Dietary magnesium intake and risk of metabolic syndrome: a meta-analysis

Aims To estimate quantitatively the association between dietary magnesium intake and risk of metabolic syndrome by combining the relevant published articles using meta‐analysis. Methods We reviewed the relevant literature in PubMed and EMBASE published up until August 2013 and obtained additional information through Google or a hand search of the references in relevant articles. A random‐effects or fixed‐effects model, as appropriate, was used to pool the effect sizes on metabolic syndrome comparing individuals with the highest dietary magnesium intake with those having the lowest intake. The dose–response relationship was assessed for every 100‐mg/day increment in magnesium intake and risk of metabolic syndrome. Result Six cross‐sectional studies, including a total of 24 473 individuals and 6311 cases of metabolic syndrome, were identified as eligible for the meta‐analysis. A weighted inverse association was found between dietary magnesium intake and the risk of metabolic syndrome (odds ratio 0.69, 95% CI 0.59, 0.81) comparing the highest with the lowest group. For every 100‐mg/day increment in magnesium intake, the overall risk of having metabolic syndrome was lowered by 17% (odds ratio 0.83, 95% CI 0. 77, 0.89). Conclusion Findings from the present meta‐analysis suggest that dietary magnesium intake is inversely associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Further studies, in particular well‐designed longitudinal cohort studies and randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trials, are warranted to provide solid evidence and to establish causal inference. What's new? This is a meta‐analysis of original studies on the association of dietary magnesium intake and risk of metabolic syndrome. The results of the meta‐analysis could inform programmes focusing on the prevention of metabolic syndrome and its complications, including cardiovascular diseases.