Association between magnesium deficiency scores and hip bone health in adults: a population-based study

Studies on magnesium and bone health in the literature are conflicting. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between Magnesium Deficiency Score (MDS) and indicators of hip bone health in adults. This study analysed data from the NHANES in 13,259 US adults aged ≥20 years. Outcome measures included bone mineral density (BMD) (total femur, femoral neck, trochanter, intertrochanter, and Ward's triangle), osteoporosis, history of hip fracture, and FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool) score. Weighted linear regression and logistic regression models were used to assess the association between MDS and the outcomes. Trend tests were also performed to analyse the presence of a dose-response relationship. Subgroup analyses were performed by age and sex. After adjusting for all covariates, we found a significant age-stratified effect between MDS and hip bone health. In the elderly population aged ≥60 years, there was a higher risk of decline in Ward's triangle and femoral neck BMD, a higher risk of osteoporosis (OR =1.27, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.50; P trend =0.006), and higher FRAX scores as MDS scores increased. However, this negative effect was significantly attenuated in individuals <60 years. No association was found between MDS and a history of hip fracture. In addition, no sex-stratified effect was found between MDS and the outcome measures described above. The risk of severe magnesium deficiency significantly affects hip bone health in older adults, increasing the risk of subsequent fractures. Future studies should explore more detailed mechanisms associated with the role of magnesium in skeletal physiology and pathology.