Oncological diseases are a major global public health concern. Magnesium deficiency is a complex condition and it is difficult to assess the magnesium status in a body as Mg serum levels have little correlation with the total body magnesium status. The aetiology of certain forms of cancer is partly related with an intake of magnesium, especially in colorectal cancer patients and in males. Thus, the aim of the present study has been to provide more recent data about magnesium dietary intake among oncological patients. We analysed 24-hour dietary reliable surveys from 304 participants aged ≥ 19 years old from the Clinical Department of Oncological Surgery, MSW Hospital, Olsztyn, Poland, from three wards: chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. Data were collected between January 2013 and April 2016. The mean magnesium dietary intake was 224±13 mg/d among women and 295±15 mg/d among men. When compared with the estimated average requirement of people over 30 years of age (265 mg/d for women, 350 mg/d for men), this was found insufficient. In addition, the magnesium intake decreased with increasing age (p < 0.01), and men had higher intakes of magnesium than women (p < 0.01). Slight variations were observed in certain groups distinguished according to education. Place of residence had the least effect on the magnesium status in analysed diets. Additionally, dietary magnesium supplementation was scarce and insufficient among the oncological patients (1%). Many oncological patients fail to consume adequate magnesium in their diets. Patient education is needed to adopt an adequate and balanced diet which will provide support for oncological treatment to be more effective.

23.1.2018