The effects of combined magnesium and zinc supplementation on metabolic status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial; 60 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease; all female; mean ages 62.6 ± 10.8 years (placebo) and 61.7 ± 9.4 years (magnesium+zinc); 28 in placebo and 27 in magnesium+zinc group.

Magnesium oxide 250 mg daily + zinc sulfate 150 mg daily (30 mg elemental zinc) for 12 weeks.

Magnesium plus zinc co-supplementation for 12 weeks significantly improved several metabolic and inflammatory markers versus placebo: fasting plasma glucose −9.44 mg/dL (P=0.03), insulin −1.37 μIU/mL (P=0.02), HDL-cholesterol +2.09 mg/dL (P=0.04); CRP −0.85 mg/L (P<0.001); total nitrite +5.13 μmol/L (P=0.003); TAC +43.44 mmol/L (P=0.03); Beck Depression Inventory −1.66 points (P=0.04); Beck Anxiety Inventory −1.30 points (P=0.02). No significant changes in other metabolic parameters (e.g., HOMA-IR, QUICKI, triglycerides, LDL, total cholesterol). This suggests potential benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease; longer and larger trials are needed to confirm safety and effectiveness.

Relatively small sample size; short duration (12 weeks); single-center trial; all participants were female; gene expression analysis not performed due to funding limitations.