Magnesium May Help Reduce Colon Cancer Risk

With a major role in the metabolism of glucose, magnesium is a mineral that is essential for the production of cellular energy and to manufacture protein. G-C Chen, from Soochow University (China), and colleagues analyzed data from eight prospective studies involving 338,979 subjects, with data available for 8,000 cases of colorectal cancer. The team revealed that the highest average intakes of magnesium associated with an 11% reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer, as compared with those consuming the lowest intakes of the mineral. In further analysis that was restricted to the six studies that adjusted for calcium intake, the data showed that the risk of colon cancer was 19% lower, and that for rectal cancer 6% lower, for the highest average magnesium intakes. The study authors conclude that: " On the basis of the findings of this meta-analysis, a higher magnesium intake seems to be associated with a modest reduction in the risk of [colorectal cancer], in particular, colon cancer.”