Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Supplements of magnesium may improve sensitivity to insulin

From MA Blog:
Magnesium is an important mineral that is essential for human health. Dietary surveys reveal that many Americans do not meet the RDA for magnesium (320 mg/d for women and 420 mg/d for men). The potential health benefits of magnesium have been gaining recent interest and it is reported as one of the fastest growing mineral supplements.
A recent clinical trial evaluated the effect of oral magnesium supplementation on insulin sensitivity. Subjects received either 365 mg/day of magnesium or placebo for six months. Daily supplementation of the mineral improved insulin sensitivity and blood glucose scores. The researchers suggest there are several mechanisms which may be responsible for the beneficial effect of magnesium on insulin sensitivity. They say these include, “direct effects of magnesium on the insulin receptor and its downstream signaling process, enhanced enzyme activities involved in glucose utilization, prevention of an intracellular calcium overload supposed to negatively affect insulin sensitivity, and finally, anti-inflammatory effects known to improve insulin resistance.”
The study supports eating a wide variety of foods containing magnesium such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans and meats. Along with eating a healthy diet, magnesium supplementation can optimize health and possibly prevent certain diseases.
To read more click click here and search “Oral magnesium supplementation reduces insulin resistance in non-diabetic subjects – a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trail.”

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