Low Levels of Magnesium Linked to Increased DNA Damage

Follow Drugslib on

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 19, 2024.

By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, Aug. 19, 2024 -- Low levels of magnesium with or without high homocysteine (Hcy), are associated with increased DNA damage, according to a study recently published in the European Journal of Nutrition.

Varinderpal S. Dhillon, Ph.D., from the University of South Australia in Adelaide, and colleagues examined whether magnesium deficiency alone or in conjunction with Hcy induces DNA damage in vivo in a study involving 172 healthy middle-aged adults. Magnesium, Hcy, folate, and vitamin B12 blood levels were measured. Three DNA damage biomarkers were examined in peripheral blood lymphocytes: micronuclei (MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs), and nuclear buds.

The researchers observed significant inverse correlations between magnesium and Hcy. Magnesium was positively correlated with folate and vitamin B12. Significant inverse correlations were seen for magnesium with MN and NPBs. Compared with those with high magnesium and low Hcy, individuals with low magnesium and high Hcy exhibited a significantly higher frequency of MN and NPBs. An interactive effect was seen between these two factors in induced MN and NPBs.

"The results we present regarding the DNA protection effects of magnesium could benefit clinicians and nutritionists in patient counselling regarding food supplementation; if properly implemented, [they] could impact the onset or progression of cancer and other noncommunicable disease," the authors write.

Abstract/Full Text

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

Source: HealthDay

Posted : 2024-08-20 03:15

Read more

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Popular Keywords