While heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, cancer is not far behind. Among the most frequently diagnosed cancers, colorectal cancer (which includes both colon and rectal cancers) ranks fourth, making it one of the top 10 leading causes of death in America.
According to 2025 statistics from the National Cancer Institute, over 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year, with more than 50,000 people dying from the disease. However, there are healthy strategies you can adopt to influence your colorectal cancer risk, such as increasing your magnesium intake.
Magnesium is essential for supporting your nervous system, bones, vascular system, muscular system, and other bodily functions. A 2012 meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined the potential impact of magnesium on the development of colorectal tumors. The authors found that increasing daily magnesium intake by 100 milligrams was associated with a 12% reduction in colorectal cancer risk.
Stopping the growth of cancer cells
Similar results emerged from a 2005 study investigating the effects of magnesium intake on women’s risk of developing colorectal cancer. This study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), found that as magnesium consumption increased, the risk of colorectal cancer decreased for women aged 40 to 75.
Why might magnesium have this effect? A 2022 article in Biological Trace Element Research suggests that magnesium may inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. The article noted that a significant amount of tumor cell death occurred in animals given magnesium. In lab experiments, cancer cells incubated in a magnesium solution exhibited similar reactions.
Although these clinical observations do not definitively prove that magnesium can reduce an individual’s risk of colorectal cancer, they do seem promising. Therefore, if you’re actively trying to consume foods or supplements that may help prevent cancer, opting for magnesium-rich choices could be beneficial.
Easy practices to increase magnesium intake
Finding foods rich in magnesium is not difficult. Beans, low-fat dairy products, nuts, and leafy greens are excellent sources. Seeds are also a great option; an ounce of chia seeds contains over 100 milligrams of magnesium. With the daily recommended magnesium intake being 310 to 320 milligrams for women and 400 to 420 milligrams for men, you can easily reach your goal by adding magnesium-rich foods to your meals and snacks.
Taking a magnesium supplement is another option, but it’s wise to consult your healthcare provider first. Magnesium may interact with certain medications, including some proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antibiotics. Additionally, consuming too much magnesium (though rare) can cause stomach upset, balance issues, and respiratory problems.
Therefore, it may be prudent to follow a conservative plan based on professional medical advice. This way, you can work towards reducing your colorectal cancer risk without causing any unintended health issues.
