Although chromium has received considerable media attention, scientific literature shows that magnesium has a more important role in regulating carbohydrate metabolism. Magnesium is involved in a number of reactions required for cells to uptake and metabolize glucose. Magnesium deficiency causes insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar levels (Paolisso et al 1990; Nadler et al 1993; Nadler et al 1995; Lefebvre et al 1994).

Approximately 68 percent of Americans are magnesium deficient. When magnesium-deficient individuals undertake a diet, they often become severely magnesium deficient, which aggravates insulin resistance and contributes to failure of the diet.