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A growing body of evidence from experimental studies that shows the essential role that magnesium exerts on glucose metabolism has been developed in last years, strongly suggesting that magnesium could plays an important roles in the reduction of the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In the clinical setting, large epidemiological studies show that low dietary magnesium intake is associated with the increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes; however, results from randomized controlled clinical trials that have evaluated the beneficial effects of magnesium supplementation on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity are controversial. In this article we searched (in the electronic databases of Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register up to June 2011) the evidence derived from epidemiological studies and clinical trials, about the relationship between magnesium and type 2 diabetes. The body of evidence from epidemiological studies consistently shows a strong inverse relationship between dietary magnesium intake and the risk of developing T2D; however, results from clinical trials are scarce and controversial.

Purpose: To review randomized control clinical trial (RCT) literature and prospective studies for the safety and efficacy of magnesium supplements in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) or with CHD risk., Data Sources: Databases were searched using the keywords: magnesium, heart disease, endothelium, prevention, treatment, therapy, level, and supplement., Conclusions: There were no reports of adverse effects from magnesium supplementation in any of the studies. Subjects reporting lower dietary magnesium intake had significantly lower serum magnesium concentrations than those reporting higher dietary magnesium intake and, in some cases, had a significantly higher frequency of supraventricular beats. There was a modest relationship between dietary magnesium intake and a reduced risk of CHD in male subjects; however, there was no noted decrease in the development of CHD disease in women who had high magnesium intake., Implications for Practice: Magnesium is vital for many functions in the body and magnesium supplementation is safe. There is a possible association between a modestly lower risk of CHD in men and increased magnesium intake; therefore, it is reasonable to encourage diets high in magnesium as a potential means to lower the risk of CHD.

Magnesium is an essential element that regulates membrane stability and neuromuscular, cardiovascular, immune, and hormonal functions and is a critical cofactor in many metabolic reactions. The Dietary Reference Intake for magnesium for adults is 310 to 420 mg/day. However, the intake of magnesium in humans is often suboptimal. Magnesium deficiency may lead to changes in gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and neuromuscular function. Physical exercise may deplete magnesium, which, together with a marginal dietary magnesium intake, may impair energy metabolism efficiency and the capacity for physical work. Magnesium assessment has been a challenge because of the absence of an accurate and convenient assessment method. Recently, magnesium has been touted as an agent for increasing athletic performance. This article reviews the various studies that have been conducted to investigate the relationship of magnesium and exercise.

Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron are important to a wide variety of body functions, such as mineralization of bones, serving as cofactors to many enzyme systems, sustaining muscle and nerve excitation, and, in the case of iron, maintaining the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. Many female athletes consume less calcium than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). This is of concern because of the need to achieve peak bone mass during adolescence and the possible relationship of poor calcium intake to stress fractures. Athletes appear to have adequate magnesium and phosphorus status. However, those athletes who are on calorie-restricted diets may not be ingesting sufficient quantities of magnesium and possibly phosphorus. Limited data have suggested that magnesium status is indirectly related to strength improvement as well as the incidence of muscle cramps. Acute ingestion of phosphorus (phosphate loading) has been shown to improve aerobic capacity. Iron depletion is common in female athletes but similar to the general population. Iron supplements are of health benefit, but of questionable performance benefit, to those who are iron depleted and nonanemic. To maintain optimal status of these minerals, it is recommended that nutrient rich foods be ingested including dairy products and foods high in heme iron.

An attempt has been made to quantify the effect of waterborne magnesium on human mortality/morbidity, based on epidemiological and clinical observations reported in several regions of the modern-day world. A consistent pattern has emerged, indicative of a global phenomenon, which illustrates the importance of waterborne magnesium in protecting against cardiovascular trauma and other ailments. These findings attest to the inadequate metabolic magnesium status among modern-day humans, especially those who reside in ultra-soft-water localities.