Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Magnesium may be key to calcium’s cancer benefits

The anti-colon cancer effects of calcium may be linked to magnesium levels, suggesting a need for both minerals in reducing the risk of the disease. Researchers from Vanderbilt University found that low ratios of the minerals were associated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer, according to findings presented at the Seventh Annual American Association for Cancer Research International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research. The potential implications of the results include accounting for the status of both nutrients in individuals before recommending supplementation with one or the other alone.

Both high magnesium and calcium levels have been linked to reduced risks of the disease, but studies have also shown that high calcium levels inhibit the absorption of magnesium. According to researchers, Americans have high calcium intake, but also a high incidence of colorectal cancer. Results from a large clinical trial that found indeed that supplementation of calcium only reduced the risk of cancer recurrence if the ratio of calcium to magnesium was low, and remained low during the intervention period. "The risk of colorectal cancer adenoma recurrence was reduced by 32 per cent among those with baseline calcium to magnesium ratio below the median in comparison to no reduction for those above the median," said researchers.

Bonnie - after their first visit, many of my clients question why I take them off supplemental calcium temporarily. Here is your reason. Most Americans have a grossly inverted calcium to magnesium ratio. While off of calcium, I supplement with magnesium to bring up that level. When I add back calcium, I then make sure that the ratio does not exceed 2:1.

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