Key points
- Researchers found that Magnesium level in human gut tissue declines with age
- In aging mice, lower magnesium level further speeds up gut aging, gut integrity and inflammation, mimicking the higher risk of gut inflammation in the elderly
- UK biobank data of 182,213 subjects revealed that low magnesium intake was associated with higher risk of many inflammatory bowel diseases
- In mice with colitis, magnesium supplementation was able to reduce inflammation and restore the normal gut structure
- The study findings suggest that magnesium supplementation can prevent or reverse gut disfunction with age
Magnesium plays an essential role in the cell
Magnesium is a helper in the proper functioning of more than 300 enzymes in our cells. Its function ranges from helping cellular energy production, DNA/RNA synthesis, bone health and the function of the body’s main antioxidant, glutathione. Magnesium also plays a critical role in the ion transport needed for nerve, muscle and heart function.
In a new paper, researchers from China have now shown that magnesium levels in our gut decrease with age. They found this pattern of decline was true for many species, including humans, monkeys and mice. In mouse studies, they found that magnesium deficiency leads to faster aging of the gut lining, in particular in older mice. This was also associated with more leakiness of the gut, more inflammation and risk of intestinal disorder such as colitis. This mimics dysfunctions seen in elderly people.
The article found that:
- Magnesium levels in the gut decline with age in humans, monkeys and mice
- Magnesium transporter protein levels decline in the gut, likely giving rise to a deficiency
- In mice, magnesium deficiency changed the functions of two important classes of signaling and cell attachment proteins, which have profound effects on the health of the gut lining and its integrity
- UK biobank data revealed that Magnesium intake is inversely proportional to the risks Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and diverticular disease
- In a mouse model of colitis, magnesium supplementation reduced inflammation and restored gut architecture
Evidence in favor of magnesium supplementation
Findings of this paper suggests that with age, out gut cannot efficiently uptake magnesium, which can lead to deficiency. This creates a vicious cycle of inflammation and accelerated gut aging, inflammation, and loss of gut barrier integrity. Fortunately, the data also suggests that magnesium supplementation can reverse these defects. Here is more information on magnesium supplementation.
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Huang, J., Xie, Y., Sun, X., Zeh, H. J., Kang, R., & Tang, D. (2019, April 24). Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns in Aging and Longevity. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/6757524