Mighty Mineral

A  mineral necessary for over 300 biochemical reactions in the human body, magnesium is important for heart, immune, muscle, nerve, and bone health. Nicola Veronese, from the University of Padova (Italy), and colleagues completed a parallel-group, randomized controlled trial involving 139 healthy women, mean age 71.5 years, who participated in a mild fitness program and were randomly assigned to receive either 300 mg/day magnesium oxide, or placebo, for a twelve-week long intervention period.  Scores on a standardized physical performance assessment scale were greatly improved in the group receiving the magnesium compound; as well, their performance in chair stand times and 4-meter walking speeds were improved, as compared to the placebo group.  Notably, the researchers observed an even more pronounced effect among those subjects receiving magnesium supplementation whose dietary intake of the mineral was below the Recommended Dietary Allowance. Writing that: “Daily magnesium oxide supplementation for 12 wk seems to improve physical performance in healthy elderly women,” the study authors submit that: “ These findings suggest a role for magnesium supplementation in preventing or delaying the age-related decline in physical performance.”