Topic of the Month
Nutritional solutions to counteract the negative impact of air pollution
23 January 2017
08 February 2011
A new Brazilian study suggests that inadequate magnesium intake may, over the long-term, increase the risk of chronic complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.
In the study, 51 patients with type 2 diabetes were assessed for their magnesium intake and status in order to identify the parameters that best predict alterations in fasting glucose and plasma magnesium (1). The results showed that magnesium intake was inadequate in 82 percent of the subjects. Magnesium status was influenced by kidney depuration and was decreased in patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition the mineral was shown to play an important role in blood glucose control. The researchers concluded that impaired kidney function may lead to high levels of magnesium in the urine, which, along with low magnesium intake, can induce a rise of glucose in the blood.
Magnesium is an essential in the regulation of many cellular processes and functions as a cofactor in a wide range of metabolic reactions. According to the researchers the function of insulin is dependent on magnesium, as it is responsible for the activation of insulin receptors and for stimulation of proteins and substrates involved in insulin signaling. Previous research has suggested the magnesium intake of patients with diabetes often to be below recommended levels which may influence the progression of the disease by generating further complications. Although some epidemiological studies have suggested that adequate magnesium intake reduces the risk of development of type 2 diabetes, there are still contradictions with respect to the role of low magnesium intake as a predictor factor for this disease.
23 January 2017
4 February 2015
A new study reports that the benefits of consuming fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids on prenatal development may offset the risks associated with mercury exposure.
13 March 2017
The month of February is dedicated to heart health. The route to a healthy heart is through your stomach: eat well to support the three pillars of heart health. Keep blood pressure under control, maintain a healthy blood lipid profile, and support a healthy blood flow with nutrition.