English: Averages (%) of foods containing appropriate magnesium levels (to achieve adequate magnesium intake) based on the proposed method in food groups. All high magnesium (excellent source of magnesium) and magnesium source (good source of magnesium) foods, excluding high magnesium and magnesium source baby foods, are based on the reference energy intake of 2,000 kcal for adults and children aged 4 years and older. High magnesium and magnesium source baby foods are based on the reference energy intake of 1,000 kcal for children 1 through 3 years of age.

About 97.2% of foods contained magnesium. On the basis of the proposed method, the average (%) of foods containing appropriate magnesium levels in food groups was 13.81%, of which 10.7% was the average of magnesium source (good source of magnesium) foods, and 3.11% was the average of high magnesium (excellent source of magnesium) foods. Legumes and legume products with 64.84%, nut and seed products with 54.41%, baby foods with 53.7%, breakfast cereals with 35.34%, and cereal grains and pasta with 32.04% had the highest averages of foods containing appropriate magnesium levels. Foods containing appropriate magnesium levels were not found in five food groups (beef products; fats and oils; pork products; sausages and luncheon meats; spices and herbs) and were few in 11 food groups (fast foods; lamb, veal, and game products; poultry products; baked products; fruits and fruit juices; soups, sauces, and gravies; sweets; restaurant foods; dairy and egg products; meals, entrees, and side dishes; beverages).

Suggested citation: Forouzesh, Abed; Forouzesh, Fatemeh; Samadi Foroushani, Sadegh; Forouzesh, Abolfazl. A new method for calculating magnesium content and determining appropriate magnesium levels in foods. SSRN 2022. DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.4133396