IMPACT OF MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENTATION ON BONE MASS ACCRUAL IN ADOLESCENTS WITH SUBOPTIMAL MAGNESIUM INTAKE: A PILOT STUDY

Pilot in the study was an attempt to test the influence of magnesium (Mg) supplement on the accrual of bone mass in poor dieting adolescents on magnesium. The researchers selected premenarchal girls of ages 8-14 years old and assigned them to magnesium oxide (300mg/day) or placebo in a span of one year. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure the bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) at baseline, after 6 months, and after 12 months. The increase in total hip BMC was also significantly greater in the Mg-treated group than a placebo group especially in the neck of the femur, total hip and Ward area. Whereas, the effect on the spinal BMC and BMD was comparatively small, the effect was positive in support of Mg group. Mg supplement was also safe and well tolerated and linked with a reasonable compliance. This paper has confirmed the possibilities of Mg supplement on bone health in early teens, and more studies are required on bigger populations.