Journal Watch

• Researchers continue to investigate the various roles magnesium plays in maintaining health. Click on the links below for information on the latest clinical research being done on magnesium in the U.S. and abroad.

• Am. J. Epidemiol. 2006; 163: 232-235
  Findings from a 17-year study of 35,196 women "offer further evidence that a diet high in magnesium may reduce the occurrence of colon cancer among women."

• JAMA. 2005; 293:86-89
  Population-based prospective study of 61,433 women suggests that a high magnesium intake may reduce the occurrence of colorectal cancer in women.

• Diabetes Care. 2004; 27: 134-140
  Findings from two large prospective studies provide ‘strong and consistent’ evidence to support an inverse association between magnesium intake and diabetes risk.

• Am J Hypertens. Feb, 2005; 18(2):261-9
  Findings highlight the possible importance of tailored nutritional recommendations for hypertension based on hypertension category and individual dietary practices.

• Diabetes Care. 2004; 27: 59-65
  Findings from the Women’s Health Study support a protective role of higher intake of magnesium in reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially in overweight women.

• J Am Coll Nutr 2004; 23: 694S-700
  “Mg deficiency during pregnancy can induce maternal, fetal, and pediatric consequences that might last throughout life. Studies of gestational Mg deficiency in animals show that Mg deficiency may have marked effects on parturition and postuterine involution.

• Magnes Res. Sep, 2004; 17(3):183-8
  The results of the study revealed a positive influence of supplementation on concentrations of magnesium and copper in the human body. Supplementation with magnesium caused a statistically significant decrease in concentrations of lead and cadmium.

• Am J Cardiol. Sep 15, 2003; 92(6):665-9.
  The longitudinal data in this study provide further evidence for an association between dietary magnesium intake and the future risk of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). Observed effects were independent of other risk factors, including the intake of total kilocalories and concomitant nutrients

News Room

• ARS Community Nutrition Research Group (CNRG) reports data from its online Community Nutrition Map (CNMap) indicating that only about 32 percent of the U.S. population met the RDA-DRI for magnesium.

• Published every five years by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture, the Guidelines provide authoritative advice for people two years and older about how good dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases.