Some previous studies have suggested that magnesium may be inversely related to hypertension (high blood pressure) – a risk factor for stroke. Susanna C Larsson, from the Karolinska Institutet (Sweden), and colleagues completed a meta-analysis the seven studies that involved 241,378 subjects. The team found that for every increase in magnesium intake of 100 mg per day, total stroke risk was reduced by 8% and ischemic stroke risk was reduced by 9%. The researchers posit that a number of potential mechanisms may be responsible for these risk reductions, most notably the blood-pressuring lowering effect of magnesium. The study authors conclude that: “Dietary magnesium intake is inversely associated with risk of stroke, specifically ischemic stroke.”
Magnesium Helps to Reduce Stroke Risk
For every 100 mg per-day increase in magnesium in the diet, stroke risk may decline by up to 9%.
Susanna C Larsson, Nicola Orsini, Alicja Wolk. “Dietary magnesium intake and risk of stroke: a meta-analysis of prospective studies.” Am J Clin Nutr., 95: 362-366; February 2012.
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