Low blood magnesium levels lead to an increased risk of DNA damage, and by domino effect chronic degenerative disorders.
- Low magnesium levels increase the risk of several diseases.
- A strong link between low magnesium levels and high amounts of a genotoxic amino acid called homocysteine has been identified.
- The study shows that this damages humans’ DNA, making them more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, gastrointestinal diseases and various cancers.
Cocoa, sunflower or sesame seeds, Brazil nuts, seafood, whole grains, spinach… You have every interest in incorporating these magnesium-rich foods into your diet. A new study from the University of South Australia (UniSA) reveals that low levels of the mineral in the body increase the risk of DNA damage and chronic degenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes, cancers, etc.).
Low magnesium levels increase the risk of diseases
To determine the effect of magnesium deficiency on health, the researchers analyzed blood samples from 172 middle-aged adults. They found a strong link between low magnesium levels – that is, less than 18 mg/L – and high amounts of a genotoxic amino acid called homocysteine.
“Blood levels of magnesium, homocysteine (Hcy), folate and vitamin B12 were measured, showing an inverse correlation between magnesium and Hcy and a positive correlation between magnesium, folate and vitamin B12. This indicates that sufficiently high levels of magnesium in the blood are essential to protect our genes from homocysteine toxicity, which increases when folate and vitamin B12 are deficient.”explains Dr Permal Deo, a molecular biologist at UniSA, in a press release issued on August 12, 2024.
The team notes that high levels of homocysteine are known to damage genes, making people more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, various cancers and diabetes.
Magnesium: at least 300 mg/day to reduce risks
Professor Michael Fenech, co-author of this study published in theEuropean Journal of Nutritionputs forward a hypothesis to explain the link between the mineral and the “health” of DNA. He suggests that a chronic magnesium deficiency disrupts the body’s ability to produce energy within cells. This would cause accelerated aging of tissues and make it more vulnerable to the early onset of many pathologies.
The current recommendation from health professionals for magnesium is 380 mg/day for adult men and 300 mg/day for women. The Australian team plans to continue its work to refine knowledge about the mineral.
“The next step is to determine the optimal dietary intake of magnesium, whether through foods or supplements, and how this might impact the onset or progression of cancer and other chronic diseases.”adds Professor Fenech.
