The Effects of Subchronic Intake of Magnesium Hydrocarbonate-Rich Mineral Water on Body Weight and Cardiovascular Variables in Rats With Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes

Abstract

Background/Aim: Optimal intake of magnesium minerals is essential in main-taining the coordinated physiological functions of cells, tissues and organs. The importance of this element is reflected in the fact that it is the fourth most abun-dant cation in the human body, participating as a cofactor in more than three hundred enzymatic reactions. Its presence is necessary for the proper function-ing of a number of vital functions, such as glycaemic control, the work of the heart and the vascular system and it can potentially play a role in the regulation of body weight. Aim of this study was to investigate the effects of subchronic intake of magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water on changes in body weight, organ weight and cardiovascular variables in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Methods: Wistar rats (n = 28) were divided into 4 groups: two control groups, on tap water (TW-C, n = 7) and magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water (MW-C, n = 7); and two experimental groups with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, on tap water (TW-DM, n = 7) and magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water (MW-DM, n = 7). The values of body weight, organ weight and cardiovascular parameters were compared after 6 weeks between control groups of rats on subchronic treatment with tap water (TW-C) and magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water (MW-C) and between groups with streptozotocin-induced diabetes on tap water (TW-DM) and with magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water (MW-DM). Results: By comparing the values of cardiovascular parameters between groups, significant (p < 0.05) positive effects of magnesium hydrocarbon-ate-rich water were registered on the values of systolic and pulse blood pressure in diabetic rats fed with magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water (MW-DM) compared to those fed with tap water (TW-DM). In contrast, no significant effect of magnesium hydrocarbonate on changes in body weight and organ weight was observed. Conclusion: Based on the results, the beneficial effects of magnesium hydro-carbonate-rich water in the regulation of blood pressure can be clearly ob-served. Potential effects on other cardiovascular variables and body weight and organ weight should be further investigated.