Magnesium is a crucial mineral for maintaining healthy bone structure and function.
In this Nutrition Network newsletter update, we will explore the various functions of magnesium in the body, its role in bone health, and the risks associated with magnesium deficiency.
Magnesium and Its Role in Bone Health Approximately 50% of magnesium in the body is present in our bones. Magnesium helps prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis by controlling hundreds of enzymatic reactions in cells that influence bone density. It is also required for the formation of proteins that help form bone and serves as a calcium regulator. Calcium metabolism is essential for bone health, and magnesium is required for secretion of Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), which increases the production of the active form of vitamin D and plays a role in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Magnesium also teams up with vitamin B6 to regulate the absorption of calcium into the bone, and it helps transport calcium out of the gastrointestinal tract to form bone tissue.
Risks Associated with Magnesium Deficiency Magnesium deficiency can alter calcium metabolism and the hormones that regulate calcium. Individuals with chronically low blood levels of calcium may actually be deficient in magnesium. Therefore, it is essential to maintain adequate magnesium levels to prevent bone loss and maintain bone health.
Magnesium Supplementation and Bone Health Research conducted at Yale University School of Medicine found that adolescent girls who were given magnesium supplements had significant increases in body mineral content in the hip bones and spine. Another study carried out in Turkey found that magnesium supplementation increased bone mineral density when used in the treatment of osteoporosis.
In conclusion, maintaining adequate magnesium levels is crucial for maintaining healthy bone structure and function. Magnesium plays a vital role in controlling enzymatic reactions, forming proteins, and regulating calcium metabolism, which are essential for bone health. Magnesium supplementation may help prevent bone loss and increase bone mineral density in those with low levels of magnesium. It is important to ensure a balanced and nutritious diet that includes magnesium-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables.
You can find more information and research references about magnesium, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and bone health on the ITL Health website: https://itlhealth.co.uk/articles/bone-health/magnesium-osteopenia-osteoporosis-and-bone-health