A new Australian study has identified why a diet rich in magnesium is so important for our health, reducing the risk of DNA damage and chronic degenerative disorders. The paper is in the . Scientists from the University of South Australia measured from 172 middle aged adults, finding a strong link between low magnesium levels and high amounts of a genotoxic amino acid called homocysteine.
This toxic combination damages the body's genes, making people more susceptible to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, gastrointestinal diseases, a range of cancers, and diabetes. Whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans and dark chocolate are all magnesium-rich foods, which help the body produce energy, build teeth and bones, regulate and , and ensure that the heart, muscles and kidneys all work properly. UniSA molecular biologist Dr.
Permal Deo says a low intake of magnesium (less than 300mg per day) can increase the risk of many diseases, but its role in preventing DNA damage has not been fully studied in humans until now. "Our study showed a direct correlation between low magnesium levels in blood (less than 18mg/L) and increased DNA damage, even after adjusting for gender and age," Dr. Deo says.
"Blood levels of magnesium, homocysteine (Hcy), folate and vitamin B12 were measured, showing an inverse correlation between magnesium and Hcy and a positive correlation between magnesium, folate and vitamin B12. This indicates that sufficiently high magnesium levels in the blood .