Reduction of dietary magnesium by only 50% in the rat disrupts bone and mineral metabolism.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a moderate reduction of dietary magnesium [50% of nutrient requirement (50% NR)] on bone and mineral metabolism in the rat, and to explore possible mechanisms for the resultant reduced bone mass.

Methods: Female rats were 6 weeks of age at the start of study. Serum magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25(OH)(2)-vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and pyridinoline were measured during the study at 3- and 6-month time points in control (dietary Mg of 100% NR) and Mg-deficient animals (dietary Mg at 50% NR).

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.

Magnesium deficiency and osteoporosis: animal and human observations.

Although osteoporosis is a major health concern for our growing population of the elderly, there continues to be a need for well-designed clinical and animal studies on the link between dietary magnesium (Mg) intake and osteoporosis. Relatively few animal studies have assessed the skeletal and hormonal impact of long-term low Mg intake; however, these studies have demonstrated that Mg deficiency results in bone loss. Potential mechanisms include a substance P-induced release of inflammatory cytokines as well as impaired production of parathyroid hormone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

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.

Magnesium deficiency: effect on bone and mineral metabolism in the mouse.

Insufficient dietary magnesium (Mg) intake has been associated in humans with low bone mass. Mg deficiency in the rat has suggested bone loss is due to increased bone resorption and/or inadequate bone formation during remodeling. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a low Mg diet on bone and mineral metabolism in the young and mature BALB/c mouse and explore the hypothesis that inflammatory cytokines may contribute to Mg deficiency-induced osteoporosis.