Nareg Varjabedian, Regulatory Affairs Team Lead at ClinChoice, shared a recent article by Elizabeth Sun, Xiangzhu Zhu et al, on LinkedIn, adding:
“Magnesium, Gut Microbiome, and Colorectal Cancer Prevention
A fascinating study recently published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2025) by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center highlights a potential link between magnesium supplementation and reduced risk of colorectal cancer recurrence through its interaction with the gut microbiome.
Key insights from the trial:
Magnesium supplementation increased beneficial bacteria such as Carnobacterium maltaromaticum and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which are associated with local vitamin D synthesis in the gut.
The effect was more pronounced in women, possibly due to estrogen’s role in cellular magnesium uptake.
Genetic factors, including TRPM7 gene function (involved in magnesium and calcium absorption), influenced individual responses.
Over a median follow-up of 3.5 years, participants with a history of colorectal polyps who received magnesium supplementation had lower rates of polyp recurrence.
This study suggests that magnesium not only boosts serum vitamin D but also activates gut-resident bacteria capable of synthesizing vitamin D locally, providing a novel pathway for cancer prevention independent of sun exposure.
Clinical significance:
These findings underline the importance of nutrient–microbiome interactions and open the door to precision-based preventive strategies for patients at higher risk of colorectal cancer.
Reference:
Elizabeth Sun et al., Magnesium Treatment Increases Gut Microbiome Synthesizing Vitamin D and Inhibiting Colorectal Cancer: Results from a Double-Blind Precision-based Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial, AJCN (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.09.011
Could magnesium supplementation become a cornerstone in colorectal cancer prevention strategies?
This is a question worth exploring further as personalized medicine continues to evolve.
On a special note, today we also celebrate World Pharmacists Day (September 25).
Pharmacists play an irreplaceable role in translating cutting-edge science like this into real-world preventive and therapeutic strategies for patients.
Warm congratulations to my colleagues and peers worldwide for their unwavering dedication, expertise, and contributions to advancing healthcare every single day.”
Title: Magnesium Treatment Increases Gut Microbiome Synthesizing Vitamin D and Inhibiting Colorectal Cancer: Results From a Double-blind Precision-based Randomized Placebo-controlled trial.
Authors: Elizabeth Sun, Xiangzhu Zhu, Reid Ness, Harvey J. Murff, Shan Sun, Chang Yu, Lei Fan, M. Andrea Azcarate-Peril, Martha J. Shrubsole, Qi Dai.
Read the full article at Elsiver.
Read more posts featurıng Nareg Varjabedian on OncoDaily.