A study in Scientific Reports (May 2025) has uncovered a potential connection between magnesium depletion and prostate cancer. The research, which analyzed a large and diverse population sample, raises important questions about the role of magnesium in men’s health, particularly when it comes to prostate cancer risk.
What the Study Looked At
Researchers used data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), analyzing 16,689 adult men. They calculated a Magnesium Depletion Score (MDS) for each participant based on several indicators of low magnesium levels:
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Use of diuretics or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
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Kidney function
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Alcohol consumption
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Dietary magnesium intake
They then compared these scores with the prevalence of prostate cancer (PCa) among participants.
What They Found
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Men with higher MDS had significantly greater odds of having prostate cancer.
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Specifically, every 1-point increase in MDS was linked to a 26%-increase in prostate cancer prevalence.
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Men with an MDS of 3 or higher were 3.24 times more likely to have prostate cancer compared to those with an MDS of 0.
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This association remained strong even after adjusting for age, race, income, lifestyle, and other health factors.
Why Does This Matter?
Magnesium plays a key role in many biological functions, including:
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Regulating inflammation
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Supporting immune function
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Helping DNA repair
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Maintaining hormonal balance
Magnesium deficiency has previously been linked to several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular issues, diabetes and even some cancers. However, this is one of the few large-scale studies that directly connects magnesium depletion to prostate cancer risk.
Is This Cause or Correlation?
This study does not prove that magnesium deficiency causes prostate cancer. It simply shows a strong association between the two. More research is needed to understand whether boosting magnesium levels can reduce prostate cancer risk.
What Can You Do?
Maintaining healthy magnesium levels is already recommended for overall health. Sources of magnesium include:
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Leafy greens (like spinach)
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Nuts and seeds (especially pumpkin seeds, almonds)
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Whole grains
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Beans and legumes
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Dark chocolate
If you're concerned about your prostate health or magnesium levels, talk to your healthcare provider before starting supplements.
Read the Original Study:
👉 Association between magnesium depletion score and prostate cancer (Scientific Reports, May 2025)
