An update on magnesium and bone health

Abstract

In 2009 EFSA Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of magnesium (Mg) and maintenance of normal bone. After 2009, numerous studies have been published, but no reviews have made an update on this topic. So, the aim of this narrative review was to consider the state of the art since 2009 on relationship between Mg blood levels, Mg dietary intake and Mg dietary supplementation (alone or with other micronutrients; this last topic has been considered since 1990, because it is not included in the EFSA claims) and bone health in humans. This review included 28 eligible studies: nine studies concern Mg blood, 12 studies concern Mg intake and seven studies concern Mg supplementation, alone or in combination with other nutrients. From the various studies carried out on the serum concentration of Mg and its relationship with the bone, it has been shown that lower values are related to the presence of osteoporosis, and that about 30–40% of the subjects analyzed (mainly menopausal women) have hypomagnesaemia. Various dietetic investigations have shown that many people (about 20%) constantly consume lower quantities of Mg than recommended; moreover, in this category, a lower bone mineral density and a higher fracturing risk have been found. Considering the intervention studies published to date on supplementation with Mg, most have used this mineral in the form of citrate, carbonate or oxide, with a dosage varying between 250 and 1800 mg. In all studies there was a benefit both in terms of bone mineral density and fracture risk.

The Impact of Multispecies Probiotics on Calcium and Magnesium Status in Healthy Male Rats

“…It is known that magnesium plays a crucial role in bone health. A positive association between serum Mg, calcium, parathyroid hormone, and osteocalcin was found [ 28 ]. It is found that balancing calcium and magnesium is important to maintain optimal bone density.…”

Cross-Talks between the Cardiovascular Disease-Sarcopenia-Osteoporosis Triad and Magnesium in Humans

“…A link between magnesemia and fracture risk has been shown in the literature [137,138]. Lower-than-recommended daily Mg intake (265 mg/day in many studies) is linked to a lower bone mineral density, and a higher fracture risk is observed [133].…”

“…In humans, a few reviews have updated knowledge on Mg and bone health [5,132,133]. A recent narrative review [133] identified 28 studies since 2009 on the link between Mg and bone in adults, mostly postmenopausal women, considering blood Mg values, Mg intake, and Mg supplementation.…”

“…In humans, a few reviews have updated knowledge on Mg and bone health [5,132,133]. A recent narrative review [133] identified 28 studies since 2009 on the link between Mg and bone in adults, mostly postmenopausal women, considering blood Mg values, Mg intake, and Mg supplementation. Lower blood Mg values are globally associated with osteoporosis, and 30-40% of the analyzed studies reported patients with hypomagnesemia.…”

“…The different reference ranges for the dietary Mg intake requirement (265 mg/day [140], cut off values (<206 mg/day) [141], or use of quintiles [9] for analysis limit comparisons between studies. Studies performed over the last decade have shown that 20% of the general population consume less Mg than recommended, and have a lower bone mineral density and a higher fracture risk [9,133,137,142]. Supplementation studies in persons with postmenopausal osteoporosis and/or those >60 years old are limited.…”