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Low dietary intake of magnesium is associated with increased externalising behaviours in adolescents

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 April 2015

L. J. Black ,
K. L. Allen ,
P. Jacoby ,
G. S. Trapp ,
C. M. Gallagher ,
S. M. Byrne  and
W. H. Oddy
L. J. Black
Affiliation:
Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
K. L. Allen
Affiliation:
Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia School of Psychology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
P. Jacoby
Affiliation:
Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
G. S. Trapp
Affiliation:
Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
C. M. Gallagher
Affiliation:
Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
S. M. Byrne
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
W. H. Oddy
Affiliation:
Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
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Abstract

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Proceedings of the Nutrition Society , Volume 74 , Issue OCE1: Summer Meeting, 14–17 July 2014, Carbohydrates in health: friends or foes , 2015 , E24
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2015 

Adequate zinc and magnesium intakes may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Zinc is a co-factor of many enzymes that play a role in brain function(Reference Frederickson, Koh and Bush1) and zinc modulates neuronal excitability by inhibiting both the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors(Reference Smart, Xie and Krishex2). Magnesium is another potent antagonist of the NMDA receptor complex(Reference Morris3) and magnesium deficiency has been related to symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, irritability and hyperexcitability(Reference Eby and Eby4). We aimed to investigate the prospective associations of dietary intakes of zinc and magnesium with internalising and externalising behaviour problems in adolescents participating in both the 14 and 17 year follow-ups of the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study (n 684).

Dietary intakes of zinc and magnesium were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire and mental health symptoms were assessed using the Youth Self-Report (YSR). General linear mixed models were used to investigate the prospective relationships between zinc and magnesium intakes and YSR T-scores, adjusting for sex, physical activity, family income, supplement status, dietary misreporting, BMI, family functioning and energy intake.

After adjusting for potential confounders, higher dietary intake of magnesium (per standard deviation) was significantly associated with reduced externalising behaviours and there was a trend towards reduced externalising behaviours with higher zinc intake.

This study shows an inverse association between dietary magnesium intake and externalising behaviour problems in adolescents. We observed a similar trend, although not statistically significant, for zinc intake. Promoting increased consumption of mineral-rich foods, such as leafy/cruciferous vegetables, nuts and legumes, along with supplementation to address identified micronutrient deficiencies, may be a useful strategy to prevent mental health and behavioural problems in adolescents. In order to determine any benefit of magnesium and/or zinc supplementation in the prevention and treatment of externalising behaviour problems, randomised controlled trials using optimal doses are necessary.

1 Estimated difference in Youth Self Report T-scores per standard deviation increase in zinc and magnesium intakes; *P < 0·05

References

1.Frederickson, CJ, Koh, JY, Bush, AI (2005) Nat Rev Neurosci 6, 449–462.Google Scholar
2.Smart, TG, Xie, X, Krishex, BJ (1994) Prog Neurobiol 42, 393–441.Google Scholar
3.Morris, ME (1992) Magnes Res 5, 303–313.Google Scholar
4.Eby, GA & Eby, KL (2006) Med Hypotheses 67, 362–370.Google Scholar
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