Article Summary:
- Study shows that those who took in the highest amounts of magnesium were half as likely to end up with diabetes 20 years later.
- We are overly concerned about calcium consumption when we should really be paying attention to increasing our magnesium intake.
- How much to take? You need at least enough magnesium to offset your calcium intake.
Magnesium & Diabetes Study
A magnesium study published by doctors at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill suggests that getting enough magnesium could help you ward off diabetes. Researchers discovered that participants who took in the highest amounts of magnesium — whether from foods or vitamins — were half as likely to end up with diabetes 20 years later than the participants who took the lowest amounts of magnesium.
Why Magnesium May Reduce Diabetes Risk
Experts have a couple of theories about how magnesium reduces diabetes risk. First, it is conceivable that magnesium is used by the body’s enzymes to process glucose, thus reducing the risk of diabetes. Researchers also noted that increased levels of magnesium were correlated with decreased inflammation and less resistance to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.
So how much magnesium did the participants take? The people who took the most consumed about 200 milligrams of magnesium per 1,000 calories. The people who took the least only consumed roughly 100 milligrams per 1,000 calories. The difference was significant: those who didn’t take enough magnesium were 53% more likely to develop diabetes at some point down the road.
While researchers call for more studies to get the specifics, I will say what Jon Barron has said before: we are overly concerned about calcium consumption when we should really be paying attention to increasing our magnesium intake. This study is further evidence of this assertion. Jon has never been a huge proponent of calcium supplements. Yes, calcium is a necessary nutrient, but its overuse as a supplement has been connected to a plethora of health concerns from heart disease to arthritis. We continue to assert that the only reason the recommended dietary intake for calcium is so high is because it makes a great advertising campaign for the dairy industry…who funded some of the initial studies used to establish the RDI. And what makes that especially pathetic is that dairy is a terrible source of calcium, actually causing a net loss of calcium in the body because so much is required to buffer the high levels of phosphorus in dairy.
How Much Magnesium Do You Need?
The fact is that you need at least enough magnesium to offset your calcium intake. Without it, you could be in danger of developing hardened arteries, diabetes, arthritis, and senility. Magnesium is responsible for jumpstarting nearly 400 enzyme reactions inside your body. So a deficiency can wreak havoc on literally hundreds of different body processes. Compounding the problem is your body’s inability to store magnesium for use later. You really need more magnesium than calcium in your diet. The medical establishment still has it wrong though, telling everyone to consume two times more calcium than magnesium.
In reality, the the opposite is true. You need much more magnesium than is recommended because your body requires it for so many different things and it’s a hard mineral to absorb. Too bad it’s the mineral that is most likely to be undervalued in most diets and supplements.
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How would taking magnesium
How would taking magnesium affect Type II? I’ve had it about 4 years and am having trouble controlling my glucose levels. On Metformin. But looking for natural ways to get this under control. I would sincerely appreciate any input you might provide.
Many blessings,
Susan
does high cholestrol come
does high cholestrol come into any of these equations as i am told that i must get my cholestrol from 6.5 below 5 as i have t. 2 diabetes is this dangerous regards, john caine
My wife has just been
My wife has just been diagnosed with diabetes. We have been careful with our food selection and preparation for years. We do take vitamin supplements which do contain magnesium and zinc. With this diagnosis, what more can we do?
People also need to have
People also need to have anough essential fatty acids, so the cell wall will become flexible enough to let the large molecule of glucose in.
Magnesium aids the absorption of zinc which is needed in the production of insulin. Vitamin B6 also needs to be present for the other minerals to work as a team.
YOUR ARTICLE DID NOT SAY HOW
YOUR ARTICLE DID NOT SAY HOW MANY MG. MAGNESIUM TO TAKE PER DAY. PLEASE LET US KNOW.
THANK YOU,
JERRY
Jerry:
You should consume 2:1
Jerry:
You should consume 2:1 magnesium to calcium…at the very least. And for most people, 350-400 mg of supplemental magnesium a day is enough, provided you’re not taking too much calcium. One way you’ll know if you’re taking too much magnesium is if you start having a pronounced laxative effect from it. Remember, it’s not called Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia for nothing.
Can you tell us which form of
Can you tell us which form of magnesium works best? Magnesium chloride, aspartate, orotate, citrate or oxide? Would love your opinion.
glycinate.
glycinate.
Hopefully you buys will read
Hopefully you buys will read this even though it is late in the game. If you have Type 2 the best form is magnesium arginate,calcium arginate and zinc arginate.You can easily take 2.5grams. This is the most effective for Type2 Not all transporters cause upset stomach. Also Jon did not specify whether he is talking about elemental values; 100 mg Magnesium arginate (5.87 mg elemental)