Considerations regarding Mg intake in dialysis patients

Abstract

Higher serum magnesium (Mg) levels are reported to be associated with better prognoses in dialysis patients. Regarding Mg supplementation, we studied the Mg contents of 100 foods that are often consumed in daily life and the amount of Mg per ordinary serving values of these foods. In the standard diet for dialysis patients (1,800kcal, 60g protein), meals in which plant-derived protein accounted for 60% of total protein had higher Mg contents than those with plant-derived protein percentages of 50% and 40% (358±47, 309±36, and 254±28, respectively; p<0.001). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the amounts of phosphorus or potassium among these meals, and the amino acid score was 100 (perfect). Therefore, to increase the Mg intake of dialysis patients it would be advantageous to ensure that plant-derived proteins account for 60% of total dietary protein.