Magnesium may lower risk of colon cancer

January 31, 2006 in Cancer Prevention, Nutrition Topics in the News, Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements

Magnesium may lower risk of colon cancer
Researchers from the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota have found that a diet rich in magnesium may lower the risk of colon cancer.

This latest study assessed the dietary intake of over 35, 000 women using a food frequency questionnaire during a follow up period of 17 years.

Researchers found that the �hazard ratio�, a measure of risk, was 25 percent lower for the participants with the highest intake of magnesium (more than 356 mg per day).

Since the intake of magnesium from supplements was less than 5 percent of the total daily intake, researchers could only base their conclusions on dietary sources of magnesium.

While the protective mechanism of magnesium still needs to be identified, researchers speculate it may have something to do with reductions in insulin resistance, oxidative stress and cell proliferation may be possible.

Rich sources of magnesium include green vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains.

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