Magnesium Intake Linked to Lower Risk of Heart Disease Death

Heart problems are the leading cause of death in the United States. A recent extensive study suggests that eating foods rich in magnesium could dramatically lower the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

The study was published online ahead of print on February 16, 2012, in the journal Atherosclerosis. The researchers were based at Osaka University in Japan.

The researchers examined data from the Japan Collaborative Cohort (JACC) study, which included 58,615 Japanese adults between the ages of 40 and 79. Dietary magnesium intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire.

Over the course of the 15 year follow-up, 2,690 deaths from cardiovascular disease were documented in the study group. The researchers found that the individuals with the highest level of dietary magnesium intake had a 50% reduction in the risk of death from heart disease compared to those with the lowest level.

These findings add to the quickly growing body of scientific evidence highlighting the benefits of magnesium. Previous studies have found that higher intakes of magnesium may reduce the risk of diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and osteoporosis.

Eating more magnesium rich foods like green leafy vegetables, meats, starches, grains, nuts and milk is one way to increase your magnesium intake. Taking a supplement is also a safe, easy option.