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Magnesium in drinking water - a case for prevention?
1BioFact Environmental Health Research Centre, Bjorkasvagen 21, 44391 Lerum, Sweden
Adding magnesium alone to drinking water is not supported by evidence for preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Calcium and magnesium together may be beneficial, but optimal proportions are unknown.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality shows geographical variations linked to drinking water mineral content.
- Magnesium in drinking water has been specifically associated with reduced CVD risk, prompting suggestions for its addition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the scientific evidence supporting the addition of minerals, particularly magnesium, to drinking water for CVD prevention.
- To analyze epidemiological and intervention data concerning calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate in relation to CVD mortality.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and analysis of major epidemiological studies on drinking water mineral content (calcium, magnesium, hardness).
- Evaluation of exposure specificity, confounding factors, dose-response relationships, and biological plausibility.
- Analysis of relevant intervention experiments.
Main Results:
- Drinking water content of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and bicarbonate (HCO3-) is associated with CVD mortality risk.
- The interplay between Ca and Mg is crucial; they should be considered together.
- Bicarbonate may influence CVD risk by affecting the body's acid load.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence does not justify the sole addition of magnesium to drinking water for CVD prevention.
- Combined administration of Ca and Mg may offer benefits, but optimal ratios require further investigation.
- Further research is needed to determine the specific mineral compositions of water for cardiovascular health benefits.
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