Magnesium: An inexpensive defense against colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is now the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. And it’s no longer an older person’s disease; 1 in 5 people diagnosed are under the age of 55.

It’s also why improving specific lifestyle habits is so important. Smoking, drinking alcohol and too much sitting have all been associated with a higher risk of the disease.

In addition, studies have suggested that damaging or upsetting the balance of the gut microbiome can result in a higher risk of colorectal cancer.

Luckily, researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered that an inexpensive nutritional supplement could help maintain that balance in those who need it most…

Magnesium could help inhibit colorectal cancer

The Vanderbilt study involved 240 participants. They were also randomized by whether they had the TRPM7 genotype, which plays a critical role in regulating the uptake of magnesium and calcium.

Previous results from the same randomized trial demonstrated that magnesium enhances the synthesis of vitamin D and increases blood levels of the vitamin.

But the findings from the current study were especially fascinating…

According to Qi Dai, MD, PhD, professor of Medicine, “The current study reveals that magnesium supplementation also increases the gut microbes which have been shown to synthesize vitamin D in the gut without sunlight and locally inhibit colorectal cancer development.”

The participants were divided into two groups: one that received the magnesium supplement and another that received a placebo. Their gut microbiome was analyzed..

Among participants with adequate function of the TRPM7 gene, the magnesium supplement increased the levels of Carnobacterium maltaromaticum and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which were previously found to work synergistically to increase vitamin D and decrease colorectal carcinogenesis.

Among those with inadequate TRPM7 function, the magnesium supplement reduced the abundance of F. prausnitzii in rectal mucosa.

Here’s why that’s significant…

Among 236 participants who all had a history of colorectal polyps, 124 underwent colonoscopies after completing the trial and a follow-up period of about 3.5 years. A higher abundance of F. prausnitzii in the rectal mucosa was associated with an almost threefold increase in developing additional polyps.

These findings suggest that magnesium supplementation treatment may decrease colorectal cancer risk in individuals with inadequate TRPM7 function.

One caveat: the effect was observed primarily in females. The researchers theorize that this could be due to the role that estrogen plays in facilitating the uptake of magnesium into cells.

The right magnesium

According to the researchers, the findings provide new insights into the interactions between nutrition and the gut microbiome contributing to the development of colorectal cancer — and establish the foundation for a precision-based strategy for prevention in high-risk populations.

Magnesium can be found in certain foods, including spinach, black beans, pumpkin seeds, chard, yogurt and kefir. However, modern farming and food processing have led to a decline of about 21 percent in the levels of magnesium in the American diet since 1940.

This is why it’s a good idea to consider adding a magnesium supplement to your daily regimen. However, be aware that there are several different types of magnesium supplements available, so it’s essential to choose the right one.

The magnesium used by the participants in the Vanderbilt study was magnesium glycinate, which binds magnesium to the amino acid glycine. In addition to the impact on the gut microbiome observed in the study, magnesium glycinate has a calming, relaxing effect on the central nervous system, which can help with stress, anxiety and sleep problems.

Sources:

Study shows magnesium inhibits colorectal cancer carcinogenesis by increasing vitamin D-synthesizing bacteria — VUMC News

Magnesium treatment increases gut microbiome synthesizing vitamin D and inhibiting colorectal cancer: results from a double-blind precision-based randomized placebo-controlled trial — The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Colorectal Cancer Rates Are Skyrocketing in Young Adults—Is Your Lifestyle Putting You at Risk? — Cancer Research Institute