Magnesium and its advantages for individuals with ulcerative colitis explored
Ulcerative Colitis and Magnesium Deficiency: A Hidden Risk
People living with ulcerative colitis (UC), a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), may face a hidden risk: magnesium deficiency. This deficiency can exacerbate intestinal inflammation, promote dysbiosis, and lead to a range of health complications.
UC affects the colon mucosa, where magnesium absorption occurs, often leading to decreased serum magnesium levels[2]. This deficiency can worsen inflammation persistence and poor disease control if left untreated.
Low magnesium affects the immune system and intestinal microbiome in UC patients in several ways. It reduces beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, allowing overgrowth of pro-inflammatory bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae, causing dysbiosis[1]. Furthermore, it amplifies inflammatory cytokine production, contributing to ongoing mucosal inflammation and damage[1].
Potential consequences of low magnesium in UC patients include weakened intestinal barrier function, altered immune responses, systemic effects like impaired parathyroid hormone (PTH) release, and nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorption from damaged mucosa[2][5].
The available tests for magnesium status are variable in their results, making it challenging to diagnose a deficiency[3]. However, 60% of adults do not achieve the dietary intake of magnesium that experts recommend[4]. In light of these statistics, it's crucial to be aware of the foods high in magnesium, such as seeds (pumpkin seeds, chia seeds), green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale), nuts (almonds, cashews), fortified cereals, soy milk, beans (black beans, edamame), oatmeal, meat, poultry, and fish (salmon, halibut, chicken, beef)[4].
For those who may still be deficient, a doctor may test a person's blood or urine to check for a magnesium deficiency. It's also important to note that very high doses of zinc from supplements may interfere with magnesium absorption in males, and a moderately high intake of zinc decreased magnesium balance in postmenopausal females[3].
Magnesium supplements are available in forms such as magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, magnesium lactate, and magnesium aspartate[6]. These forms may be more efficiently absorbed and more available in the body[2].
In summary, magnesium deficiency in ulcerative colitis can worsen intestinal inflammation, promote dysbiosis, damage the intestinal barrier, impair immune regulation, and cause systemic mineral imbalances. This highlights the importance of monitoring and addressing magnesium status in UC management[1][2][5]. Healthcare professionals may recommend an anti-inflammatory or Mediterranean diet for people with IBD, as these eating plans contain a suitable quantity of the nutrients that a person needs[7]. Tap, mineral, and bottled water can also provide magnesium, but the amount varies by source and brand[7]. People can buy magnesium supplements in the form of powders, liquids, or tablets[6].
- People living with chronic diseases, such as ulcerative colitis (UC), might experience a hidden risk like magnesium deficiency, which can further complicate their health-and-wellness status.
- Science reveals that magnesium deficiency in UC patients can promote dysbiosis, increase inflammatory cytokine production, and weaken intestinal barrier function, among other consequences.
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing UC, with health-and-wellness experts recommending dietary changes or magnesium supplements to address deficiencies.
- CBD, a popular supplement in mental-health circles, might interfere with magnesium absorption, and its effects on the intestinal microbiome in UC patients remain unclear.
- For people with UC, staying informed about foods rich in magnesium, like seeds, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and fortified products, is essential, as it can help manage magnesium status and, in turn, mitigate the hidden risks associated with UC and chronic kidney disease.
