Magnesium Deficiency Linked To Colorectal Cancer

A Swedish study found that women who had the lowest magnesium intake had the highest rates of colorectal cancer compared to women who had high magnesium intake. The study results also suggest that magnesium may help prevent colorectal cancer in women.

Study participants were 61,433 of Swedish women, ages 40 to 75, living in a region of central Sweden. Data gathering used mail-in questionnaire in compiling women’s dietary habits, weight, height and education. These women were enrolled in the study between 1987 and 1990. With a mean follow-up of 14.8 years, findings showed 805 women were diagnosed with colorectal cancer; 547 with colon cancer, and six with both colon and rectal cancer.

Investigators found women who had high magnesium intake generally consume more dietary fiber, zinc, beta-carotene, folate and vitamin B6, and ate less saturated fat.