Magnesium & Cholesterol

Contrary to popular belief, cholesterol is necessary for certain body functions, e.g. the production of hormones, and it is converted to Vitamin D –which is crucial for the absorption of calcium- by sunlight. With regard to cholesterol, magnesium is as vital as the former as its role is essential in regulating cholesterol levels.

1.  Magnesium interacts with the LCAT enzyme[1] and converts LDL (bad cholesterol) into HDL (good cholesterol).[2]

2.  Magnesium functions like a form of natural statin (medicine that is used to lower blood cholesterol levels) without any negative effects such as muscle pain or elevated liver enzyme levels which are often associated with synthetic statins.[3]

3.  Magnesium lowers homocysteine levels; elevated homocysteine levels cause oxidization of cholesterol which can result in blood vessels being damaged. Furthermore, magnesium in addition to B6, B12 and folic acid is necessary in protecting blood vessels.[4]

[1] LCAT = lecithin-cholesterol-transferase
[2] Mildred S. Seeling and Andrea Rosanoff, ‘The Magnesium Factor’, (New York: Avery Books, 2003) p.128
[3] Ibid., 141-2
[4] Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D., ‘The Magnesium Miracle’,  (New York: Ballantine Books, 2007) pp. 92-3
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