Indication: Colon cancer

Source: Am J Epidemiol, February 2006;163:232-235.

Research: Investigators analyzed a cohort of 35,196 Iowa women initially free of cancer and aged 55-69 years in 1986. Intakes of magnesium and other nutrients were assessed through food frequency questionnaires at baseline. Over 17 years of follow-up through 2002, only 1112 women developed colorectal cancer.

Results: The findings suggest that a diet high in magnesium may reduce the occ-urrence of colon cancer among women. If replicated by other observational studies, a clinical trial would be needed to determine whether it is magnesium, specifically, and not other aspects of the contributing foods, that offer benefit.