Category Archives: Magnesium

Magnesium Deficiency Reduces Bone Mass in Rats

Abstract

Effects of magnesium intake deficiency on bone metabolism and bone tissue around osseointegrated implants.

This study evaluated the effect of magnesium dietary deficiency on bone metabolism and bone tissue around implants with established osseointegration.
For this, 30 rats received an implant in the right tibial metaphysis. After 60 days for healing of the implants, the animals were divided into groups according to the diet received. Control group (CTL) received a standard diet with adequate magnesium content, while test group (Mg) received the same diet except for a 90% reduction of magnesium. The animals were sacrificed after 90 days for evaluation of calcium, magnesium, osteocalcin and parathyroid hormone (PTH) serum levels and the deoxypyridinoline (DPD) level in the urine. The effect of magnesium deficiency on skeletal bone tissue was evaluated by densitometry of the lumbar vertebrae, while the effect of bone tissue around titanium implants was evaluated by radiographic measurement of cortical bone thickness and bone density. The effect on biomechanical characteristics was verified by implant removal torque testing.
Magnesium dietary deficiency resulted in a decrease of the magnesium serum level and an increase of PTH and DPD levels (P ≤ 0.05). The Mg [deficient] group also presented a loss of systemic bone mass, decreased cortical bone thickness and lower values of removal torque of the implants (P ≤ 0.01).
The present study concluded that magnesium-deficient diet had a negative influence on bone metabolism as well as on the bone tissue around the implants.

Belluci MM, Giro G, del Barrio RA, Pereira RM…
Clin Oral Implants Res Jul 2011
PMID: 21143536

Magnesium Suppresses Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis

Abstract

Short-term oral magnesium supplementation suppresses bone turnover in postmenopausal osteoporotic women.

Magnesium has been shown to increase bone mineral density when used in the treatment of osteoporosis, yet its mechanism of action is obscure. In this study, the effects of daily oral magnesium supplementation on biochemical markers of bone turnover were investigated. Twenty postmenopausal women have been divided into two groups. Ten patients were given magnesium citrate (1,830 mg/day) orally for 30 days. Ten postmenopausal women of matching age, menopause duration, and BMI were recruited as the control group and followed without any medication. Fasting blood and first-void urine samples were collected on days 0, 1, 5, 10, 20, and 30, respectively. Total magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iPTH and osteocalcin were determined in blood samples. Deoxypyridinoline levels adjusted for creatinine were measured in urine samples. Thirty consecutive days of oral magnesium supplementation caused significantly decrease in serum iPTH levels in the Mg-supplemented group (p < 0.05). Serum osteocalcin levels were significantly increased (p < 0.001) and urinary deoxypyridinoline levels were decreased (p < 0.001) in the Mg-supplemented group. This study has demonstrated that oral magnesium supplementation in postmenopausal osteoporotic women suppresses bone turnover.

Aydin H, Deyneli O, Yavuz D, Gözü H…
Biol Trace Elem Res Feb 2010
PMID: 19488681

Magnesium Associated with Bone Density in Swimmers

Abstract

Magnesium intake mediates the association between bone mineral density and lean soft tissue in elite swimmers.

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency has been associated with bone disorders. Physical activity is also crucial for bone mineralization. Bone mass loss has been observed to be accelerated in subjects with low Mg intake. We aim to understand if Mg intake mediates the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and lean soft tissue (LST) in elite swimmers. Seventeen elite swimmers (eight males; nine females) were evaluated. Bone mineral content, BMD, LST, and fat mass were assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Energy and nutrient intake were assessed during a seven-day period and analyzed with Food Processor SQL. Males presented lower values than the normative data for BMD. Mg, phosphorus (P) and vitamin D intake were significantly lower than the recommended daily allowance. A linear regression model demonstrated a significant association between LST and BMD. When Mg intake was included, we observed that this was a significant, independent predictor of BMD, with a significant increase of 24% in the R(2) of the initial predictive model. When adjusted for energy, vitamin D, calcium, and P intake, Mg remained a significant predictor of BMD. In conclusion, young athletes engaged in low impact sports, should pay special attention to Mg intake, given its potential role in bone mineral mass acquisition during growth.

Matias CN, Santos DA, Monteiro CP, Vasco AM…
Magnes Res
PMID: 23015157

Magnesium Deficiency Increases Resorption and Osteoclasts While Decreasing Bone Formation and Osteoblasts

Abstract

Magnesium deficiency-induced osteoporosis in the rat: uncoupling of bone formation and bone resorption.

Magnesium (Mg) intake has been linked to bone mass and/or rate of bone loss in humans. Experimental Mg deficiency in animal models has resulted in impaired bone growth, osteopenia, and increased skeletal fragility. In order to assess changes in bone and mineral homeostasis that may be responsible, we induced dietary Mg deficiency in adult Simonsen albino rats for 16 weeks. Rats were fed either a low Mg diet (0.002 percent) or a normal control Mg diet (0.063 percent). Blood was obtained at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks in both groups for serum Mg, calcium, PTH, and 1.25(OH)2-vitamin D determinations. Femora were harvested at 4 weeks and 16 weeks for mineral analysis and histomorphometry. Serum Mg fell in the Mg depleted group to 0.6 mg/dl (mean) by 16 weeks (controls = 2.0 mg/dl). The serum calcium (Ca) concentration was higher in the Mg depleted animals at 16 weeks, 10.8 mg/dl (controls = 8.9 mg/dl). Serum PTH concentration fell progressively in the Mg deficient rats to 30 pg/ml by week 16 (control = 96 pg/ml). Serum concentration of 1.25(OH)2-vitamin D also fell progressively in the Mg deficient animals by 16 weeks to 14 pg/ml (control = 30 pg/ml). While the percent ash weights of Ca and phosphorus in the femur were not different at any time point, the percent ash weight of Mg progressively fell to 0.54 percent vs control (0.74 percent) by 16 weeks. The percent ash weight of potassium also fell progressively in the Mg deficient group to approximately 30 percent of control by 16 weeks. Histomorphometric analyses showed a significant drop in trabecular bone volume in Mg deficient animals by 16 weeks (percent BV/TV = 13.2 percent vs 17.3 percent in controls). Evaluation of the endosteal bone surface features showed significantly greater bone resorption in the Mg depleted group as reflected in increased number of tartrate-resistant positive osteoclasts/mm bone surface (7.8 vs 4.0 in controls) and an elevated percent of bone surface occupied by osteoclasts (percent OcS/BS = 12.2 percent vs 6.7 percent in controls. This increased resorption occurred in the presence of an inappropriate lowered bone forming surface relative to controls; a decreased number of osteoblasts per mm bone surface (0.23 vs 0.94 in control) and a decrease in percent trabecular surface lined by osteoid (percent OS/BS = 0.41 vs 2.27 percent in controls) were also noted. Our findings demonstrate a Mg-deficiency induced uncoupling of bone formation and bone resorption resulting in a loss of bone mass. While the fall in PTH and/or 1.25(OH)2-D may explain a decrease in osteoblast activity, the mechanism for increased osteoclast activity is unclear. These data suggest that Mg deficiency may be a risk factor for osteoporosis.

Rude RK, Kirchen ME, Gruber HE, Meyer MH…
Magnes Res Dec 1999
PMID: 10612083

Magnesium Reduces Bone Formation and Resorption in Young Men

Abstract

Daily oral magnesium supplementation suppresses bone turnover in young adult males.

This study examined the effects of daily oral magnesium (Mg) supplementation on bone turnover in 12 young (27-36 yr old) healthy men. Twelve healthy men of matching age, height, and weight were recruited as the control group. The study group received orally 15 mmol Mg (Magnosolv powder, Asta Medica) daily in the early afternoon with 2-h fasting before and after Mg intake. Fasting blood and second void urine samples were collected in the early morning on days 0, 1, 5, 10, 20, and 30, respectively. Total and ionized Mg2+ and calcium (Ca2+), and intact PTH (iPTH) levels were determined in blood samples. Serum biochemical markers of bone formation (i.e. C-terminus of type I procollagen peptide and osteocalcin) and resorption (i.e. type I collagen telopeptide) and urinary Mg level adjusted for creatinine were measured. In these young males, 30 consecutive days of oral Mg supplementation had no significant effect on total circulating Mg level, but caused a significant reduction in the serum ionized Mg+ level after 5 days of intake. The Mg supplementation also significantly reduced the serum iPTH level, which did not appear to be related to changes in serum Ca2+ because the Mg intake had no significant effect on serum levels of either total or ionized Ca2+. There was a strong positive correlation between serum iPTH and ionized Mg2+ (r = 0.699; P < 0.001), supporting the contention that decreased serum iPTH may be associated with the reduction in serum ionized Mg2+. Mg supplementation also reduced levels of both serum bone formation and resorption biochemical markers after 1-5 days, consistent with the premise that Mg supplementation may have a suppressive effect on bone turnover rate. Covariance analyses revealed that serum bone formation markers correlated negatively with ionized Mg2+ (r = -0.274 for type I procollagen peptide and -0.315 for osteocalcin), but not with iPTH or ionized Ca2+. Thus, the suppressive effect on bone formation may be mediated by the reduction in serum ionized Mg2+ level (and not iPTH or ionized Ca2+). In summary, this study has demonstrated for the first time that oral Mg supplementation in normal young adults caused reductions in serum levels of iPTH, ionized Mg2+, and biochemical markers of bone turnover. In conclusion, oral Mg supplementation may suppress bone turnover in young adults. Because increased bone turnover has been implicated as a significant etiological factor for bone loss, these findings raise the interesting possibility that oral Mg supplementation may have beneficial effects in reducing bone loss associated with high bone turnover, such as age-related osteoporosis.

Dimai HP, Porta S, Wirnsberger G, Lindschinger M…
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. Aug 1998
PMID: 9709941

Magnesium Suppresses Bone Resorption Rats Fed a High-Phosphorus Diet

Abstract

Dietary magnesium supplementation suppresses bone resorption via inhibition of parathyroid hormone secretion in rats fed a high-phosphorus diet.

This study examined the effects of dietary magnesium (Mg) supplementation on bone turnover and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in rats fed a high-phosphorus (P) diet. Male rats were randomized by weight into three groups, and fed a control diet (control), a high-P diet (HP) or a high-P and high-Mg diet (HPHMg) for 14 days. Serum osteocalcin levels were significantly higher in the HP and HPHMg groups than in the control group. Serum CTx levels were significantly higher in the HP and HPHMg groups than in the control group, while the levels in the HPHMg group were significantly lower than in the HP group. Serum PTH levels were significantly higher in the HP group than in the control and HPHMg groups. Dietary Mg supplementation had a significant influence on serum PTH levels in the HP and HPHMg groups. These results suggest that dietary Mg supplementation suppresses the high bone resorption induced by a high-P diet via inhibition of PTH secretion. Moreover, our results suggest that dietary Mg supplementation may be beneficial for the prevention of bone loss with high-P diet administration.

Matsuzaki H, Fuchigami M, Miwa M
Magnes Res Sep 2010
PMID: 20810356 | Free Full Text

Magnesium Water No Benefit in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the short term effects of a spring water supplemented with magnesium bicarbonate on acid/base balance, bone metabolism and cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women.

A number of health benefits including improvements in acid/base balance, bone metabolism, and cardiovascular risk factors have been attributed to the intake of magnesium rich alkaline mineral water. This study was designed to investigate the effects of the regular consumption of magnesium bicarbonate supplemented spring water on pH, biochemical parameters of bone metabolism, lipid profile and blood pressure in postmenopausal women. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, study, 67 postmenopausal women were randomised to receive between 1500 mL and 1800 mL daily of magnesium bicarbonate supplemented spring water (650 mg/L bicarbonate, 120 mg/L magnesium, pH 8.3-8.5) (supplemented water group) or spring water without supplements (control water group) over 84 days. Over this period biomarkers of bone turnover (serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, osteocalcin, urinary telopeptides and hydroxyproline), serum lipids (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides), venous and urinary pH were measured together with measurements of standard biochemistry, haematology and urine examinations. Serum magnesium concentrations and urinary pH in subjects consuming the magnesium bicarbonate supplemented water increased significantly at Day 84 compared to subjects consuming the spring water control (magnesium – p = 0.03; pH – p = 0.018). The consumption of spring water led to a trend for an increase in parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations while the PTH concentrations remained stable with the intake of the supplemented spring water. However there were no significant effects of magnesium bicarbonate supplementation in changes to biomarkers of bone mineral metabolism (n-telopeptides, hydroxyproline, osteocalcin and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D) or serum lipids or blood pressure in postmenopausal women from Day 0 to Day 84.
Short term regular ingestion of magnesium bicarbonate supplemented water provides a source of orally available magnesium. Long term clinical studies are required to investigate any health benefits.

Day RO, Liauw W, Tozer LM, McElduff P…
BMC Res Notes 2010
PMID: 20579398 | Free Full Text

The acid/base theory is questionable and this was a low dose of Magnesium.

Vitamin K1 + D + Minerals Reduced Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Vitamin K1 supplementation retards bone loss in postmenopausal women between 50 and 60 years of age.

Although several observational studies have demonstrated an association between vitamin K status and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women, no placebo-controlled intervention trials of the effect of vitamin K1 supplementation on bone loss have been reported thus far. In the trial presented here we have investigated the potential complementary effect of vitamin K1 (1 mg/day) and a mineral + vitamin D supplement (8 microg/day) on postmenopausal bone loss. The design of our study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention study; 181 healthy postmenopausal women between 50 and 60 years old were recruited, 155 of whom completed the study. During the 3-year treatment period, participants received a daily supplement containing either placebo, or calcium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D (MD group), or the same formulation with additional vitamin K1 (MDK group). The main outcome was the change in BMD of the femoral neck and lumbar spine after 3 years, as measured by DXA. The group receiving the supplement containing additional vitamin K1 showed reduced bone loss of the femoral neck: after 3 years the difference between the MDK and the placebo group was 1.7% (95% Cl: 0.35-3.44) and that between the MDK and MD group was 1.3% (95% Cl: 0.10-3.41). No significant differences were observed among the three groups with respect to change of BMD at the site of the lumbar spine. If co-administered with minerals and vitamin D, vitamin K1 may substantially contribute to reducing postmenopausal bone loss at the site of the femoral neck.

Braam LA, Knapen MH, Geusens P, Brouns F…
Calcif. Tissue Int. Jul 2003
PMID: 14506950

Vitamin D3 + K2 + Sr + Mg + DHA as Effective as Bisphosphonates in Women

Abstract

Combination of Micronutrients for Bone (COMB) Study: bone density after micronutrient intervention.

Along with other investigations, patients presenting to an environmental health clinic with various chronic conditions were assessed for bone health status. Individuals with compromised bone strength were educated about skeletal health issues and provided with therapeutic options for potential amelioration of their bone health. Patients who declined pharmacotherapy or who previously experienced failure of drug treatment were offered other options including supplemental micronutrients identified in the medical literature as sometimes having a positive impact on bone mineral density (BMD). After 12 months of consecutive supplemental micronutrient therapy with a combination that included vitamin D(3), vitamin K(2), strontium, magnesium and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), repeat bone densitometry was performed. The results were analyzed in a group of compliant patients and demonstrate improved BMD in patients classified with normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic bone density. According to the results, this combined micronutrient supplementation regimen appears to be at least as effective as bisphosphonates or strontium ranelate in raising BMD levels in hip, spine, and femoral neck sites. No fractures occurred in the group taking the micronutrient protocol. This micronutrient regimen also appears to show efficacy in individuals where bisphosphonate therapy was previously unsuccessful in maintaining or raising BMD. Prospective clinical trials are required to confirm efficacy.

Genuis SJ, Bouchard TP
J Environ Public Health 2012
PMID: 22291722 | Free Full Text

Review: Adding Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Inulin, Protein, and Phytoestrogens to Foods

Abstract

Biomarkers of bone health appropriate for evaluating functional foods designed to reduce risk of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a growing global problem. The health care costs and decreased productivity and quality of life are staggering. Much research is invested in life-style approaches to build peak bone mass during growth to prevent osteoporosis as well as to treat the disease in later life. Functional foods have enjoyed a niche in bone health. Foods fortified with Ca are most popular. Other bone nutrients such as vitamin D, Mg and vitamin K are sometimes added. Future products are likely to include enhancers of Ca absorption such as inulin or whey proteins. Dietary factors that reduce urinary Ca loss (plant proteins) or suppress bone resorption (possibly phyto-oestrogens) are also gaining attention. Methodologies for evaluating the effectiveness of functional foods on bone health include measures of bone quality such as bone densitometry or measures of Ca metabolism, particularly absorption. Biochemical markers for bone turnover are less satisfactory for diet-related effects. Use of a rare isotope, 41Ca, and accelerator mass spectrometry offers a new approach for assessing the ability of functional foods to suppress bone resorption.

Weaver CM, Liebman M
Br. J. Nutr. Nov 2002
PMID: 12495464