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2007-9-3 17:18:43 |
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Taking magnesium supplements during adolescence may help girls build stronger bone, an effect that may last beyond menopause, according to results of a trial by researchers at Yale University School of Medicine. The placebo-controlled, randomized and double blind trial found that girls who took magnesium supplements regularly significantly improved their bone mineral density, an indicator for bone health. For the 12-month trial, Thomas Carpenter and colleagues assigned 300 mg of magnesium or a placebo daily to 120 healthy Caucasian girls age 8 to 14 who would otherwise took less than 220 mg per day. At the end of the trial, bone mineral content significantly increased in the hips of the girls on magnesium supplements compared to those treated a placebo. The lumbar spine bone mineral content also increased, but not as significantly. No serious adverse side effects were observed. Mild diarrhea was experienced by some girls. ¡°Oral magnesium oxide capsules are safe and well tolerated,¡± the researchers write in their report, which was published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Magnesium is an important element in the human body, participating in more than 300 reactions. Sufficient amounts of magnesium help maintain normal physiological functions. The daily recommended allowance for magnesium is 240 mg for girls age 9 to 13 and 360 mg for girls age 14-18 years. Magnesium is found rich in bran cereal, oat bran, shredded wheat, brown rice, almonds, peanuts, lima beans, black-eyed peas, chopped spinach and chopped Swiss chard. |
