More Magnesium May Lower Death Risk

A growing body of evidence suggests that magnesium associates with heart health benefits, including to modulate blood pressure, inhibit platelet aggregation, and improve endothelial function. Spanish researchers completed a prospective study of subjects enrolled in the Prevention con Dieta Mediterranea (PREDIMED) study, in which participants at a high risk of cardiovascular risk were randomly assigned to consume a Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts or olive oil, or a low-fat control diet.  Following the subjects for five years, the team found that those with the highest average intakes of magnesium (442 mg/day) were at 59% reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality, a 37% reduction in cancer mortality, and a 34% reduction in all-cause mortality, as compared to those with the lowest average intakes of magnesium (312 mg/day).  The study authors conclude that: “Dietary magnesium intake was inversely associated with mortality risk in Mediterranean individuals at high risk of [cardiovascular disease].”