Magnesium and Fiber Intake Linked to Inflammation

Higher intake of magnesium and fiber is associated with lower levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), according to a new report. An important marker of inflammation, hs-CRP has been tied to elevated cardiovascular disease risk.

Using food-frequency questionnaires, researchers determined the fiber and magnesium intake of 1,653 study participants. Height, weight, blood pressure, and waist circumference were measured, and blood samples were analyzed for glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, and hs-CRP.

Subjects in the lowest third of magnesium and fiber intake were three to four times more likely to have diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or elevated hs-CRP (3 mg/L or higher). Low magnesium intake was independently correlated with elevated hs-CRP, but not with metabolic syndrome or diabetes, while low fiber intake was independently associated with a greater risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and elevated hs-CRP.

Source:

Bo S, Durazzo M, Guidi S, et al. Dietary magnesium and fiber intakes and inflammatory and metabolic indicators in middle-aged subjects from a population-based cohort. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Nov;84(5):1062-9.

Reprinted with exclusive permission of Life Extension.

Key concepts: inflammation, magnesium, fiber, c-reactive protein