----- "Ron Hoggan" <[log in to unmask]> wrote: 
> Hi Todd, 
> Thanks for the interesting post. Mg can be helpful for weight loss 
> because Mg supplements can increase insulin sensitivity (1). I have 
> noticed that I require more Mg when I eat carbohydrates. Otherwise I 
> become constipated. I have supplemented at least 250 mg of Mg/day for 
> the last ~15 years. When eating significant carbohydrates I have to 
> increase that to 500 mg/day. As long as I keep my Mg intake congruent 
> with my diet, I don't seem to have any signs of insulin resistance. On 
> a few occasions I have not increased my Mg when eating carbs and 
> constipation quickly reminds me that I need more Mg. Insulin resistance 
> would inhibit movement of insulin sensitive amino acids into the cells, 
> which may also suggest why you were very hungry on a high fat, high 
> protein diet. 

Thanks Ron, that's some very interesting information. For people who are not very strict about paleo, a couple of other things are worth noting. Alcohol contributes to Mg depletion, so those who enjoy a glass of wine on a regular basis may have a higher need for Mg supplementation. Apparently diet sodas, particular colas, also deplete Mg. I don't know if this is related to the caffeine or something else. If depleted Mg increases insulin resistance, this could help to explain why diet sodas seem to cause weight gain, even though studies of their direct action on insulin release have been equivocal. I've been through diet soda addiction more than once--it's very easy to fall into. I haven't generally found that it causes weight gain, but I do notice that I have trouble losing weight if I drink much of the stuff. 

As a general principle, then, since insulin resistance is the engine of Metabolic Syndrome, it's worth spreading the word that Mg supplementation may help. 

Todd