A study has shown that magnesium deficiency may be linked to higher rates of anaemia occurrence among women and older people.

The study involved researchers analysing data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2016 and exploring the connection between magnesium intake and anaemia in 13,423 participants between the ages of 20 and 80 years old.

Results revealed a reverse relationship between magnesium intake and anaemia in women and older participants with no significant association in men, while those with anaemia were more likely to be female, older, black, with lower daily dietary intake of magnesium, and those struggling with obesity.

Study authors from Ganzhou People’s Hospital in Jiangxi, China said: “This was the first study to investigate the relationship between dietary magnesium intake and anaemia using a nationally representative sample of US adults.”

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Important role of magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral the body needs to function and is present in every cell. It is used in hundreds of biochemical reactions to keep the body healthy.

Magnesium deficiency can lead to health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, depression, and headaches. Research shows that low magnesium may even make vitamin D ineffective in the body, affecting calcium and phosphate levels.

Anaemia is a disorder characterised by a reduction of haemoglobin in the blood, affects about 25% of the global population and up to 44% of women in SA, and may cause tiredness, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular issues, reduced body function and increased hospitalisation rates in older adults.

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Boosting magnesium levels

Health and wellness expert Vanessa Ascencao said that inadequate magnesium intake has been a growing concern for years despite magnesium being essential for optimal health.

“Increase your intake of nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory whole foods as these will help protect the gut and optimised gut health can help ensure maximum benefits of digestion and nutrient absorption. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, refined sugar and processed food as these reduce magnesium,” said Ascencao.

“Try high-quality, bioavailable supplements like BetterYou Magnesium Oil transdermal spray, naturally sourced and proven to improve magnesium levels by almost 60% through skin absorption,” she added.