Magnesium intake and incidence of pancreatic cancer: the VITamins and Lifestyle study.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Prospective longitudinal cohort study
PubMed 26554653 · doi:10.1038/bjc.2015.382
What was done
Researchers followed a prospective cohort of 66,806 men and women aged 50-76 years from the VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) study between 2000 and 2008 (average 6.8-year follow-up). Baseline magnesium intake was categorized relative to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Pancreatic cancer incidence was evaluated using multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models reporting hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
What was found
During follow-up, 151 incident cases of pancreatic cancer occurred. Compared with individuals meeting the magnesium RDA, multivariable-adjusted HRs were 1.42 (95% CI: 0.91, 2.21) for intake at 75-99% of RDA and 1.76 (95% CI: 1.04, 2.96) for intake <75% of RDA. Each 100 mg/day decrement in magnesium intake was associated with a 24% increased incidence of pancreatic cancer (HR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.50; P(trend)=0.03). Associations were not modified by age, gender, BMI, or NSAID use, but appeared restricted to individuals taking magnesium-containing supplements.
Why it matters
This study provides prospective observational evidence that insufficient magnesium intake below the RDA is linked to higher pancreatic cancer risk, suggesting dietary adequacy or supplementation could play a role in primary prevention.
Limits
Dietary and supplemental magnesium intake was assessed by baseline self-report without updates over time. Total outcome events were low (151 cases), resulting in wide confidence intervals. Residual confounding remains possible, particularly given that the protective association was only observed among supplement users.
Cited by
- supports For every 100 mg decrease in magnesium intake, there is a 24% increase in the incidence of pancreatic cancer.