Magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis

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Magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis

Larsson et al., 2007 | J Intern Med | Meta Analysis

Citation

Larsson S C, Wolk A. Magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. J Intern Med. 2007-Aug;262(2):208-14

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes. DESIGN: Meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. DATA SOURCES: We retrieved studies published in any language by systematically searching MEDLINE from 1966 to February 2007 and by manually examining the references of the original articles. STUDY SELECTION: We included prospective cohort studies reporting relative risks with 95% confidence intervals for the association between magnesium intake and incidence of type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: The seven identified cohort studies of magnesium intake [from foods only (n = 4) or from foods and supplements combined (n = 3)] and incidence of type 2 diabetes included 286,668 participants and 10,912 cases. All but one study found an inverse relation between magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes, and in four studies the association was statistically significant. The overall relative risk for a 100 mg day(-1) increase in magnesium intake was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.79-0.92). Results were similar for intake of dietary magnesium (RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77-0.95) and total magnesium (RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.77-0.89). There was no evidence of publication bias (P = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium intake was inversely associated with incidence of type 2 diabetes. This finding suggests that increased consumption of magnesium-rich foods such as whole grains, beans, nuts, and green leafy vegetables may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Key Findings

The seven identified cohort studies of magnesium intake [from foods only (n = 4) or from foods and supplements combined (n = 3)] and incidence of type 2 diabetes included 286,668 participants and 10,912 cases. All but one study found an inverse relation between magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes, and in four studies the association was statistically significant. The overall relative risk for a 100 mg day(-1) increase in magnesium intake was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.79-0.92). Results were simila

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 4
Age Range See abstract
Condition diabetes

MeSH Terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Food
  • Humans
  • Magnesium
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review
  • Vertical: magnesium

Provenance

  • PMID: 17645588
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09