Study Links Magnesium Intake and Diet Rich in Magnesium to Lower Sarcopenia Risk in Older Korean Adults

Dietary magnesium, mainly sourced from plants, has shown inconsistent connections to sarcopenia, a condition characterized by the loss of muscle mass and strength, prevalent among older adults. In this study, both magnesium intake and a magnesium-rich dietary pattern were assessed in context of their potential influence on muscle health and the role of chronic inflammation as measured by C-reactive protein (CRP).

Results indicate that individuals in the highest quartile of magnesium intake, specifically ≥351 mg/day for women and ≥442 mg/day for men, showed a significant inverse relationship with sarcopenia, suggesting a 53% reduction in odds compared to the lowest intake quartile. Each additional 100 mg of magnesium intake per day correlated with a 26% decrease in sarcopenia risk. Similarly, a higher magnesium-rich diet score was also linked to a 50% lower chance of sarcopenia.

The study further found that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), an inflammatory marker, played a partial mediating role in these associations. Specifically, hsCRP seemed to mediate 7.3% of the effect of magnesium intake on appendicular skeletal muscle mass and 18.1% for muscle strength as per the magnesium-rich diet.

Given the anticipated increase of the global population over 60, addressing geriatric conditions like sarcopenia has become increasingly crucial. Despite the reported benefits, currently there are no approved pharmaceutical treatments for sarcopenia; dietary recommendations are focused on dietary patterns and nutritional interventions, including adequate protein and magnesium intake.

The findings suggest that promoting a magnesium-rich plant-based diet may serve as an effective strategy in supporting muscle health in older adults, thereby reducing the risk of sarcopenia. Future research is essential to explore these associations further and to evaluate the mediating effects of other inflammatory markers.