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Risk of dietary magnesium deficiency is low in most African countries based on food supply data

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Abstract

Background

Dietary mineral deficiencies are widespread in Africa. Our previous studies in Malawi revealed population-level shortfalls in dietary calcium and selenium supply but adequate dietary magnesium (Mg) supply. Here we examine dietary Mg supply throughout Africa.

Methods

Food supply data from 1961 to 2007 were compiled using Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Food Balance Sheets (FBSs). Magnesium supply was estimated for each country using regional food Mg composition tables.

Results

Mean Mg supply in 2007 was 649 mg capita −1 d−1, ranging from 188 mg d−1 in Eritrea to 1,828 mg d−1 in Burkina Faso. Magnesium supply was greater in West Africa than in other regions, was dominated by sorghum, maize and wheat and was correlated with calorie supply. The World Health Organization (WHO) Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for Mg (217 mg capita −1 d−1 for adult males) was exceeded in most countries. Using the EAR cut-point method, the risk of dietary Mg deficiency in Africa is <4 % and unlikely to be a major problem, assuming access to sufficient food and that phytic acid does not compromise Mg absorption.

Conclusions

Estimating Mg supply is highly sensitive to concentration data available for the primary staple crops. Given that soil factors profoundly affect crop Mg concentration, there is a need to increase the spatial resolution of food composition tables for the staple crops.

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Acknowledgements

Author contributions to this study were funded by the British Geological Survey and the University of Nottingham.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK

    Edward J. M. Joy, Scott D. Young, Colin R. Black & Martin R. Broadley

  2. British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK

    Edward J. M. Joy, E. Louise Ander & Michael J. Watts

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  1. Edward J. M. Joy
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  2. Scott D. Young
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  3. Colin R. Black
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  4. E. Louise Ander
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  5. Michael J. Watts
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  6. Martin R. Broadley
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Correspondence to Martin R. Broadley.

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Responsible Editor: Ismail Cakmak.

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Joy, E.J.M., Young, S.D., Black, C.R. et al. Risk of dietary magnesium deficiency is low in most African countries based on food supply data. Plant Soil 368, 129–137 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-012-1388-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-012-1388-z

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