A new study by Northwestern researchers shows that a lack of magnesium in the diet may increase chances of developing heart disease.

Magnesium can be found in dairy products such as skim milk, and fruits such as bananas and dried apricots, said Linda Van Horn, a researcher and professor of preventative medicine at NU’s Feinberg School of Medicine.

In the study of 4,646 men and women, researchers found that magnesium intake was inversely related to metabolic syndrome. That is, as people took in more magnesium — through food or vitamin supplements — their risk for having metabolic syndrome went down, said Ka He of Feinberg, who authored the paper. Metabolic syndrome includes factors such as the obesity of the abdomen — measured by the circumference of the waist — and high blood pressure, according to the National Institutes of Health.

The study measured magnesium intake and metabolic syndrome factors among 18- to 30-year-olds and continued to measure them during a period of 15 years. The findings indicate that young adults with higher magnesium intake have a lower risk of developing metabolic syndrome later in life.

“One cup of Honey Bunches of Oats has

24 mg of magnesium and a cup of oatmeal has 34 mg,” Van Horn said. “If you eat one of those cereals with a banana, that has 44 mg, and skim milk, with 40 mg, you’re on your way.”

The recommended daily intake of magnesium is 310 mg for adult women and 400 mg for adult men, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Although the study focused on magnesium, Van Horn said the key to being healthy is balance.

“All vitamins and minerals work together,” she said. “When you take an excess amount of one mineral, you change the balance of the others. What’s best is to take a multi-vitamin and eat a variety of foods.”

— Elizabeth Sabrio