Immunolocalization of RANKL is increased and OPG decreased during dietary magnesium deficiency in the rat.

Background: Epidemiological studies have linked low dietary magnesium (Mg) to low bone mineral density and osteoporosis. Mg deficiency in animal models has demonstrated a reduction in bone mass and increase in skeletal fragility. One major mechanism appears to be an increase in osteoclast number and bone resorption.

Dietary magnesium reduction to 25% of nutrient requirement disrupts bone and mineral metabolism in the rat.

Low dietary magnesium (Mg) may be a risk factor for osteoporosis. In animals, severe Mg deficiency (0.04% of nutrient requirement [NR]) results in bone loss.

Bone loss induced by dietary magnesium reduction to 10% of the nutrient requirement in rats is associated with increased release of substance P and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Dietary Mg intake has been linked to osteoporosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that severe Mg deficiency [0.04% of nutrient requirement (NR)] results in osteoporosis in rodent models.