Lower dietary magnesium is associated with a higher hemoglobin glycation index in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background and Aims: The data for the effect of dietary magnesium (Mg) on hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) is limited. Thus, this study aimed to examine the relationship between dietary Mg and HGI in the general population. Methods and Results Our research used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2001 to 2002. The dietary intake of Mg was assessed by two 24-h dietary recalls. The predicted HbA1c was calculated based on fasting plasma glucose. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models were applied to assess the relationship between dietary Mg intake and HGI. We found a significant inverse association between dietary Mg intake and HGI (β = -0.00016, 95%CI: -0.0003, -0.00003, P = 0.019). Dose-response analyses revealed that HGI decreased with increasing intakes of Mg when reached the point above 412 mg/d. There was a linear dose-response relationship between dietary Mg intake and HGI in diabetic subjects, and there was an L-shape dose-response relationship in non-diabetic individuals. Conclusion Increasing the intake of Mg might help lower the risk associated with high HGI. Further prospective studies are requested before dietary recommendations.