The level of magnesium in the blood system is an important factor to be considered. It is considered to be a very important macromineral in the human body as it is responsible for making several parts of the body run smoothly. Magnesium is involved in more than 600 cellular reactions and a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems in the human body. Lower magnesium levels can lead to many negative health outcomes.
Lower Magnesium Level- A Threat Of Cancer
It has been noted that only as much as 2% of Americans face magnesium deficiency but almost a large population i.e. up to 75% does not meet the required intake.
By maintaining proper magnesium levels more than 2/3 of human cancers can be prevented. Magnesium has a variety of advantages which include:
- Healthy bone formation
- tingling in skin
- maintains cardiovascular health
- Prevent migraines or headache
A major health issue of magnesium deficiency is the development of cancer. The relationship between magnesium and cancer is highly complex as we’re still in the learning phase. It plays a key role in cellular functions. In the human body, Kidneys are mainly responsible for the regulation of the magnesium level. A deficiency of magnesium can certainly cause muscle cramping and hence Magnesium supplements are a popular remedy for leg and foot cramps.
Magnesium being a macronutrient is essential for the function of LFA-1 which acts as a docking site. Inactive form, magnesium activates LFA-1, a protein that is present on the surface of cytotoxic T cells thereby locking their target site and can eliminate abnormal cell growth. In the inactive form, it cannot bind to the infected cells and hence magnesium is required in adequate quantities near the T cells thus binding with the protein LFA-1 and remaining inactive position.
Extensive research and thorough analysis were performed on two clinical trials which stated that magnesium deficiency is the result of more health problems and hence needed to be treated seriously. Scientists are working on ways to boost magnesium concentration in the tumors of patients and ways to increase magnesium levels on target sites. In order to understand the deficiency of magnesium, tests were conducted on mice. As a result, mice having a less magnesium diet or intake are more susceptible to cancer. This was a successful experiment in mice. Hence, higher magnesium in the human body can keep it healthy and well functioning. Magnesium is primarily found within the cell and therefore it performs various intracellular physiological functions, modulates insulin signal transduction and cell proliferation in the human body.
However, one can doubt if the serum magnesium concentration which is used by the scientists, is a reliable indicator as in serum as the majority of the magnesium ions are binding with the protein albumin which is not available freely as compared to other forms of blood ionized magnesium.
Researchers need to dive deep into this study by assessing the whole blood ionized magnesium in order to gain knowledge about supplements influencing status as lesser magnesium level in the body has both anti and pro-tumor effects The effects of extracellular magnesium on immunity are exciting and a promising area to science which will add on to the knowledge and better understanding.
Researchers are constantly working on improving and updating their knowledge about magnesium and immune theory which will open their ways to new theories and techniques to deal with cancer. They are also analyzing and understanding serum magnesium levels to help them to recognize the link and relation between magnesium and its treatments. Maintaining a normal or balanced magnesium level reduces the risk of developing cancer in healthy people.
