The Alteration of Serum Magnesium Levels in Postmenopausal Bangladeshi Women

Abstract

Magnesium as an essential element for various physiological functions in the human body especially in cardiovascular and skeletal system. Menopause can effect on magnesium homeostasis in women’s body. A cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh, between July 2022 and June 2023, to compare serum magnesium levels and prevalence of magnesium deficiency between pre- and post-menopausal women. A total of 110 women attending the outpatient departments of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, being either pre-menopausal or post-menopausal, were included in this study through convenience sampling, based on selection criteria (i.e., 55 pre-menopausal women were in group-I and 55 post-menopausal women were in group-II). Demographic data, clinical history and dietary intake information was collected from the participants through face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Dietary intake of magnesium was estimated based on the simplified food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) modified from common Bangladeshi foods (such as pulses, nuts and green vegetables). Height and weight were obtained using a standardized procedure for calculating BMI. Then, venous blood samples (5 mL) were drawn from all participants in the morning after an overnight fasting. The samples were centrifuged and the serum was then kept at −20°C until analysis. Serum magnesium was determined by xylidyl-blue colorimetric method with an automatic biochemistry analyzer. The mean age was found higher in group-II compared to group-I (52.80±3.56 years vs. 33.76±3.55 years; p<0.001). Similarly, BMI was also found higher in group-II (26.54±1.93 kg/m² vs. 23.62±1.27 kg/m²; p<0.001). In contrast, serum magnesium was found significantly lower in group-II (2.22±0.56 mg/dL vs. 2.39±0.22 mg/dL; p<0.05). Moreover, a sharp decline was observed in serum magnesium levels with longer duration of menopause (p<0.05) as compared among postmenopausal women having menopause for <5 years, 5–10 years and >10 years. Magnesium deficiency needs to be screened, monitored and treated in postmenopausal women in follow-up visits. 

CBMJ 2026 July: Vol. 15 No. 02 P:58-63