Magnesium Boosts Brain Health

Magnesium may reduce dementia risk

Key Takeaways

  • Emerging evidence suggests a neuroprotective role of magnesium in neurological and cognitive function
  • Magnesium may preserve cognitive function and reduce dementia risk
  • Results from a large 2023 study found that higher dietary magnesium intake was strongly associated with larger brain volumes and lower white matter lesions (WML).
  • Magnesium intake of ≥ 550 mg/day is predicted to result in approximately 0.20% larger grey matter, and 0.46% larger right hippocampus compared to an intake of ~350mg/day.
  • These effects were more evident in women than men.

Research has clearly demonstrated the wide-reaching therapeutic role of magnesium in supporting a range of body systems.1 Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical enzymes and has many physiological functions, including energy and protein production, glucose metabolism2, and immune regulation.3 This essential mineral is also well-known for its key role in musculoskeletal health, with magnesium supplementation found to improve bone mineral density4, reduce muscle soreness5, and support muscle cramps.6

In addition to magnesium’s existing wide range of benefits, emerging evidence suggests a protective role of magnesium in neurological and cognitive function.7

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