Contribution of Nutritional, Lifestyle, and Metabolic Risk Factors to Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Modifiable risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD) are poorly known. OBJECTIVES: The aim is to evaluate independent associations of different nutritional components, physical activity, and sedentary behavior and metabolic factors with the risk of PD. METHODS: In this population-based prospective cohort study using the data of the United Kingdom Biobank (from 2006-2010), 502,017 men and women who were free from PD (International Classification of Diseases 10th edition; "G20") at baseline were included. We implemented a Cox proportion hazard's model to evaluate the associations of different levels of physical activity, sitting time, sleep habits, diet quality, alcohol and coffee consumption, smoking, and body mass index with PD risk, adjusting for several confounding variables. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 12.8 years, lifestyle factors including vigorous physical activity (hazard ration [HR] = 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-0.94), low-to-moderate sitting time (HR = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81-0.97), and high sleep quality (HR = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.80-0.99) were associated with a reduced risk of PD. Small amounts of coffee (HR = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82-0.95), red meat (HR = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76-0.97), and current smoking (HR = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.56-0.75) were also associated with a lower risk of PD, whereas alcohol intake (HR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.06-1.56) with higher PD risk. Secondary analysis, including metabolic risk factors, confirmed these findings and highlighted the potential protective effect of plasma vitamin D and uric acid, but of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein as well. CONCLUSIONS: Vigorous physical activity, reduced sitting time, good sleep quality together with small coffee intake and vitamin D supplementation are potentially neuroprotective lifestyle interventions for the prevention of PD. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

The link between spirituality and longevity.

We are facing an inverted demographic pyramid with continuously growing aged populations around the world. However, the advances that prolong physical life not always contemplate its psychological and social dimensions. Longevity is a complex outcome influenced by a wide range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, access to healthcare, socio-economic conditions, and other environmental factors. These factors have been generally considered in the compelling research that seeks the determinants of longevity, particularly those concerning personal lifestyle choices, socioeconomic conditions, and molecular mechanisms proposed to mediate these effects. Nonetheless, fundamental aspects that can affect health and well-being, such as spirituality and religiosity, have been somehow left aside despite numerous epidemiological studies showing that higher levels of spirituality/religiosity are associated with lower risk of mortality, even after adjusting for relevant confounders. Because spirituality/religiosity are dimensions of great value for patients, overlooking them can leave them with feelings of neglect and lack of connection with the health system and with the clinicians in charge of their care. Integrating spirituality and religiosity assessment and intervention programs into clinical care can help each person obtain better and complete well-being and also allowing clinicians to achieve the highest standards of health with holistic, person-centered care. The present narrative review aims to explore the available evidence of a relationship between spirituality/religiosity and longevity and discusses the possible mechanisms that can help explain such relationship.

Effectiveness of a kinesio-taping-based treatment in stage IV sacral pressure ulcers in older patients: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: As reduced tissue vascularity is one of the mechanisms that prevent skin ulcers from healing, treatments that can improve local circulation could accelerate their clinical resolution. Given that kinesio-taping (KT) can improve tissue blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, we aimed to determine whether applying KT close to stage IV pressure ulcers (PUs) could improve their healing. METHOD: Older patients with stage IV sacral PUs, and impaired mobility and functional dependency who were consecutively admitted in a six-month period to the Home Care service of Galliera Hospital (Genoa, Italy) were screened for participation in this pilot clinical trial. Patients' PUs were divided into two treatment areas-in the experimental intervention, KT was applied close to a portion of the PU, while the contralateral portion of the same lesion was treated according to the standard protocol ('control'). The surface reduction of both portions was measured every four days, for a total of five examinations (timepoints (T2-T6) after the baseline evaluation (T1). RESULTS: A total of 12 patients (male=5, female=7; mean age 78.83±8.94 years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. At all timepoints (T2-T6), the mean percentage reduction was significantly greater in KT-treated areas than in control areas: T2=20.66% versus 6.17%, respectively; p<0.001; T3=37.33% versus 17.31%, respectively; p<0.001; T4=57.01% versus 30.06%, respectively; p<0.001; T5=69.04% versus 40.55%, respectively; p<0.001; and T6=80.34% versus 51.91%, respectively; p<0.001. Furthermore, from T3 onwards, a significantly higher number of KT-treated areas than control areas had halved in size, the maximum difference being recorded at T5 (10 versus two, respectively; p=0.002). CONCLUSION: From the findings of this pilot study, KT would seem to be an effective, rapid, low-cost therapy for advanced sacral PUs in older patients with impaired mobility and functional dependency. Declaration of interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Effectiveness of a Food Supplement Based on Glucomannan, D-Chiro-Inositol, Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume and Inulin in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with cardiovascular risk factors, such as insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and abdominal obesity. Given the growing need to investigate food supplements with positive health effects, this study was aimed at testing the benefits of a specific supplement for people with MetS. Fifty-eight subjects with MetS and T2DM or impaired glucose tolerance assuming metformin, were randomly assigned to take a food supplement of glucomannan, D-chiro-inositol, Cinnamomum zeylanicum blume and inulin at a daily fixed dose of 4 g orally for four months. Body weight, waist circumference, plasma lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyc-erides), plasma glycaemic profile and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were measured at baseline and after four months of supplementation. After 16 weeks, in subjects with T2DM or insulin resistance who took the supplement (+ metformin), there was a significant reduction in body weight and BMI (p < 0.0001), serum insulin (p < 0.05) and the HOMA index (p < 0.01), as well as in the lipaemic pattern, with a significant improvement in total serum cholesterol (p < 0.005), triglycerides (p < 0.03) and LDL (p < 0.02). Our study shows that the food supplement tested is a valid and safe alternative therapeutic approach in the management of MetS and all its resulting risk factors, as its efficacy has been demonstrated across anthropometric, glucose, lipid and hepatic parameters.

Nutritional therapy in chronic wound management for older adults.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We provided an updated overview of recent data on the value of nutritional therapy in the management of chronic wounds in older adults. RECENT FINDINGS: In the last years, advances in this area were limited, but new data suggest considering nutritional care (screening and assessment of malnutrition and nutritional interventions) also in patients with chronic wounds other than pressure ulcers, namely venous leg and diabetic foot ulcers, as in these patients, nutritional derangements can be present despite overweight/obesity and their management is beneficial. SUMMARY: Chronic wounds are wounds in which the process of repair does not progress normally due to a disruption in one or more of the healing phases. Nutritional therapy is aimed at recovering the process of repair. General principles of nutritional care in geriatrics apply to these patients but disease-specific recommendations are available, particularly for pressure ulcers. Interventions should address nutritional status, comorbidities, hydration and should provide key nutrients playing an active role in the healing process (arginine, zinc, and antioxidants) but always within the context of an individual care plan addressing patients requirements, particularly protein needs. Further evidence of efficacy in vascular and diabetic foot ulcers is warranted.

Spirituality and heart failure: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Heart failure (HF) is a frequent chronic disease with disturbing symptoms and complex treatments, associated with depression and lower quality of life. Some studies have shown that spirituality and religiosity may be relevant in these patients. We aimed to systematically review the medical literature on spirituality and religiosity in patients with HF. METHODS: Major databases for studies investigating the effect of spirituality and religiosity in people affected by HF were searched from inception until 26th April 2023. Studies with clear definition of spirituality or religiosity, validated diagnosis of HF, and reporting outcomes of interest (i.e., incidence of mortality, cardiovascular outcomes, and quality of life) were included. RESULTS: Among 810 non-duplicate records, we screened the full texts of 25 works. After excluding 18 studies, we included 7 studies (3 observational and 4 interventional) comprising 1234 HF patients followed up over a median of 3 months. Definitions of spirituality and religiosity were heterogeneous among the studies. The intervention studies showed improvements in quality-of-life parameters, some cardiovascular outcomes, or mortality, and the observational studies showed significant associations with these outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the extreme heterogeneity of the populations included, of the definition of spirituality and religiosity, and of the interventions in the few studies that included it, all the studies reported some positive associations with the outcomes examined. Spirituality/religiosity is an aspect not generally taken into account in the usual practice of medicine and can potentially contribute to improving the conditions of patients with HF, a chronic disease with unfavorable prognosis.

Essential steps in primary care management of older people with Type 2 diabetes: an executive summary on behalf of the European geriatric medicine society (EuGMS) and the European diabetes working party for older people (EDWPOP) collaboration.

We present an executive summary of a guideline for management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary care written by the European Geriatric Medicine Society, the European Diabetes Working Party for Older People with contributions from primary care practitioners and participation of a patient's advocate. This consensus document relies where possible on evidence-based recommendations and expert opinions in the fields where evidences are lacking. The full text includes 4 parts: a general strategy based on comprehensive assessment to enhance quality and individualised care plan, treatments decision guidance, management of complications, and care in case of special conditions. Screening for frailty and cognitive impairment is recommended as well as a comprehensive assessment all health conditions are concerned, including end of life situations. The full text is available online at the following address: essential_steps_inprimary_care_in_older_people_with_diabetes_-_EuGMS-EDWPOP___3_.pdf.

Polypharmacy and malnutrition in older people: A narrative review.

Polypharmacy is the simultaneous use of multiple medicines, usually more than five. Polypharmacy is highly prevalent among older individuals and is associated with several adverse health outcomes, including frailty. The role of polypharmacy in nutritional status seems to be crucial: although a clear association between polypharmacy and malnutrition has been widely reported in older people, the magnitude of the effect of increased number of drugs in combination with their type on the risk for malnutrition remains to be largely explored. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the association between polypharmacy and malnutrition in older people and to provide suggestions for its management. Polypharmacy is prevalent among malnourished frail patients, and the relative contribution of comorbidities and polypharmacy to malnutrition is difficult to be determined. Several mechanisms by which commonly used medications have the potential to affect nutritional status have been identified and described. Deprescribing (i.e., a systematic process of identification and discontinuation of drugs or a reduction of drug regimens) could be an essential step for minimizing the effects of polypharmacy on malnutrition. In this regard, the literature suggests that in older patients taking several medications, the best method to solve this problem is the comprehensive geriatric assessment, based on a holistic approach, including drug review, to find potential unnecessary and inappropriate medications. Nutritional and deprescribing interventions must be tailored to patient needs and to the local context to overcome barriers when applied in different settings.

Magnesium in Kidney Function and Disease-Implications for Aging and Sex-A Narrative Review.

Magnesium (Mg) has a vital role in the human body, and the kidney is a key organ in the metabolism and excretion of this cation. The objective of this work is to compile the available evidence regarding the role that Mg plays in health and disease, with a special focus on the elderly population with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the eventual sex differences. A narrative review was carried out by executing an exhaustive search in the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. Ten studies were found in which the role of Mg and sex was evaluated in elderly patients with CKD in the last 10 years (2012-2022). The progression of CKD leads to alterations in mineral metabolism, which worsen as the disease progresses. Mg can be used as a coadjuvant in the treatment of CKD patients to improve glomerular filtration, but its use in clinical applications needs to be further characterized. In conclusion, there's a need for well-designed prospective clinical trials to advise and standardize Mg supplementation in daily clinical practice, taking age and sex into consideration.

Chronic Non-cancer Pain Management in a Tertiary Pain Clinic Network: a Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic pain is a distressing condition that should be treated in specialized pain clinics. Pain clinics offer a holistic, evidence-based approach, including pharmacological, complementary, and invasive treatments. This study aimed to provide preliminary information regarding chronic pain treatments and identify reasons for accessing an important hub-spoke pain clinic network. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 1606 patients' records were included. Patients were selected from the 26 pain clinics of a single region in Italy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used. RESULTS: Multivariate models showed that the use of opioids were considered effective for severe or moderate pain [odds ratio (OR) 0.41; 95% 0.33-0.51], while the use of invasive treatments (OR 2.45; 95% 1.95-3.06) and the use of complementary therapy (OR 1.87; 95% 1.38-2.51) were associated with severe or moderate pain. Overall, age, sex, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) use, a combination of NSAIDs, complementary therapies, and a combination of opioids and invasive treatments did not seem to be significantly associated with the nature of pain. Multivariate models confirmed that clinical parameters such as the nature of pain, multi-diagnosis, more than one site of pain, treatments, and general practitioner, but not the severity of pain and use of invasive treatments, had an impact on the choice of a pain clinic. CONCLUSION: Opioids are useful in managing moderate or severe chronic pain. Multimodal approaches are used for the management of chronic pain. Moreover, it is not clear how patients are addressed to access different pain clinics (spoke versus hub) networks. More widespread adoption is needed for an interdisciplinary approach to managing chronic pain and adopting guideline recommendations, and rigorous research is required to provide more substantial evidence and support clinical practice.

Role of vitamin D supplementation in the management of musculoskeletal diseases: update from an European Society of Clinical and Economical Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) working group.

Vitamin D is a key component for optimal growth and for calcium-phosphate homeostasis. Skin photosynthesis is the main source of vitamin D. Limited sun exposure and insufficient dietary vitamin D supply justify vitamin D supplementation in certain age groups. In older adults, recommended doses for vitamin D supplementation vary between 200 and 2000 IU/day, to achieve a goal of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcifediol) of at least 50 nmol/L. The target level depends on the population being supplemented, the assessed system, and the outcome. Several recent large randomized trials with oral vitamin D regimens varying between 2000 and 100,000 IU/month and mostly conducted in vitamin D-replete and healthy individuals have failed to detect any efficacy of these approaches for the prevention of fracture and falls. Considering the well-recognized major musculoskeletal disorders associated with severe vitamin D deficiency and taking into account a possible biphasic effects of vitamin D on fracture and fall risks, an European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) working group convened, carefully reviewed, and analyzed the meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials on the effects of vitamin D on fracture risk, falls or osteoarthritis, and came to the conclusion that 1000 IU daily should be recommended in patients at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. The group also addressed the identification of patients possibly benefitting from a vitamin D loading dose to achieve early 25-hydroxyvitamin D therapeutic level or from calcifediol administration.

Effect of Calcifediol on Physical Performance and Muscle Strength Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

There is general agreement that optimal vitamin D status is necessary for bones, muscles, and general health, particularly in older adults, who are at higher risk of negative consequences of vitamin D deficiency, including sarcopenia; vitamin D supplementation is proposed as a potential intervention to mitigate sarcopenia. Several RCTs have reported that calcifediol (25(OH)D) was more potent than cholecalciferol in increasing plasma 25(OH)D. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the effects of calcifediol on physical performance and muscle strength. We searched databases from inception to 1 January 2022 for studies investigating calcifediol on physical performance or muscle strength parameters. We calculated the difference between the means of follow-up vs. baseline data using standardized mean differences (SMD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs); a random-effect model was considered for all of the analyses. Seven RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Calcifediol significantly improved gait speed (SMD = 2.500; 95%CI = 1.768−3.223; p < 0.0001); handgrip strength (n = 5446 participants, SMD = 0.532; 95%CI: 0.305−0.758; p < 0.0001; I2 = 20.2%); and leg extension (n = 4318 participants, SMD = 0.641; 95%CI: 0.346 to 0.935; p < 0.0001; I2 = 18.8%;) vs. baseline values. In conclusion, in this systematic review and meta-analysis, we observed that calcifediol may have a positive effect on muscle strength parameters, with less evidence on physical performance. These data further indicate the importance of vitamin D and, in particular, of calcifediol, not only on bone metabolism but also on muscle parameters and sarcopenia.

Effect of Magnesium Supplementation on Inflammatory Parameters: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Magnesium (Mg) may have several beneficial effects on human health outcomes. One hypothesized mechanism eliciting such effects is the action of Mg on serum inflammatory parameters. However, studies on this topic to date have several important limitations. Therefore, the present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the current state of the art of all randomized control trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of Mg supplementation versus placebo on serum parameters of inflammation. We searched several databases until 23 November 2021 for RCTs. Eligible studies were RCTs investigating the effect of oral Mg supplementation vs. placebo and having serum inflammatory markers as an outcome. Among 2484 papers initially screened, 17 randomized controlled trials (889 participants; mean age: 46 years; females: 62.5%) were included. Generally, a low risk of bias was present. In meta-analysis, Mg supplementation significantly decreased serum C reactive protein (CRP) and increased nitric oxide (NO) levels. In descriptive findings, Mg supplementation significantly reduced plasma fibrinogen, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase type 5, tumor necrosis factor-ligand superfamily member 13B, ST2 protein, and IL-1. In conclusion, Mg supplementation may significantly reduce different human inflammatory markers, in particular serum CRP and NO levels.

Role of muscle-targeted nutritional therapy: new data.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an updated overview of recent efficacy data on the use of muscle-targeted nutritional therapy, which should consider the optimization of protein and essential amino acids intakes, possibly in combination with supplementation with vitamin D (correction of deficiency/insufficiency status) and v-3 fatty acids. RECENT FINDINGS: Intervention studies conducted in the last years in different healthcare settings and heterogeneous patient populations support the use of muscle-targeted oral nutritional supplementation to improve muscle mass, function and physical performance in patients with sarcopenia. Higher efficacy is likely to be achieved in combination with individually tailored resistance exercise training programs and when nutritional therapy and the provision of specific nutrients result in an adequate protein-calorie balance. However, not only a reactive but also a pro-active application of this therapy could be proposed as evidence exists on the maintenance of or improvement in the same outcome variables in patients at risk of losing skeletal muscle mass. SUMMARY: Based on available efficacy data, both a reactive and pro-active use of muscle-targeted nutritional therapy are promising and should be proposed. However, future research should be directed toward the management of patient populations characterized by substantial muscle wasting, as these have been frequently excluded from previous trials, perhaps to avoid confounding.

Risk factors for high fall risk in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease.

PURPOSE: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) usually represent an aging population, and both older age and CKD are associated with a higher risk of falling. Studies on risk factors among subjects with CKD are lacking. METHODS: Records of outpatients from one geriatric clinic in Turkey were retrospectively reviewed. A result of ≥ 13.5 s on the timed up and go (TUG) test was accepted as a high risk of falls. Independent predictors of an increased risk of falls among subjects with CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate of < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) were identified using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Patients with CKD (n = 205), represented the 20.2% of the entire cohort and was identified as an independent predictor of increased fall risk (OR 2.59). Within the CKD cohort, serum folic acid levels and frailty were independent predictors of an increased risk of falls. The CKD/fall risk group was older, had a lower median years of education, lower vitamin D levels, and lower serum folic acid levels than the CKD/non-fall risk group. In addition to higher serum creatinine and potassium levels, the only significant difference between patients with CKD/fall risk and a matched non-CKD/fall risk was a lower median folic acid level in the former group. CONCLUSIONS: Frailty and low folic acid levels are independently associated with an increased risk of falls among elderly outpatients with CKD. Prevention of frailty may reduce the risk of falls in these subjects. Possible benefit of folic acid supplementation requires further studies.

Oral Magnesium Supplementation for Treating Glucose Metabolism Parameters in People with or at Risk of Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trials.

There is a large and growing body of literature focusing on the use of oral magnesium (Mg) supplementation for improving glucose metabolism in people with or at risk of diabetes. We therefore aimed to investigate the effect of oral Mg supplementation on glucose and insulin-sensitivity parameters in participants with diabetes or at high risk of diabetes, compared with a placebo. Several databases were searched investigating the effect of oral Mg supplementation vs placebo in patients with diabetes or conditions at high risk of diabetes. Data were reported as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using follow-up data of glucose and insulin-sensitivity parameters. Compared with placebo, Mg supplementation reduced fasting plasma glucose in people with diabetes. In people at high risk of diabetes, Mg supplementation significantly improved plasma glucose per se, and after a 2 h oral glucose tolerance test. Furthermore, Mg supplementation demonstrated an improvement in insulin sensitivity markers. In conclusion, Mg supplementation appears to have a beneficial role and improves glucose parameters in people with diabetes. Moreover, our work indicates that Mg supplementation may improve insulin-sensitivity parameters in those at high risk of diabetes.

Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Other Lifestyle Factors in the Prevention of Cognitive Decline and Dementia.

Multiple factors combined are currently recognized as contributors to cognitive decline. The main independent risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia is advanced age followed by other determinants such as genetic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors, including nutrition and physical activity. In the next decades, a rise in dementia cases is expected due largely to the aging of the world population. There are no hitherto effective pharmaceutical therapies to treat age-associated cognitive impairment and dementia, which underscores the crucial role of prevention. A relationship among diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors with cognitive function has been intensively studied with mounting evidence supporting the role of these determinants in the development of cognitive decline and dementia, which is a chief cause of disability globally. Several dietary patterns, foods, and nutrients have been investigated in this regard, with some encouraging and other disappointing results. This review presents the current evidence for the effects of dietary patterns, dietary components, some supplements, physical activity, sleep patterns, and social engagement on the prevention or delay of the onset of age-related cognitive decline and dementia.

Vitamin D Sources, Metabolism, and Deficiency: Available Compounds and Guidelines for Its Treatment.

Studies on vitamin/hormone D deficiency have received a vast amount of attention in recent years, particularly concerning recommendations, guidelines, and treatments. Moreover, vitamin D's role as a hormone has been confirmed in various enzymatic, metabolic, physiological, and pathophysiological processes related to many organs and systems in the human body. This growing interest is mostly due to the evidence that modest-to-severe vitamin D deficiency is widely prevalent around the world. There is broad agreement that optimal vitamin D status is necessary for bones, muscles, and one's general health, as well as for the efficacy of antiresorptive and anabolic bone-forming treatments. Food supplementation with vitamin D, or the use of vitamin D supplements, are current strategies to improve vitamin D levels and treat deficiency. This article reviews consolidated and emerging concepts about vitamin D/hormone D metabolism, food sources, deficiency, as well as the different vitamin D supplements available, and current recommendations on the proper use of these compounds.

Magnesium in Aging, Health and Diseases.

Several changes of magnesium (Mg) metabolism have been reported with aging, including diminished Mg intake, impaired intestinal Mg absorption and renal Mg wasting. Mild Mg deficits are generally asymptomatic and clinical signs are usually non-specific or absent. Asthenia, sleep disorders, hyperemotionality, and cognitive disorders are common in the elderly with mild Mg deficit, and may be often confused with age-related symptoms. Chronic Mg deficits increase the production of free radicals which have been implicated in the development of several chronic age-related disorders. Numerous human diseases have been associated with Mg deficits, including cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and stroke, cardio-metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus, airways constrictive syndromes and asthma, depression, stress-related conditions and psychiatric disorders, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementia syndromes, muscular diseases (muscle pain, chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia), bone fragility, and cancer. Dietary Mg and/or Mg consumed in drinking water (generally more bioavailable than Mg contained in food) or in alternative Mg supplements should be taken into consideration in the correction of Mg deficits. Maintaining an optimal Mg balance all through life may help in the prevention of oxidative stress and chronic conditions associated with aging. This needs to be demonstrated by future studies.