Trends in Reported Calcium and Magnesium Intake from Diet and Supplements by Demographic Factors: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2018.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Repeated cross-sectional dietary intake survey of a representative population sample
PubMed 38718857 · doi:10.1016/j.jand.2024.04.017
What was done
Researchers analyzed NHANES data from 2003–2004 through 2017–2018 (dietary intake) and 2007–2008 through 2017–2018 (total intake including supplements) for 35,037 non-pregnant, non-lactating US adults aged 19 and older with two reliable 24-hour dietary recalls (energy intake 500–6,000 kcal/day). The National Cancer Institute method was used to estimate usual nutrient intakes and the proportion of adults meeting or exceeding the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for calcium and magnesium by sex, age, and race and ethnicity, with trends evaluated using Joinpoint regression.
What was found
Mean dietary calcium intake and proportions meeting the EAR from total intake (diet plus supplements) were lowest in women (859 mg/day; 61.9% meeting EAR), adults aged 71 and older (865 mg/day; 60.3%), and non-Hispanic Black individuals (782 mg/day; 48.6%). Dietary magnesium intake was lowest in adults aged 71 and older (276 mg/day). Total magnesium intake and EAR attainment were lowest in women (302 mg/day) and men (52.0% meeting EAR), respectively, adults aged 19 to 30 years (305 mg/day; 48.5%), and non-Hispanic Black individuals (274 mg/day; 35.5%). The proportion of women and non-Hispanic White adults meeting the EAR from total calcium intake decreased significantly (P < 0.05) by 2.9% and 2.0%, respectively, while remaining stable for other subgroups and for magnesium.
Why it matters
Substantial portions of the US adult population, particularly non-Hispanic Black individuals, young adults, older adults, and women, do not achieve recommended intakes of calcium and magnesium, with calcium adequacy declining over time in specific demographics.
Limits
Intake estimates relied on self-reported 24-hour dietary recalls, which are susceptible to recall error and misreporting. The study excluded pregnant, lactating, and institutionalized individuals, and did not assess clinical or biochemical markers of micronutrient status.
Cited by
- supports Approximately 50% of the population does not consume sufficient dietary magnesium.
- supports Approximately half of the United States population does not consume sufficient dietary magnesium.