Magnesium Intake Is Inversely Associated with the Risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Among American Young adults

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To examine magnesium (Mg) intake from diet and supplements during young adulthood in relation to risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in midlife. Methods A total of 2712 black and white American adults aged 18 to 30 years were recruited in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adult (CARDIA) study in 1985–1986 (baseline) with 8 additional examinations during 25 years thereafter. Mg intake was assessed at baseline and exam years 7 and 20 using the CARDIA diet history questionnaires. Computed tomography (CT) scanning was performed at exam year 25 (2010–2011) to ascertain NAFLD cases, which was defined as liver attenuation (LA) ≤51 Hounsfield units after exclusion for other causes of liver fat. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between cumulative average Mg intake and the risk of NAFLD. Results At exam year 25, 638 NAFLD cases were documented. An inverse association between total Mg intake (from diet and supplements) and NAFLD risk was observed after adjustment sociodemographics, major lifestyle factors, dietary quality, and clinical measurements (body mass index, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and fasting insulin). Compared with participants in the lowest quintile of Mg intake, those in the highest quintile had a 54% lower risk of NAFLD [multivariable-adjusted odds ratio = 0.46, 95% confidence interval = (0.25, 0.87), P for trend = 0.0498]. Consistently, there was an inverse association between whole grain consumption (a major food source of magnesium) and NAFLD risk. Conclusions This study suggests that higher intake of Mg throughout adulthood is associated with a lower risk of NAFLD in middle age. Funding Sources The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study is supported by grants from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in collaboration with the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Northwestern University, University of Minnesota, and Kaiser Foundation Research Institute.This study is also partially supported by the NIH grants and NHLBI.