Magnesium helps reduce the risk for arterial calcification and thus plays a major role in the prevention of fatal heart disease and stroke, state researchers at USDA’s Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston. Magnesium intakes were compared to arterial calcification in 2,695 people, ages 42- to 64-years-old, who were initially free of heart disease. Results showed that for every 50 milligram/day increase in magnesium intake there was a 22% lower risk for arterial calcification. Those people with the highest magnesium intakes had up to a 58% lower risk for coronary arterial calcification. Women appeared to benefit the most from optimal magnesium intakes.
Hruby A, O’Donnell C, Jacques P, et al: Magnesium intake is inversely associated with coronary artery calcification: The Framingham Heart Study. JACC Cardiovascular Imaging 2014; 7:59-69.