Magnesium intake and prevalence of metabolic syndrome in adults: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

Objective: We examined the association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components with dietary intakes of Mg in Tehran adults. Design: In a cross-sectional study, dietary intakes were assessed using a valid and reliable FFQ. MetS was defined according to the modified guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Waist circumference (WC) was coded according to the newly introduced cut-off points for Iranian adults (>= 95 cm for both genders). Setting: Participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (2006-2008). Subjects: Adults (n 2504; 1120 men and 1384 women) aged 18-74 years. Results: The mean age of participants was 40.8 (SD 14.6) years and 38.2 (SD 13.5) years for men and women, respectively. The reported mean intake of Mg was 349 (SD 109) mg/d. After adjustment for confounding factors, dietary Mg intake was inversely associated with fasting blood glucose (beta = -0.08, P = 0.006), TAG (beta = -0.058, P = 0.009) and WC (beta = -0.013, P = 0.006); however, there were no associations between dietary Mg and diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure or HDL cholesterol. An association was observed between MetS Z-score and Mg intake (crude beta = -0.017, P = 0.001), independent of age, gender, smoking, physical activity and BMI; this association was attenuated following further adjustment for dietary factors and menopausal status (beta = -0.034, P = 0.061). Conclusions: Our findings suggest a significant inverse association between dietary Mg, MetS and its components.