Sufficient Magnesium Intake Reduces Retinal Vein Occlusion Risk: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Analysis.

Background/

Objectives

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a major cause of vision loss globally. Although magnesium (Mg) is crucial for vascular health, its association with RVO risk is unknown. Thus, we aimed to further examine this association.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included participants of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2021 aged ≥19 years (n = 16,358). RVO diagnosis was based on fundus imaging or was self-reported. Based on their daily Mg intake, we categorized participants into low (<120 mg), intermediate (men: 120-300 mg; women: 120-400 mg), and sufficient (men: ≥300 mg; women: ≥400 mg) intake groups and compared their characteristics across groups.

Results

RVO prevalence was 0.7%. Compared to the non-RVO group, the RVO group was characterized by older individuals, fewer current alcohol consumers, a higher prevalence of hypertension and chronic kidney disease, and a lower intake of fiber, iron, calcium, vitamin E, and Mg. After full adjustment, sufficient Mg intake was significantly associated with a 64% reduced risk of RVO (odds ratio [OR] 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18-0.71, p = 0.003). This association was particularly notable among individuals aged 19-59 years (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04-0.82, p = 0.027), those with hypertension (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.13-0.67, p = 0.003), and those without glaucoma (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.15-0.71, p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Sufficient Mg intake may reduce RVO risk among adults aged <60 years, individuals with hypertension, and those without glaucoma. Further research should validate the benefits of Mg supplementation in preventing RVO.