An update on magnesium and bone health

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Bone Metabolism
• Public Health

Background:

• A 2009 EFSA Panel established a link between dietary magnesium (Mg) and bone health.
• Numerous studies on Mg and bone health have been published since 2009, necessitating an updated review.
• Existing reviews have not comprehensively updated the evidence on Mg's role in bone health post-2009.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current evidence (since 2009) on the relationship between magnesium status (blood levels, dietary intake, supplementation) and bone health in humans.
• To evaluate the impact of Mg dietary intake and supplementation on bone mineral density and fracture risk.
• To synthesize findings on hypomagnesaemia and its association with osteoporosis.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of 28 eligible studies published since 2009.
• Studies analyzed included those on serum Mg concentration (9 studies), dietary Mg intake (12 studies), and Mg supplementation (7 studies).
• Consideration of Mg supplementation with other micronutrients since 1990.

Main Results:

• Lower serum Mg levels are associated with osteoporosis; 30-40% of subjects (mainly menopausal women) exhibit hypomagnesaemia.
• Approximately 20% of the population consumes less Mg than recommended, correlating with lower bone mineral density and increased fracture risk.
• Mg supplementation (citrate, carbonate, oxide; 250-1800 mg/day) consistently demonstrated benefits for bone mineral density and fracture risk.

Conclusions:

• Adequate magnesium intake and sufficient blood levels are vital for maintaining bone health.
• Dietary insufficiency and hypomagnesaemia are prevalent and linked to adverse bone health outcomes.
• Magnesium supplementation appears effective in improving bone mineral density and reducing fracture risk.