Magnesium May Decrease Colon Cancer Risk in Men
Lee Swanson Research Update
Intakes of the mineral of at least 327 mg per day were found to reduce the risk of colon cancer by 52%, compared to intakes of less than 238 mg per day. No benefits were observed in women. The findings were published in the Journal of Nutrition.
Being an epidemiological study, the findings do not prove causality, and additional studies, particularly randomized trials, are needed to confirm the findings, said researchers from Japan's National Cancer Center in Tokyo.
Dietary sources of magnesium include green, leafy vegetables, meats, starches, grains, nuts, and milk. Earlier dietary surveys show that many adults do not meet the RDA for magnesium (320 mg per day for women and 420 mg per day for men).
The Japanese researchers recruited 87,117 people with an average age of 57 and followed their histories for about eight years. Dietary intakes were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Average intakes of magnesium for men and women were 284 mg and 279 mg per day.
During the course of the study, 689 and 440 cases of colorectal cancer in men and women were documented.
Men with the highest average intakes of magnesium (at least 327 mg per day) were associated with a 52% lower risk of colon, but not rectal, cancer compared to men who consumed the lowest average intakes.
"Increased intake of magnesium-rich foods is recommended if other studies, including randomized controlled trials, confirm our findings," the researchers concluded.
Journal of Nutrition Published online ahead of print.
March 2010
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