Magnesium supplements may boost gut bacteria to fight colon cancer
Magnesium supplements may boost gut bacteria that help block colon cancer, but effects vary by genes and sex.
Why it matters
- Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer globally.
- Magnesium supplements could offer a new way to reduce cancer risk through gut bacteria.
By the numbers
- 240 participants with a history of colorectal polyps.
- 12-week trial with magnesium glycinate.
- 2.8-fold higher risk of new polyps with high levels of F. prausnitzii.
- Approximately 85% lower risk of serrated polyps with higher levels of C. maltaromaticum.
The big picture
- Magnesium supplements may help prevent colorectal cancer by boosting beneficial gut bacteria.
- Effects depend on genetic factors (TRPM7 variant) and sex, with stronger responses in women.
What they're saying
- Study suggests a potential "precision nutrition" strategy based on genetic testing.
- Results are suggestive but need more research before clinical recommendations.
Caveats
- Study was short (12 weeks), so long-term effects are unknown.
- Limited demographic diversity (mostly older, White participants from Tennessee).
- Some results were not statistically significant after corrections.
What’s next
- More research needed to confirm findings and explore long-term effects.
- Potential for genetic testing to identify who benefits most from magnesium supplements.