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Magnesium and Lung Cancer

Data from the American Cancer Society compiled in 2009 indicate that lung cancer is the most common cause of U.S. cancer deaths in both men and women. Although smoking is the best-known factor associated with this disease, scientific research suggests that dietary minerals, such as magnesium, may also play a role in modulating risk.

  1. Normal Ranges

    • Blood magnesium levels normally range from 1.8 to 3 mEq/L (milliequivalents per liter), according to Medscape. Blood magnesium is so tightly regulated that symptoms of deficiency may occur, even at 1.8 mEp/L.

    Roles of Magnesium

    • Medscape reports that magnesium has a central role in numerous metabolic reactions, including DNA and protein synthesis, nerve signal transmission, and parathyroid hormone synthesis. Many enzyme systems also require magnesium, particularly those involved in energy production and DNA repair.

    Oncogenesis

    • Lung cancer occurs when lung tissue cells grow and multiply in an abnormal and uncontrolled manner. According to Medscape, some important abnormalities identified in lung cancer cases are the amplification of oncogenes, as well as the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. The term "oncogene" describes a gene that can help normal cells transform into tumor cells. Tumor suppressor genes, on the other hand, are "cell guardians," because they prevent cells from progressing to a cancerous state.

    Effects of Magnesium on Cancer Risk

    • A study appearing in a 2008 issue of the "Carcinogenesis" journal reports that increasing dietary magnesium may reduce lung cancer risk by 17 to 53 percent. Additional findings include the fact that DNA repair capacity (DRC) is lower in people with low magnesium intake and that lung cancer risk is highest when low dietary magnesium and impaired DRC occur together.

    Protective Mechanisms

    • University of Texas scientist Somdat Mahabir and colleagues propose several mechanisms by which magnesium may help maintain cell integrity and protect against lung cancer. These include: maintenance of genetic stability, regulation of cell multiplication, protection against inflammation, maintenance of lung function, and protection against oxidative stress (anti-oxidant effect).

    Additional Risk Factors

    • Among those with low magnesium intake, certain groups of people are particularly at risk for lung cancer. These, according to the "Carcinogenesis" journal, include the following: older individuals, current smokers, those with a long history of smoking, heavy smokers, those with a family history of cancer in first-degree relatives, alcohol drinkers, as well as thinner individuals (body mass index lower than 25).

    Food Sources

    • Generally speaking, the best dietary sources of magnesium include the following: green vegetables, such as spinach, legumes (soybeans, peas), seeds and nuts (cashews, almonds), and unrefined whole grains, such as wheat bran. In contrast, fruit, dairy products, and meat contain moderate amounts of magnesium, and refined grains are poor sources. The Office of Dietary Supplements also notes that hard water, which is naturally mineral-rich, provides more magnesium than soft water.

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