Higher serum iron concentrations are associated with increased odds of obstructive sleep apnea, while intermediate magnesium concentrations are associated with lower odds of OSA

The Claim

Higher serum iron concentrations are associated with increased odds of obstructive sleep apnea, while intermediate magnesium concentrations are associated with lower odds of OSA

This conclusion is most relevant to: Adults recruited from a sleep disorders center in western Iran (54 with OSA, 45 controls).

What the Research Shows

The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:

• ▸Association Between Serum Trace Elements and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Multiple-Exposure Models. (Journal of preventive medicine and public health = Yebang Uihakhoe chi, 2026) — In a cross-sectional study of 99 participants (54 with OSA, 45 controls), serum iron levels were significantly higher in OSA patients (P=0.04), and higher iron levels were associated with greater odds of OSA (P for trend=0.02). Participants in the fourth iron quartile had borderline higher odds of OSA (OR=3.00, 95% CI: 0.96-10.00, P=0.06), while those in the second and third magnesium quartiles had lower odds (Q2: OR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.09-0.96; Q3: OR=0.26, 95% CI: 0.07-0.82). The overall metal mixture was not significantly associated with OSA (β=-0.22, P=0.59).

How It Works

The proposed biological pathway:

• ▸Trace elements like iron and magnesium may influence oxidative stress and inflammation, which are implicated in OSA pathophysiology.
• ▸Higher iron levels could promote oxidative damage or alter neurotransmitter regulation, potentially contributing to upper airway collapsibility.
• ▸Intermediate magnesium levels may improve muscle relaxation or reduce sympathetic activity, lowering OSA risk.
• ▸Result: Higher iron is associated with increased OSA odds, while intermediate magnesium is associated with reduced OSA odds.

Who Might Benefit

Evidence fit by population:

• ▸Adults recruited from a sleep disorders center in western Iran (54 with OSA, 45 controls)

Recommended Dose

N/A

Limitations & Caveats

Important context when interpreting this evidence:

• ▸Cross-sectional design cannot establish causality.
• ▸Small sample size (n=99) and single-center recruitment may limit generalizability.
• ▸Potential residual confounding from unmeasured factors (e.g., diet, comorbidities).
• ▸The association for iron was borderline significant (P=0.06) and the overall metal mixture was not significant.

Frequently Asked Questions