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Lately, a meta-analysis has suggested that magnesium deficiencies may favor premature births. However, there are other factors that can cause premature birth. If magnesium deficiency is one of these factors, is the latter so important?

Magnesium, essential for the human body

According to Inserm, around 50,000 babies are born prematurely each year in France, before eight and a half months of pregnancy. However, it turns out that this phenomenon is increasing. Above all, you should know that the factors of premature birth are diverse but also unknown.

One of the causes cited in a British National Institutes of Health (NIH) publication is reported to be magnesium deficiency. This possible cause would then be added to the many factors already identified. These include being pregnant with twins or more, the presence of a urinary tract infection, abnormal bleeding from the vagina or diabetes, stress, and pollution.

You should know that magnesium is the chemical element with atomic number 12 (Mg). If the body does not produce it, it loses it through physical activity or stress. It is therefore the responsibility to “recharge the batteries” regularly. The effects of magnesium are beneficial for our organism, participating among others in the formation of bones and teeth, growth or even the transmission of nerve impulses and brain plasticity.

Monitor the magnesium level

With the long list of factors behind premature births, it is therefore hard to believe that the problem can be resolved by focusing only on magnesium. However, a meta-analysis published in the journal Nutrition Reviews on June 1, 2020 seems to have found a correlation. This meta-analysis incorporates observational studies regarding magnesium deficiency in pregnant women. There are also clinical studies that looked at whether nutritional supplementation could influence prematurity. We should also mention the presence of ecological studies whose objective was to measure magnesium in soils.

Observational studies show an inverse relationship between serum magnesium (blood) concentration and the risk of prematurity. On the other hand, clinical studies suggest a risk reduction of 4 to 65% in women aged 20 to 35 taking magnesium as a supplement. Finally, ecological studies also show an inverse relationship between the concentration of magnesium in the soil and prematurity (in the United States).

In summary, this meta-analysis may well lead physicians to monitor the magnesium levels in their pregnant patients. In addition, it should be remembered that a good daily diet is the key to an adequate intake of magnesium.

Shakes Gilles

Shakes covers stories ranging from science to health, to technology, to astronomy, etc... On a typical weekend, you'll find him enjoying a picnic at a local park or playing soccer with friends.