By Henry J. Fishman, M.D.
ConsumerAffairs.com
December 8, 2005
Magnesium may help preserve strong bones and prevent osteoporosis as we age, along with exercise and calcium.
This is according to an article published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Researchers studied more than 2,000 people in their seventies. They examined their overall intake of magnesium from diet and supplements, as well as their bone density and facture rate from soft bones.
Overall only 25 percent of the participants got the recommended daily allowance of 300 milligrams of magnesium.
Blacks took in less magnesium than whites, which affected their bones.
Increasing magnesium intake in whites led to greater bone mineral density and fewer fractures. Extra magnesium however, did not help blacks.
Conclusions: As you age, talk with your doctor about how to keep your bones strong and be sure to ask about magnesium.
