Three studies recently have highlighted the benefits of adequate magnesium intake in older adults.
Magnesium is an essential nutrient for the proper functioning of many tissues in the body, including cells in the brain. It has been estimated that about half of the population of industrialized countries, such as the United States, has a deficient intake of the mineral. Older people are thought to have an even greater risk of deficiency.
The first of the three studies was conducted at the Center for Learning and Memory at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China and published in the January issue of the journal Neuron. Researchers studied the effect of a magnesium dietary supplement on laboratory animals and found that magnesium enhanced many forms of cognitive function by increasing the number of functional synapses in the hippocampus portion of the brain, activation of key signaling molecules, and an enhancement of certain processes that are crucial for learning and memory.
The second study, featured in the February issue of Diabetes Care, found that postmenopausal women who had increased magnesium intake had reduced markers of systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Researchers from UCLA found that women ages 50 to 79 who had high intakes of the nutrient had lower levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor-a.
The third study involved the greater risk of brain-related health issues due to magnesium deficiency. Stroke, post-stroke complications, poor recovery from head trauma, and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are thought to be correlated with an inadequate magnesium intake. A study of over 17,000 Taiwan residents associated a lower incidence of stroke because of the higher levels of magnesium in the drinking water.
Foods that are particularly high in magnesium include whole grains, nuts, and leafy green vegetables. The average adult male needs about 400 milligrams a day. Females need about 300 milligrams.
Read more about the benefits of magnesium in the book “The Miracle of Magnesium" by Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D.,Medical Director, Vida Costa Spa. (FTC Disclosure – the author of this article received a printed sample copy of this book)
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