Health Hotline Magazine | March 2025

NUTRITION

By Geoff Brokx and Aryn Doll

Magnesium Protects Cellu ar DNA from Damage Magnesium is well known for its stress-busting, sleep-promoting, and bone-building properties, and now, new research shows that it’s also crucial for the fundamental health of every cell, down to our DNA. A 2024 study published in the European Journal of Nutrition examined the relationship between magnesium, folate, and vitamin B12 levels, the inflammation marker homocysteine, and DNA damage markers in white blood cells. The study analyzed data from 172 healthy middle-aged adults.

The findings revealed that the people with lower levels of magnesium, folate, and vitamin B12 tended to have higher levels of inflammation, marked by higher levels of homocysteine. When it came to DNA damage markers, magnesium stood out—its levels were significantly correlated with two out of three markers tested (in contrast, folate and vitamin B12 levels showed a significant correlation with only one marker). Notably, the lowest levels of DNA damage markers were found in individuals with the highest magnesium levels and lowest homocysteine levels. The researchers concluded that magnesium is independently and inversely correlated with DNA damage biomarkers, regardless of gender. These findings suggest that high magnesium levels and low homocysteine levels have a protective effect on human DNA. Although magnesium is abundant in plant-based foods such as dark leafy greens, more than 50 percent of people do not consume enough. While prioritizing magnesium-rich foods is ideal, supplements offer a simple and convenient way to increase magnesium intake and support overall health, down to the cellular level.

B ack Seed Oil Reduces Frequency & Severity of Colds in Children

A 2024 study published in the Journal of Functional Foods found that supplementing with black seed oil may be an effective strategy for preventing and treating upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children. This is especially relevant given that URTIs (aka, the common cold) are the leading cause of physician visits among children. The study analyzed data from 230 children, aged six to 18, who were admitted to a family medicine clinic in Turkey for URTIs. Participants either supplemented with black seed oil or received no supplementation. Children in the black seed oil group followed standard dosages based on their age and weight: 1.25 ml twice daily for those aged 6-9 years or weighing 20-30 kg, 2.5 ml twice daily for those aged 9-12 years or weighing 30-40 kg, and 5 ml twice daily for those aged 12-18 years or weighing over 40 kg. On average, the children in the black seed oil group supplemented for two to three months, with researchers tracking data over six months. Key measures included URTI symptom severity, the frequency of URTI-related clinic visits, and antibiotic use. The analysis revealed that children who supplemented with black seed oil had significantly lower URTI symptom severity compared to those who did not supplement, particularly at three and six months. Additionally, the black seed oil group experienced significantly fewer clinic admissions for URTIs at the end of the study. This was particularly notable, as most children in the black seed oil group had stopped supplementing by this point, suggesting that the immunomodulatory benefits of black seed oil may persist even after discontinuing use. Furthermore, the black seed oil group required fewer antibiotics while supplementing, indicating that the oil may possess direct antimicrobial properties. Black seed oil is a rich source of thymoquinone, an aromatic compound known for its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and broncho-dilating properties, making it a promising supplement to support healthy immunity and respiratory wellness in both children and adults.

For references, please visit: naturalgrocers.com/issue-92

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