Relationship between magnesium status and cardiovascular risk in obese women

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The literature has shown reduced plasma concentrations of magnesium in obese individuals. It has been suggested that magnesium deficiency or changes in metabolism of this mineral participate in the pathophysiology of hypertension, arrhythmia and other cardiovascular diseases in obese patients. Objective This study evaluated the relationship between magnesium status and cardiovascular risk parameters in obese women. Methods Cross-sectional study involving 127 women, divided into two groups: obese (n = 63) and eutrophic (n = 64). The analysis of magnesium intake was carried out through the three-day food record and also Nutwin software. The plasma, erythrocyte and urinary magnesium concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Waist circumference was measured, and waist/height ratio and conicity index were calculated for assessment of cardiovascular risk. Results The mean value of magnesium intake was lower than those recommended. All the patients showed adequate mean concentrations of magnesium in plasma and erythrocytes. The urinary excretion of this mineral was lower than the reference values in both groups. Values of waist circumference, waist/height ratio and conicity index were higher in obese women (P Conclusion Obese patients intake foods with low dietary magnesium content, and they show hypomagnesuria as a compensatory mechanism to keep the plasma concentration of this mineral in adequate levels. The correlation analysis does not reveal the influence of magnesium on cardiovascular risk markers.