Scientists have found that magnesium plays an essential role in maintaining genetic health, as research published in the European Journal of Nutrition demonstrated that low magnesium levels, particularly in combination with high homocysteine, significantly increase DNA damage.
Magnesium is involved in more than enzymatic reactions – including those crucial for DNA replication and repair, which means…healthy aging.
Magnesium acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in DNA replication and repair, such as DNA polymerase and DNA ligases. When magnesium levels are low, these enzymes do not function optimally, leading to errors in DNA replication and inefficient repair of damaged DNA.
Biomarkers of DNA damage, researchers have shed light on how magnesium deficiency might accelerate cellular aging and increase your risk of developing chronic degenerative diseases.
Classically, magnesium is used for bone health and nerve function.
Now, the study found that participants with lower magnesium levels exhibited higher frequencies of micronuclei (MN) and nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs) in their cells, suggesting DNA damage and chromosomal instability.
This means that when an organism lacks sufficient magnesium, it struggles to efficiently replicate and repair DNA. The DNA strands break under increased oxidative stress. Thus, tissues and organs age more rapidly, and cognitive decline sets in.
As regards cognitive decline, magnesium acts as a gatekeeper for N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which are vital for learning and memory. By regulating these receptors, magnesium helps prevent excessive glutamate activity, which leads to inflammation and neuronal damage.
The same thing happens with zinc, for instance.
Homocysteine, on the other hand, is amino acid linked to various health issues when present in high concentrations.
Researchers discovered a significant negative correlation between low magnesium and high homocysteine levels, which are associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular problems and pregnancy complications.
Participants with both low magnesium and high homocysteine levels showed the highest frequency of DNA damage markers. What’s more, magnesium helps neutralize the negative charges on DNA phosphate groups, contributing to the overall stability of the double helix structure.
The goal is to use magnesium to maintain “genetic integrity” – or good health, preventing epigenetic modifications. But it’s also been shown to actually improve and shape cognitive processes, not just to maintain them – even in a rat model of Alzheimer’s.
Additionally, magnesium has been found to influence the production of substance P, a neuropeptide involved in pain perception and inflammatory responses. Low magnesium levels increase substance P, exacerbating neuroinflammation. What’s more, by limiting calcium influx, magnesium contributes to prevent intensified inflammation and neuronal injury.
The study goes into great detail on magnesium’s many positive effects on the brain, but let’s move on to the second major finding: magnesium for blood sugar control.
The body’s blood sugar control system relies on magnesium for the function of pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin to regulate blood glucose levels. When a person eat, these cells respond by releasing insulin to help the body store glucose as glycogen, primarily in the liver and muscle cells.
If your magnesium levels are low, your beta cells may struggle to produce and release insulin effectively, leading to blood sugar imbalances. Magnesium deficiency also impairs the activity of glucokinase – an enzyme that acts as a glucose sensor in beta cells and controls the rate of glucose entry into these cells.
It’s obvious, therefore, that an imbalanced blood sugar control system can lead to metabolic disorders like Type 2 Diabetes, and indeed, diabetics typically have demonstrated low magnesium levels.
The study also goes into great detail as regards magnesium’s role in cellular energy generation, and the body’s overall function and functionality.
So what to do?
Magnesium levels are easily affected by poor sleep and stress.
You can take supplements, starting with small doses to avoid digest issues. Even better, foods that are high in magnesium include potatoes, seaweed, Bok choy, Turnip greens, Brussels sprouts.
Of course, these recommendations will not make up for a complete medical diagnosis and should be considered in the context of a vaster evaluation of one’s health.
