Abstract: Magnesium is the second most common intracellular cation, with only 1 % of total magnesium found in the blood [1]. It has a wide range of functions throughout the body, acting as a cofactor for over 300 enzymatic reactions, affecting glucose transportation and influencing insulin sensitivity. Abundant research focuses on identifying the true functions and interactions of magnesium within the body. Evidence has shown that low magnesium levels are negatively correlated with the development of insulin resistance and increasing the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hypomagnesemia is present in 10 % of patients admitted into hospitals and as many as 65 % of patients admitted to intensive care units [1]. Studying the prevention of these diseases is at the forefront of nutrition-focused research. The strong evidence connecting magnesium with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus suggests magnesium supplementation may be an appropriate intervention technique to control the progression of these diseases. In the following chapter, the prevalence of these diseases and how magnesium is related will be discussed.
Publication Year: 2012
Publication Date: 2012-08-09
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 1
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