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Magnesium deficiencies seen in patients with hypertension and diabetes Magnesium
is one of the most abundant ions in living cells and is found in various
food sources such as legumes, nuts, bananas, whole grains, and leafy green
vegetables. Although the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of magnesium
is approximately 300 to 350 mg per day, daily magnesium
intakes have been progressively decreasing since the beginning of the
19th century and often fall below this recommended level? especially in
patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. A number of studies suggest that daily magnesium administration in diabetic
or hypertensive patients may help to restore a more adequate
magnesium concentration, normalize insulin-mediated
glucose (sugar) uptake, modulate and improve vascular tone, and lower
blood pressure. In conclusion, the benefits derived from daily magnesium
supplementation are further supported by studies showing the correlation
between high daily magnesium
intake and a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. SOURCE: Am J Hypertens 1997;10(3):346-55. next article |