Magnesium Intake Linked to Reduced Colon Cancer Risk

Consuming more magnesium may reduce the risk for colon cancer, according to a recent study.

The human body contains large amounts of the element magnesium. Magnesium is involved in more than 300 chemical reactions. Magnesium sulfate has a long history of use for the treatment of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine) and eclampsia (a toxic condition that can lead to seizures) in pregnant women. Studies on magnesium have shown it to be effective for the treatment of acute childhood asthma. Some studies have also shown benefit for the treatment of several heart disorders.

In a new study, researchers conducted a comprehensive literature search for well-designed clinical trials evaluating the potential association between magnesium intake and colorectal cancer risk. Eight studies including 338,979 individuals were ultimately identified for inclusion.

From the 338,979 study participants, 8,000 colorectal cancer cases were reported. Through data analyses, the researchers found that individuals with the highest magnesium intake had an 11 percent reduced risk of colorectal cancer when compared to those with the lowest. Furthermore, high magnesium intake was associated with a 19 percent reduced risk and six percent reduced risk for colon cancer and rectal cancer, respectively.

The authors concluded that high magnesium intake may be linked to reduced colorectal cancer risk, principally colon cancer risk. Further research is warranted.

In addition to magnesium, there is recent evidence that supplementation with probiotics (oligofructose-enriched insulin, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 (BB12)) may help reduce the risk of colon cancer. Additionally, early research suggests that diets including psyllium may reduce the risk for colon cancer. More studies are needed

For more information about integrative therapies that may reduce colon cancer risk, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

For more information about magnesium, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements Database.

Comments

[Nicole]

I have a family history of colon cancer and am often asked about prevention. Recommending magnesium supplementation will be an excellent option if it is tolerated (does not cause diarrhea).

[JH]

Not only magnesium reduces colon cancer risk, magnesium supplementation can also help lower high blood pressure, decrease the symptoms of PMS, lower the risk of developing diabetes, help depression, anxiety and reduce migraine symptoms. Magnesium has been shown to help muscle cramps, constipation, kidney stones, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, insomnia, and asthma. magnesium is also needed for calcium to be used by bone.

[ML]

I had recently read the Pre-eclampsia webinar. It’s great to find out that magnesium has so many benefits and it is in many people’s diets. This will be a great natural option for prevention of colon cancer. Magnesium supplementation can be an addition to other preventative measures such as exercise.

[JH]

Magnesium is also essential for the proper functioning of the heart. it's role in preventing heart disease and strokes has been proven. Numerous double-blind studies have showing its beneficial effects for many types of arrhythmias as well as in angina due to either a spasm of the coronary artery or atherosclerosis.

[GP]

The one thing all of these (magnesium, probiotics, psyllium) all have in common is that reduce constipation and colonic transit time. That means that anything in your intestines that might be harmful and cancerous now is expelled quicker. It is well-known that fiber can reduce the risk for colon cancer (and conversely, that a low-fiber diet is a risk factor for colon cancer), because fiber helps speed things along. I bet magnesium helps to reduce cancer in a similar way. Just be careful you don’t get too much of a good thing- as high amounts of magnesium can cause diarrhea. As far as using magnesium to treat pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, I once heard magnesium described as “nature’s calcium-channel blocker.” Many people say that it helps relax muscles as well.

[ss]

Magnesium has been identified as effective in treating several conditions. Results of an extensive review of well-designed trials focusing on colorectal cancer should encourage practitioners to consider advising patients to take magnesium supplements and probiotics to promote better digestive health. This study is a step forward because colorectal cancer is so prevalent. It also points to the need for greater collaboration among researchers.

[nb]

Colorectal cancer risk increases with a sedentary lifestyle and high-fat/low-fiber diet, obesity, etc in addition to family history. This picture fits the modern American lifestyle perfectly, and it is not surprise that colon cancer affects about 150,000 Americans annually. Although this type of cancer isn't as prevalent as some other cancers such as lung or breast cancer, this is still a plaguing disease that must be prevented. In addition to getting screened for colorectal cancer after the age of 50, incorporating more magnesium into our diets such as from buckwheat, oat bran, artichokes, almonds, pine nuts etc. would be essential. I have a family history of multiple types of cancers, so I would need to do some research on how to incorporate more magnesium into my diet. Thanks for uploading this study.

[xr]

Colon cancer risk is something I talk about often with patients in my pharmacy, usually when they are picking up medications to prepare for colonoscopies. It is great to see such a large-scale patient population showing effectiveness of magnesium on decreasing colon cancer risk. I am happy to have another natural option to decrease this risk in addition to the usual probiotics and fiber. I also did not realize that magnesium was so helpful in the treatment of eclampsia and pre-eclampsia; this is not something I see often in my workplace, but great information to store away for a later day. Thanks!