Most people don’t get enough of the minerals magnesium and zinc. Both are necessary for the functioning of hundreds of enzymes, which are the basis of healthy metabolism. They protect cells from adverse effects due to their strong antioxidant properties. Metabolic malfunctions are typical for people with type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular diseases; when the body’s antioxidant system is depleted, it cannot serve its function properly. Magnesium- and zinc deficiency both negatively impact the course of these illnesses, so it’s reasonable to assume that their supplementation would improve a patient’s condition.

A randomized controlled trial published in 2020 divided 60 participants into two groups. All participants had type two diabetes and some form of cardiovascular disease. The members of one group got a daily dose of 250 mg magnesium and 150 mg zinc for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, the values which most affect the course of their illnesses were compared. Such values include blood sugar levels, insulin levels, and CRP levels, which show inflammatory processes; the antioxidant capacity of their bodies were further tested, as well as their disposition for depression.

After 12 weeks, the following positive changes were observable in the people who supplemented magnesium and zinc:

• Fasting blood glucose levels dropped by 9.44 mg/dL
• Insulin levels dropped by 1.37 μIU/mL
• HDL-cholesterol levels increased by 2.09 mg/dL (higher levels are beneficial for the cardiovascular system)
• C-reactive protein dropped by 0.85 mg/L
• All over antioxidant capacity increased by  43.44 mmol/L
• According to a specially designed and reliable test, depression indexes dropped by several points

In conclusion, combined zinc and magnesium supplementation positively impacted the risk factor values relevant to type two diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Notably, the form of magnesium used for the study was magnesium oxide, which  absorbs very poorly. A more easily absorbable form would’ve probably yielded even better results.