J Natl Med Assoc
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Comment Letter Comparative Study
Caution urged in concluding disparities mitigated by increase in AA docs.
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Review Comparative Study
Magnesium deficiency in African-Americans: does it contribute to increased cardiovascular risk factors?
African-Americans are known to be disproportionately impacted by many chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular, and renal disease. Lower levels of dietary and serum magnesium have been associated with an increased prevalence of hypertension, insulin resistance, and diabetes. ⋯ This increased prevalence of hypomagnesemia may contribute to increased insulin resistance leading to accelerated atherosclerosis and premature death. Trials that correct magnesium status/levels among African-Americans, whether through dietary intervention or direct magnesium replacement/supplementation need to be completed to characterize this relationship more completely.
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Cardiovascular disease kills nearly as many Americans each year as the next seven leading causes of death combined. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease and most of its associated risk factors is markedly higher and increasing more rapidly among African Americans than in any other racial or ethnic group. Improving these statistics may be simply a matter of improving diet quality. ⋯ The benefits of nutrient-rich dietary patterns have been specifically tested in randomized, controlled trials emphasizing African American populations. These studies demonstrated proportionally greater benefits for African Americans without evidence of adverse effects such as symptoms of lactose intolerance. As currently promoted for the prevention of certain cancers and osteoporosis, regular consumption of diets that meet recommended nutrient intake levels might also be the most effective approach for reducing cardiovascular disease risk in African Americans.