Inflammation and elevation of C-reactive protein: does magnesium play a key role?

The adverse role played by inflammation in the etiology of humankind's most prevalent chronic diseases compels researchers to work diligently to explore its biologic basis. Recent research supports the concept of an important relationship between dietary factors and inflammation, and in particular the role of magnesium deficiency, however, the specifics of this association are not completely understood. Recent findings from epidemiologic studies support that magnesium intake is inversely associated with C-reactive protein concentration, an important marker of inflammation strongly associated with cardiovascular disease risk. Animal studies have provided many mechanistic possibilities to explain the link between magnesium and inflammation. Further research is needed to understand more completely the role of magnesium in inflammation.