Micronutrients & recovery
Magnesium deficiency induces chronic low-grade inflammation through increased intracellular calcium, leading to elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6) and acute-phase proteins (CRP, fibrinogen).
If you have chronic inflammation or risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes, check your magnesium intake. Most people don't get enough. While supplements won't fix inflammation if you're already healthy and well-nourished, correcting a deficiency can lower inflammatory markers and reduce disease risk. Focus on magnesium-rich foods like nuts, seeds, and leafy greens.
Animal and in vitro studies indicate that the primary mechanism through which magnesium deficiency has this effect is through increasing cellular Ca2+, which is the signal that results in the priming of cells to give the inflammatory response.
Why this rating
Strong evidence from multiple meta-analyses of human observational and intervention studies, plus consistent animal models.
Source
Magnesium deficiency and increased inflammation: current perspectives
Forrest H. Nielsen · Journal of Inflammation Research · 2018
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