Magnesium is Associated with Testosterone Levels

A recently published study revealed that magnesium levels are associated with levels of anabolic hormones in older men. Anabolic hormones are those hormones that promote the synthesis or growth of organs and tissues. Testosterone, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are examples of anabolic hormones that promote protein synthesis, increase muscle mass and bone growth. Previous research indicates that anabolic hormones decline with age.

The subjects included 399 men age 65 or older. The men were evaluated for serum magnesium levels; testosterone; IGF-1; dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), a precursor to androgens; and sex hormone binding globulin, which is the protein that binds to and transports testosterone and estrogen in the blood. The men were also assessed for potential confounding factors such as body mass index, energy intake, liver function, grip strength, heart and neurological function, the inflammatory mediator interleukin (IL)-6, and selenium and insulin levels.

The study showed that serum magnesium levels were positively associated with testosterone and IGF-1 levels, meaning that as magnesium levels increased, levels of testosterone and IGF-1 also increased proportionately. In fact, even after adjusting the data for potential confounding factors, the association between levels of magnesium and testosterone and IGF-1 remained significant.

The researchers concluded, “In a cohort of older men, magnesium levels are strongly and independently associated with the anabolic hormones testosterone and IGF-1.”

Reference:

Maggio M, Ceda GP, Lauretani F, Cattabiani C, Avantaggiato E, Morganti S, Ablondi F, Bandinelli S, Dominguez LJ, Barbagallo M, Paolisso G, Semba RD, Ferrucci L. Magnesium and anabolic hormones in older men. Int J Androl. 2011 Jun 15. Published Online Ahead of Print.