# Diversity Supplement

> **NIH NIH R01** · GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $138,409

## Abstract

Abstract
 The proposed diversity supplement extends the parent grant's research on magnesium
(Mg) supplementation in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and heart failure (HF), examining its
differential impact across diverse racial, ethnic, and gender groups. This research addresses the
knowledge gap surrounding the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements, particularly in the
absence of FDA approval and comprehensive post-marketing surveillance. Preliminary data from
the parent grant's pilot study suggest that Mg supplementation may reduce HF risk in patients
with DM and enhance outcomes in those with HF. Given the substantial impact of HF and DM on
millions of Americans, further investigation is essential. The diversity supplement comprises three
specific aims to investigate Mg supplementation's role in diverse subpopulations. Aim 1 focuses
on patients with DM from the parent grant, investigating whether oral Mg supplementation is
associated with reduced incident HF risk, varying by race, sex, and ethnicity, with sub-hypotheses
examining differences among African-American, Hispanic, and male Veterans. Aim 2
concentrates on patients with incident HF, exploring the relationship between oral Mg
supplementation and the risk of death and hospitalization among HF patients, considering diverse
populations. Aim 3 seeks to understand provider and patient perspectives on self-reported
consumption of over-the-counter Mg supplementation in the context of HF prevention and
management. Aims 1 and 2 will be achieved by interrogating the Veterans Affairs (VA) national
EHR data that includes over 2 million Veterans with DM and 1 million with HF with ~20 years of
longitudinal data on Mg supplements, serum Mg, and outcomes. As for Aim 3, in identifying and
recruiting participants for the provider group, we will employ a strategic snowball sampling
approach, guided by local champions. This method will facilitate the formation of two distinct focus
groups: one comprising patients and the other consisting of physicians. The findings generated
by this proposed supplement will offer valuable insights into the disparities in HF incidence and
outcomes among different demographic groups, particularly those defined by race, ethnicity, and
gender, while shedding light on the potential influence of mg supplementation in mitigating these
disparities. This research addresses a critical gap in cardiovascular literature and has the potential
to inform targeted interventions for at-risk populations and promote health equity in the context of
HF.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10984593
- **Project number:** 3R01HL156518-04S1
- **Recipient organization:** GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** ALI AHMED
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $138,409
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2021-09-16 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10984593

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10984593, Diversity Supplement (3R01HL156518-04S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10984593. Licensed CC0.

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