A lack of magnesium accelerates aging of human cells, which could be linked to an increased risk of age-related diseases, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Magnesium is essential for hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body. Helps maintain normal function of muscles and nerves, maintains regular heart rhythm and stronger bones.

However, research has shown that, at least in the United States, more than half of the population lacks magnesium due to deficiencies in their diet, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis and some types of cancer.

To try to understand why magnesium deficiency predisposes people to disease, Bruce Ames and researchers at Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute in California (west) studied the long-term effects of moderate magnesium deficiency in human fibroblasts, cells that provide a structural framework to many body tissues.

They cultured the cells during its lifetime, a period of three to four months, to mimic the effects of lack of magnesium.

And found that although the cells survived and divided normally under low magnesium, seemed to age faster than cells with normal magnesium concentrations.

“Magnesium deficiency affects the way cells age. Accelerated cellular aging and affects the way tissue work,” said David Killilea, scientist at the Center for Nutrition and Metabolism at Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute.

“Now we believe that the cellular consequences of magnesium deficiency may lead to chronic diseases,” he added.

Despite the finding, it is difficult to make a diagnosis and treatment for moderate magnesium deficiency because there is not a good indicator of this condition laboratory.

“You could have a moderate magnesium deficiency for a long time without knowing it,” said Killilea.

Foods rich in magnesium include green vegetables like spinach, beans, nuts and whole grains.

Taken from laprensahn.com