Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common age-related debilitating skeletal disease, characterized by chronic pain and disability. Magnesium, a fundamental trace element in the human body, plays a fundamental role in the homeostasis of metabolism and energy balance. Humans get magnesium primarily from the diet, but inadequate magnesium intake is not uncommon. In addition, the state of magnesium deteriorates with aging.
There are more and more clinical studies that point to a close relationship between dietary magnesium and osteoarthritis, although the conclusion remains controversial. As reported, the concentration of magnesium ions is essential for determining cell fate. Low-concentration magnesium ions can induce senescence in human fibroblasts, while magnesium supplementation can mitigate chondrocyte apoptosis and facilitate chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation. A meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials revealed that vitamins K1 and K2 helped prevent bone loss, but that vitamin K2 was superior in preventing hip fractures, vertebrae and other fractures. The meta-analysis also showed that the population with higher serum levels of magnesium had a significantly lower risk of suffering from knee arthrosis. In the end, the researchers concluded that magnesium did not seem to prevent knee arthrosis, but it could help with bone fractures after the development of knee arthrosis.
Some research has shown that people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can benefit from magnesium in their diet or as a supplement. Because arthritis can cause inflammation, the anti-inflammatory effects of magnesium may help some people with this condition. In this literature review, we will describe existing evidence in animals and humans about the relationship between dietary magnesium intake and osteoarthritis. We will also discuss controversies about the plasma or intracellular level of magnesium as an indicator of magnesium status. In addition, we proposed the interaction between dietary magnesium intake and the intestinal microbiome to modulate the inflammatory environment in the conjecture of the pathogenesis of arthrosis.
This leads to an emerging hypothesis that the synergistic effect of magnesium and probiotics may open up a new avenue for the prevention and treatment of arthrosis. It also helps prevent osteoporosis (loss of bone density) and fractures, which pose a greater risk in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and those who take corticosteroids.
