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Study links magnesium levels in the body to aging and longevity

February 8, 2021

  • A new study published in 2021 finds a link between magnesium deficiency and aging
  • Investigating declining magnesium levels in the body of the elderly, the study discussed the causes of deficiency and how it affected health and longevity 
  • The study authors inferred that ensuring sufficient magnesium levels through diet or supplementation can reduce the risk of aging-related health conditions and improve longevity

A study published on the 30th of January 2021 has demonstrated how levels of magnesium ions in the body could influence health and ultimately longevity   Magnesium ions play an important role in the body’s biological processes, including energy production, breakdown of glucose and proteins, muscle contraction, and many other biochemical processes. Magnesium is also crucial for optimal cell and organ functioning. Over the last few decades, researchers have been studying the importance of this nutrient and analyzing how a shortage in the body can lead to several diseases.  While mild magnesium deficit usually does not lead to any symptoms, it has been associated with sleep disorders, asthenia, hyperemotionality, and cognitive problems in the elderly. These signs are easily confused with age-related symptoms. A chronic deficit of magnesium in the body has been linked to more severe conditions including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and even cancer.  Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination (NHANES) shows that aging is a risk factor for the inadequacy of magnesium ions in the body. Particularly, chronic deficiency has been demonstrated as quite common among older adults in western countries. It is important to note that this age-related deficiency has an adverse impact since the body’s requirements for magnesium do not change with age. Magnesium shortage in the body has been primarily associated with insufficient dietary intake. The intestine’s ability to absorb magnesium naturally decreases with age and may be worsened by reduced vitamin D levels in the body.  Increased loss of magnesium through urine is another primary cause of inadequacy. This is as a result of reduced kidney function — which is common in the elderly.  Drugs such as anti-acids, antihistamines, antivirals, and antibiotics that are commonly used by the elderly may cause secondary deficit by increasing magnesium loss through urine. Several age-related diseases have also been shown to be a contributor to secondary deficiency.  Magnesium plays an important role in stable cell functioning. Any deficiency exposes cells to oxidation that may weaken immune system performance. It may also negatively impact the integrity of the cellular structure, reduce energy generation in cells, and increase exposure to dangerous DNA mutations. All in all, the study observed that insufficiency of magnesium contributed to cellular deterioration with age. It is thus important for the elderly to realize how they can ensure sufficient magnesium intake to guard against these negative effects.  The goal is to consume enough dietary magnesium (through drinking water or food) or take alternative supplements to correct deficits and maintain optimal balance throughout life. This ultimately prevents oxidative stress and chronic conditions associated with aging, as well as reduces changes that have been associated with reduced life expectancy.

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