Pancreatic Cancer Prevention: Magnesium May Help Prevent Disease

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Only a few researches have been conducted to study and analyze the association between magnesium and cancer. But now, good news awaits people as a study reveals a way to prevent pancreatic cancer - magnesium intake.

As stated in Mayo Clinic, pancreatic cancer is the formation of cancer cells in the tissues in the pancreas. According to the American Society Cancer, over 48,000 men and women will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015, while more than 40,000 are expected to die from the "silent" disease.

However, a new study, which aims to define the link between magnesium intake and pancreatic cancer, had been conducted by researchers from Indiana University. According to them, magnesium intake can help prevent pancreatic cancer. The study was published at the British Journal of Cancer.

A total of 66, 806 men and women from ages 50 to 76 years old participated in the study titled "Magnesium intake and incidence of pancreatic cancer: the VITamins and Lifestyle study". Data was obtained from VITamins and Lifestyle study. Their body mass index, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use and magnesium intakes were also collected to be used as variables in the study.

The participants, as written in the British Journal of Cancer, were monitored by the investigators from 2000 to 2008. A statistical technique called Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression were used to "estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of pancreatic cancer incidence by magnesium intake categories."

According to the researchers, out of 66, 806 participants, 151 were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It was found that those who have regular magnesium intake were less likely to develop the said disease. In addition, in a report by IU Bloomington Newsroom, gender, body mass index and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use did not make any significant changes in the study.

Dr. Daniel Dibaba, professor and lead researcher of the study, is thereby encouraging people to increase their magnesium intake, seeing it as an effective way to prevent pancreatic cancer. He also encourages a diet that is rich in dark, green, leafy vegetables.

"For those at a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, adding a magnesium supplement to their diet may prove beneficial in preventing this disease," he said.

"While more study is needed, the general population should strive to get the daily recommendations of magnesium through diet, such as dark, leafy greens or nuts, to prevent any risk of pancreatic cancer."