Jun 26, 2025
Could Low Magnesium Raise Your Prostate Cancer Risk? Recent Study Suggests Yes
Magnesium may be a missing link in prostate health—and it’s not always picked up in a blood test.
Cancer
Written by
Mito Team
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and a leading concern for long-term health. While age, genetics, and hormones are well-known prostate cancer risk factors, researchers are now uncovering another possible contributor: magnesium depletion.
A 2025 study suggests that long-term magnesium loss may be strongly tied to prostate cancer risk. The results point to a growing need to look beyond standard blood tests and consider how lifestyle, medication, and organ function affect magnesium levels over time.
The 2025 Study: Magnesium and Prostate Cancer
This new research analyzed health data from over 16,000 men. Among these participants, 511 had a history of prostate cancer.
Instead of only measuring magnesium in the blood, researchers calculated the Magnesium Depletion Score (MDS). This score reflects a person’s risk of long-term magnesium loss, based on:
● Use of diuretics
● Use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
● Kidney function
● Alcohol intake
What they found was striking:
● Each 1-point increase in MDS was linked to a 26% higher likelihood of prostate cancer.
● Men with an MDS of 3 or higher had nearly three times the prevalence of prostate cancer compared to men with an MDS of zero.
These findings stayed the same even when considering factors like age, race, smoking, physical activity, income, and chronic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
This study is one of the biggest population-based studies looking at how magnesium is related to prostate cancer in such a clear, dose-dependent manner.
Why Magnesium Matters for Prostate Health
Magnesium supports over 600 enzyme systems in the body. This includes enzymes responsible for DNA synthesis and repair, immune response, and inflammation control. When it comes to prostate problems, magnesium’s most important roles include:
● DNA repair and cell protection
● Inflammation control
● Supporting the immune system, especially T-cells that fight abnormal cells
● Regulating hormone and enzyme activity
Low magnesium levels were linked to oxidative stress and impaired cell regulation. These conditions may contribute to the growth of abnormal or cancerous cells. Experimental studies have even shown that magnesium may help slow the growth of prostate cancer cells by promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death) and reducing abnormal cell proliferation.
That’s why the connection between magnesium and cancer is a growing area of research—not just for prostate health, but also for breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers.
Why Blood Tests Might Miss Magnesium Problems
Most routine blood panels only measure serum magnesium, which reflects less than 1% of the body’s total magnesium. That number can appear “normal” even when your cells are low.
Meanwhile, the Magnesium Depletion Score (MDS) catches chronic, systemic magnesium loss. It’s a more complete view that looks at how your body handles and holds onto this essential mineral over time.
Causes of Prostate Cancer: Where Magnesium Fits In
The exact causes of prostate cancer remain unclear. However, this study adds weight to the idea that nutrient depletion, particularly magnesium, might play a role. While magnesium deficiency isn't officially considered a cause, it could interact with other risk factors:
● DNA damage
● Hormonal changes
● Oxidative stress
Magnesium plays a big role in cell growth, immune function, and cell death. When these systems are disrupted, it allows cancer cells to survive and multiply. So, addressing low magnesium levels early could be important for long-term prostate health.
A Longevity-First Approach to Prostate Health
At Mito Health, we believe that healthspan starts with a proactive approach. And that includes tracking more than just what's “normal” on standard labs.
Getting a magnesium blood test, along with looking at your lifestyle, can help you improve your health and lower hidden risks. It's not just about preventing cancer. It’s about protecting energy, mood, hormone balance, and immune strength.
How to Support Magnesium for Prostate Health
You can improve magnesium status through food, habits, and functional testing:
1. Eat magnesium-rich foods: Consider adding dark leafy greens like spinach and chard, as well as beans, lentils, and a variety of nuts in your diet. Avocados and bananas are also excellent sources of magnesium, along with whole grains like brown rice and quinoa.
2. Review medications: Long-term use of PPIs or diuretics may increase magnesium loss.
3. Test smart: Get a comprehensive blood panel that includes magnesium levels and risk factors for magnesium depletion if available. Consider additional cancer testing if you have symptoms of prostate cancer or a family history.
What This Means for Your Long-Term Health
This 2025 study offers an important signal in prostate cancer research: magnesium depletion could be strongly associated with higher prostate cancer risk.
Identifying and addressing magnesium deficiency early on helps support your overall health and reduce the potential risks of prostate cancer. At Mito Health, early detection of subtle imbalances, such as chronic magnesium loss, helps prevent more health problems in the future. Our blood panel, advanced tests, and personalized health dashboard are part of a complete approach to improving your prostate and overall health.