The kidney reabsorption-related magnesium depletion score is associated with increased likelihood of abdominal aortic calcification among US adults

Abstract

Background: Kidney reabsorption plays a vital role in magnesium homeostasis. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the kidney reabsorption-related magnesium depletion score (MDS) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC).

Methods: We obtained data for 2640 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database and analysed the relationship between the MDS and AAC score. The MDS is a scoring system developed to predict the status of magnesium deficiency that fully considers the pathophysiological factors influencing the kidneys' reabsorption capability. AAC was quantified by the Kauppila score system based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We performed stratified analysis and multiple equation regression analysis. R and EmpowerStats were used for data analysis.

Results: A total of 2640 participants were included with the mean AAC score of 1.47 ± 0.07. Participants with higher MDSs tended to have higher AAC scores [MDS 0: 0.75 (0.56-0.93), MDS 1: 1.02 (0.84-1.21), MDS 2: 2.34 (1.80-2.87), MDS 3: 3.19 (2.46-3.92), MDS ≥4: 4.99 (3.49-6.49)]. Compared with those with an MDS of 0, the highest subgroup (MDS ≥4) was associated with a higher AAC score {β = 4.24 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.78-5.70], P < .001} and the association was not altered [β = 1.81 (95% CI 0.54-3.09), P = .002] after adjusting for numerous covariates. Subgroup analyses showed that stronger associations between the MDS and AAC score were detected in adults with lower levels of magnesium intake and older age (all P for interaction <.05).

Conclusions: The MDS is a promising tool for identifying individuals with magnesium deficiency status who may benefit from dietary magnesium supplementation to reduce the risks of AAC.

Keywords: NHANES; abdominal aortic calcification; hypomagnesaemia; magnesium depletion score; nutrition.