intake, from both dietary and supplemental sources, on the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.  There were over 200,000 participants in the study and they all ate unhealthy carbs (simple carbohydrates), a high glycemic index food diet and low fiber as well.  

Major study findings included:

• Over the 28 years of the study – 8.4% of participants developed Type 2 diabetes.
• Increased magnesium intake (390-470 mg/day) was associated with a 15% lower risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes compared to lower magnesium intake(229-280 mg/day)
• Risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes was reduced by 4% with each additional 50 mg/day of magnesium intake

Conclusion – even if you are not having a proper diet, magnesium supplementation can lower your risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes

Of course, I am not recommending consuming a poor carb quality, high glycemic and low fiber diet.  This type of diet on its own can make your body excrete more magnesium.  This study confirms the importance of this crucial mineral.

Low magnesium may not only be a cause of diabetes, but also a consequence. 

If you would like to discuss if you should be taking magnesium supplementation or if you are a good candidate for an IV magnesium treatment, then call us at 905-239-3900.  We are happy to help!