Magnesium correlation with boys’ height and other anthropometric measurements

Abstract

The primary objective of this investigation is to explore the relationship between serum magnesium (Mg) concentrations and the height and various anthropometric measurements of boys aged 9–13. Additionally, the correlations were examined between magnesium levels and other key macrominerals, namely Chloride (Cl), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and phosphorus (P). A group of 45 children free from chronic and systematic diseases and who do not take any medication or supplements was selected. The height and weight were measured, and blood samples were collected for serum analysis of Cl, Mg, P, Ca, Na, and K. Spearman’s rho and Pearson’s correlation (r) analysis were used to study the correlations between these six minerals and anthropometric analysis controlling for age. They were also used to study the correlations between Mg and the other five minerals. The Mg concentration mean for the children in this study was 0.8510 mmol/L with variables ranging between 0.71 and 0.95 mmol/L, which falls between the normal ranges for Mg concentration for the study’s gender and age group. However, Mg/Ca ratio mean ± SD is 0.3587 ± 0.0244, which is considered low, with 40 % of the sample’s ratio below 0.36. Mg concentration was negatively correlated (R = −0.321) with the children’s height.This correlation was statistically significant p = 0.032 < 0.05. Mg concentration was insignificantly correlated (P > 0.05) with the concentration of Na (0.146), percent of body fat (0.169), muscle mass (−0.211), and basal metabolic rate (−0.212). This study is the first to unveil the negative correlation between serum magnesium concentrations and the height of children. Additionally, it explores the potential links between magnesium levels and weight, muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, visceral fat levels, and percent body fat. These intriguing correlations underscore the need for further research to investigate the safety and efficacy of magnesium supplementation in the prevention of childhood obesity without compromising normal growth patterns.