# Higher Magnesium Intake Linked to Less Muscle Loss After 50

_Evidence Level: Moderate · Choi S, Je Y, Frontiers in nutrition, DOI 10.3389/fnut.2026.1854192_

*Associations of magnesium intake and a magnesium-rich diet score with sarcopenia in middle-aged and older Korean adults: potential mediation by C-reactive protein.*

- **Evidence Level**: Moderate
- **Why this grade**: Cross-sectional survey of 3,830 Korean adults aged 50 and over, though a single 24-hour dietary recall and one-time measurement cannot show cause.
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article
- **Journal**: Frontiers in nutrition
- **Sample Size**: 3,830 Korean adults aged 50 and over
- **Authors**: Choi S, Je Y
- **Graded and published**: 2026-08-03
- **Last edited**: 2026-09-17
- **Topics**: Magnesium, Muscle Health, Nutrition
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1854192
- **Free full text**: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13477984/
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42609340/

## Summary

Among Korean adults over 50, those eating the most magnesium had roughly half the odds of sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) compared to those eating the least. The same held for a diet score built around magnesium-rich foods like whole grains, nuts, legumes, leafy greens and coffee. Lower inflammation explained a small slice of the link. This was a snapshot in time, so it cannot prove magnesium causes stronger muscles.

## Practical Takeaway

This study suggests magnesium-rich foods may be associated with better muscle preservation in older adults.

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_Canonical: https://longevity-germany.com/en/research/higher-magnesium-intake-linked-to-less-muscle-loss-after-50 · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-09-17_