Abstract
Background/Aims:
Individuals with metabolic syndrome are at higher risk to develop cardiovascular disease, diabetes type 2, and certain types of cancers such as pancreatic, liver, and colorectal cancers. Studies suggest a potential association between hypomagnesemia and metabolic syndrome with conflicting results. The present study aims to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components in Jordan and to further explore the association between low magnesium levels and metabolic syndrome and its components.
Methods
Data were derived from the national population-based household survey conducted in Jordan in 2009. The study was multipurpose and collected a wide array of data including interview data, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory data. The present report deals, exclusively, with subjects aged ≥ 20 years. There was a total of 4,520 subjects (1113 men and 3407 women).
Results
We found alarmingly high prevalence rates of metabolic syndrome and its components defined by IDF (international diabetic federation) criteria (39.8%) with the highest burden being among women (40.7% in women and 37.4% in men). Among metabolic syndrome components, central obesity and low HDL were the most commonly occurring components of metabolic syndrome (62.6% and 65.5%, respectively). We observed a significant inverse association between serum magnesium levels and metabolic syndrome after adjusting for age (OR = 1.57, p value = 0.048). Among metabolic syndrome components, low serum magnesium levels were significantly associated with low serum HDL levels (OR = 2.15, p value = 0.001).
Conclusion
Metabolic syndrome prevalence in Jordan is considerably high. Our findings suggest that serum magnesium levels are inversely associated with metabolic syndrome.
Serum magnesium levels in relation to metabolic syndrome: A national population-based cross-sectional study from Jordan
