Magnesium Helps to Reduce Stroke Risk

Some previous studies have suggested that magnesium may be inversely related to hypertension (high blood pressure) – a risk factor for stroke.  Susanna C Larsson, from the Karolinska Institutet (Sweden), and colleagues completed a meta-analysis the seven studies that involved 241,378 subjects. The team found that for every increase in magnesium intake of 100 mg per day, total stroke risk was reduced by 8% and ischemic stroke risk was reduced by 9%. The researchers posit that a number of potential mechanisms may be responsible for these risk reductions, most notably the blood-pressuring lowering effect of magnesium. The study authors conclude that: "Dietary magnesium intake is inversely associated with risk of stroke, specifically ischemic stroke.”