Several studies have implied a role of magnesium in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Thus, magnesium might serve as a potential risk marker for early CVD. Therefore, we investigated the association of serum magnesium and dietary magnesium intake with markers of subclinical CVD in a population-based study. We used cross-sectional data from the sub-study of the Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA-FF4). Markers of subclinical CVD, namely, left and right ventricular structure and function and carotid plaque and carotid wall thickness, were derived by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Multivariable-adjusted regression models were applied to assess the relationship between serum and dietary magnesium and MRI-derived subclinical CVD markers. Among 396 included participants (mean age: 56.3 ± 9.2 years; 57.8% male), 181 (45.7%) had low serum magnesium levels (<2.07 mg/dl). Among 311 subjects with complete dietary data (mean age: 56.3 ± 9.1 years; 56.3% male), 154 (49.5%) had low dietary magnesium intake (≤155.2 mg/1000 kcal/day). Serum and dietary magnesium were not correlated (p-value = 0.5). Serum magnesium was significantly associated with presence of carotid plaque (OR 1.62, p-value 0.033). Dietary magnesium was associated with higher left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic volume (0.04 mL/m2, 0.06 mL/m2; p-value 0.011, 0.013, respectively), and also with a decrease in left ventricular remodeling index and mean diastolic wall thickness (−0.001 g/mL/m2, −0.002 mm/m2; p-value 0.004, 0.029, respectively). In summary, there was no consistent association of serum and dietary magnesium with imaging markers of subclinical CVD.

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.

Background Maternal tobacco use is a global public health problem. In the literature, the focus was mainly on cigarette smoking, minimally on waterpipe use, and totally ignored dual use among pregnant women. We estimated the prevalence of current maternal tobacco use by tobacco product (cigarette, waterpipe, and dual use) over a period of ten years (2007 to 2017), and examined the socio-demographic patterning of maternal tobacco use. Methods A secondary analysis of Jordan DHS four data waves was conducted for women who reported to be pregnant at the time of the survey. Current cigarette and waterpipe tobacco use were investigated. Prevalence estimates for cigarette-only, waterpipe-only, and dual use, as well as for cigarette, regardless of waterpipe, and waterpipe, regardless of cigarette, were reported. The effect of independent variables on cigarette smoking, waterpipe use, and dual use was assessed. Logistic regression models assessed the adjusted effects of socio-demographic variables on cigarette smoking, waterpipe use, and on dual use. For each outcome variable, a time-adjusted and a time-unadjusted logistic models were conducted. Results Over the last decade, the prevalence estimates of current cigarette-only smoking slightly decreased. The prevalence estimates of current waterpipe-only use exceeded those for cigarette-only after 2007 and showed a steady overall increase. Current dual use showed a continuous rise especially after 2009. Gradual increase in cigarette smoking (4.1%, in 2007, and 5.7% in 2017) and in waterpipe use (2.5% to 6.4%) were detected. Education showed an inverse relationship with cigarette and waterpipe smoking. Household wealth demonstrated a positive association with cigarette and waterpipe smoking. Conclusions Tobacco use epidemic is expanding its roots among pregnant women in Jordan through not only waterpipe use but also dual cigarette–waterpipe smoking. Maternal and child services should consider tobacco counseling and cessation.