Over 60% of the U.S. population is magnesium deficient, but if this large majority of the population recognized the implications of magnesium deficiency they'd soon rectify the situation with a magnesium supplement. A recent study has dramatically illustrated magnesium importance by showing how it plays a critical role in protecting the "genetic blueprint" of humans. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of South Australia, and was published in the European Journal of Nutrition. To conduct the study researchers followed 172 healthy middle-aged Australians with an average age of approximately 54. The stated goal was to determine how blood magnesium levels influence the stability of human DNA. The researchers specifically looked at the interaction between magnesium and homocysteine. Homocysteine is a toxic amino acid that typically rises when the body is low on B vitamins. The researchers soon discovered what they called a "toxic combination." When magnesium levels were low—under 18 mg/L—and homocysteine was high, the risk of permanent DNA damage increased significantly. Essentially, magnesium acts as a critical shield that helps the body’s natural restorative mechanism--including "repair enzymes"—fix genetic errors before they become permanent. Testing methodology To conduct the study researchers used a sophisticated "cytome assay" to measure three specific types, or markers, of DNA damage: micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges, and nuclear buds. These markers are essentially "scars" on human genetic material that occur when chromosomes break or fail to divide properly. The results showed that participants with low magnesium had a much higher frequency of the three vital markers. These markers are also known precursors to accelerated aging and chronic diseases--such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and various cancers. While previous research demonstrated that Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B9 (folate) were critical for DNA processes, the new study proved magnesium is an equally vital cofactor required for DNA replication and repair. Put another way, without enough magnesium the body cannot effectively "proofread" its own genetic code, leading to a higher rate of cellular mutations over time. To maintain genomic stability, the researchers concluded that it is essential to keep blood magnesium levels above 18 mg/L. Genomic stability refers to the body’s ability to keep its DNA "instructions" intact and error-free as cells grow and divide. Without genomic stability the ability of the body's cells to "scan and repair" DNA is lost. Researchers' final word The researchers recommended a minimum daily intake of at least 300 mg of magnesium to help suppress the harmful effects of homocysteine, and to protect the body from the cellular "wear and tear" that leads to long-term illness. Writing in he study summary, the researchers noted that by focusing more on magnesium intake a person can maintain healthy DNA and potentially delay the onset of age-related diseases: "The results we present regarding the DNA protection effects of magnesium could benefit clinicians and nutritionists in patient counseling regarding food supplementation; if properly implemented, [they] could impact the onset or progression of cancer and other noncommunicable disease." Magnesium can be found in the following Optimal Health Systems products: • Essential Magnesium• Optimal Health Pak• Whole Food Vitamin-Mineral - - - Primary sources for this article: European Journal of Nutrition June 2024, JustAPedia.org-homocysteine.
