Colorectal tumor risk is reduced by magnesium
Functional deficiencies in magnesium are common and known to play a role in chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, both of which are tumor promoters. A study just published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition offers evidence that higher intakes of magnesium reduce colorectal tumor risk. The authors observe:
"Dietary magnesium might be related to colorectal tumor risk through the pivotal roles of magnesium in cellular metabolism, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation."
The compared the dietary intake of magnesium of 768 subjects with colorectal adenomas in comparison to 709 polyp-free control subjects. In addition they conducted a meta-analysis of 3 colorectal adenoma studies and 6 carcinoma studies. The association was apparent for individuals with a BMI equal to or greater than 24 or over age 55, or those with a more advanced colorectal tumor:
"The case-control study showed a nonsignificant inverse association between dietary magnesium intake and risk of colorectal adenomas. However, inverse associations were observed only in subjects with BMI (in kg/m2) ≥25, in subjects aged ≥55 y, and for advanced adenomas. Associations did not vary by the calcium-to-magnesium intake ratio. In the meta-analysis, every 100-mg/d increase in magnesium intake was associated with 13% lower risk of colorectal adenomas."
The authors conclude:
"Our findings support the hypothesis that higher intakes of dietary magnesium are associated with lower risk of colorectal tumors. The consumption of magnesium-rich foods may be a new avenue to explore further in the search for cancer-prevention strategies."
Since blood tests for minerals are very poor indicators (99% of magnesium is in the tissues, only 1% in the blood where it regulated differently) and hair analysis is completely unreliable for the purpose, what is the best way to objectively measure the tissue magnesium level? The ExaTest, analytical scanning electron microscopy (ASEM) and Elemental X-ray analysis, is a non-invasive and affordable method that measures the mineral content in buccal epithelial cells. This reliably correlates with mineral levels, including magnesium, in deep organ tissues.