Pelvic inflammatory disease may be linked to magnesium deficiency

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common gynecological infection that results in a considerable number of sick days and costs society a lot of money. In severe cases, the condition may lead to chronic pain and even sterility if it is not treated in time. There are different things that can cause the infection, and the diet plays key role in supporting the immune defense. Here, magnesium deficiency, which is quite common, appears to increase the risk, especially among older women, according to a study that is published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

Pelvic inflammatory disease occurs in the female reproductive organs. The infection is typically caused by the presence of natural bacteria like staphylococcus from the vaginal microflora, which are transmitted to the uterus and passed on to the fallopian tubes and the ovaries, where these bacteria do not belong. The infection can also be transmitted after an abortion or in connection with birth, insertion of a coil, or as a result of prolonged tampon use. It can also be a result of bacterial transmission from an infected partner, most frequently chlamydia. The symptoms vary from mild to extremely painful. Also, there may be indisposition, vaginal discharge, menstrual pain, bleeding disturbances, pain during intercourse, and fever.
In severe cases, the disease may result in impaired fertility and sterility. Because the condition is linked to a lot of unpleasant symptoms, hospitalization, and involuntary infertility, it is important to look at ways to prevent it, the study authors say. One way is to try to make healthier lifestyle choices. In their study, the researchers wanted to look closer at the link between dietary magnesium intake and the risk of contracting pelvic inflammatory disease.
They gathered data from the large NHANES population study (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey), which looks at the American population’s nutritional status and general health. The study included more than 3,000 women in the ages 20-59 years. Their magnesium intake was evaluated and divided into four groups or quartiles, ranging from very low (133-214 mg/day) to higher intake (more than 287 mg/day). Only few of the participants had a magnesium intake that reached the recommended level of 375 mg daily.
The study demonstrated that the quartile with the highest dietary magnesium intake had a significantly lower risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, especially older women. The researchers see this as an indication of how important proper diet is for preventing this infection. A magnesium supplement may even be worth considering just to be on the safe side.
The scientists also addressed why magnesium generally is so important and why deficiencies are so widespread.

Magnesium’s role in the immune defense and other body functions

The capacity of the immune defense is of key importance to preventing and fighting infections such as PID. Magnesium plays a vital role in several ways and helps the immune system fight germs and carry out targeted and swift attacks. Also, magnesium helps the body with activating vitamin D and regulating inflammatory processes to prevent them from dragging out. Magnesium is also important for DNA and RNA synthesis, protein synthesis, the nervous system, the muscles, the bones, and numerous other functions.
Magnesium is among the minerals that we need in the greatest quantities. It is believed to support between 300-600 enzyme processes. A magnesium deficiency can result in acute and chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, migraines, and other inflammatory disorders.

Why magnesium deficiency is so common

Magnesium is primarily found in wholegrains, cabbage, legumes, avocado, nuts, kernels, meat, and fish. In the study introduction, the authors describe how the daily magnesium intake over the past decades has decreased tremendously in the western countries due to our intake of refined foods and fast food. Factors like stress, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, diuretics, antacids, and overweight can also increase the need for the nutrient. It is a good idea to strive to eat a healthy diet with coarse greens and unrefined foods. If one chooses to take a supplement, it is vital to stick with products that have good absorption. Just for the record, magnesium oxide is not useful. This form of magnesium has poor absorption and is normally used as a laxative.

References:

Zeru Chen et al. Association between dietary magnesium intake and pelvic inflammatory disease in US women. A cross-sectional study of NHANES. Frontiers in Nutrition 2024

Sumel Ashique et al. A narrative review on the role of magnesium in immune regulation, inflammation, infectious diseases, and cancer. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition. 2023

Megan Ware. Why do we need magnesium? Medical News Today. 2020