About 75% of hip, spine and forearm fractures occur in people aged 65 and over. Yet bone fractures are one of the most preventable causes of disability in older people.
There are no more studies on the benefits of calcium and vitamin D for bone health. But a new study from researchers at the University of Bristol in Britain suggests that magnesium is just as important in countering the risk of osteoporosis.
44% lower risk of fracture
Their study was based on a large sample of 2245 men who were clinically followed for 20 years. During this time, the researchers found that those with the lowest levels of magnesium had a significantly higher risk of bone fracture and specifically hip fracture.
While the men with the highest levels of magnesium were 44% less likely to suffer from a fracture. None of the 22 men with the highest level of magnesium in the blood had a fracture during the 20 years of the study.
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However, the researchers recognize that trials of magnesium supplementation will be necessary before concluding on the potential therapeutic implications. The magnesium provided by food is indeed not sufficient to increase the level of magnesium in the blood, in particular in elderly people who often suffer from gastrointestinal disorders.
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