Magnesium Supplementation Modulates T-cell Function in People with Type 2 Diabetes and Low Serum Magnesium Levels

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Magnesium Supplementation Modulates T-cell Function in People with Type 2 Diabetes and Low Serum Magnesium Levels

Drenthen et al., 2024 | J Clin Endocrinol Metab | Rct

Citation

Drenthen Linda C A, Ajie Mandala, ... Stienstra Rinke. Magnesium Supplementation Modulates T-cell Function in People with Type 2 Diabetes and Low Serum Magnesium Levels. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2024-Nov-18;109(12):e2240-e2245. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgae097

Abstract

CONTEXT: Low magnesium levels, which are common in people with type 2 diabetes, are associated with increased levels of proinflammatory molecules. It is unknown whether magnesium supplementation decreases this low-grade inflammation in people with type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVE: We performed multidimensional immunophenotyping to better understand the effect of magnesium supplementation on the immune system of people with type 2 diabetes and low magnesium levels. METHODS: Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-period, crossover study, we compared the effect of magnesium supplementation (15 mmol/day) with placebo on the immunophenotype, including whole blood immune cell counts, T-cell and CD14+ monocyte function after ex vivo stimulation, and the circulating inflammatory proteome. RESULTS: We included 12 adults with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (7 males, mean ± SD age 67 ± 7 years, body mass index 31 ± 5 kg/m2, HbA1c 7.5 ± 0.9%) and low magnesium levels (0.73 ± 0.05 mmol/L). Magnesium treatment significantly increased serum magnesium and urinary magnesium excretion compared with placebo. Interferon-γ production from phorbol myristate acetate/ionomycin stimulated CD8+ T-cells and T-helper 1 cells, as well as interleukin (IL) 4/IL5/IL13 production from T-helper 2 cells was lower after treatment with magnesium compared with placebo. Magnesium supplementation did not affect immune cell numbers, ex vivo monocyte function, and circulating inflammatory proteins, although we found a tendency for lower high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels after magnesium supplementation compared with placebo. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, magnesium supplementation modulates the function of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells in people with type 2 diabetes and low serum magnesium levels.

Key Findings

We included 12 adults with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (7 males, mean ± SD age 67 ± 7 years, body mass index 31 ± 5 kg/m2, HbA1c 7.5 ± 0.9%) and low magnesium levels (0.73 ± 0.05 mmol/L). Magnesium treatment significantly increased serum magnesium and urinary magnesium excretion compared with placebo. Interferon-γ production from phorbol myristate acetate/ionomycin stimulated CD8+ T-cells and T-helper 1 cells, as well as interleukin (IL) 4/IL5/IL13 production from T-helper 2 cells was lower

Outcomes Measured

  • serum magnesium levels
  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 12
Age Range See abstract
Condition diabetes

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
  • Male
  • Magnesium
  • Female
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Aged
  • Middle Aged
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Magnesium Deficiency
  • T-Lymphocytes
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: magnesium-diabetes

Provenance

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