The role of magnesium in colorectal cancer: mini-review

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg ²⁺ ) is a divalent cation that functions as a cofactor for numerous enzymes and plays a critical role in essential cellular processes, including proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Over the past decade, Mg ²⁺ has gained increasing attention as a potential protective factor against colorectal cancer (CRC), as higher dietary Mg ²⁺ intake has been associated with a reduced risk of disease development. Emerging evidence also suggests that Mg ²⁺ supplementation may modulate the gut microbiome and enhance vitamin D synthesis, which could further contribute to CRC prevention. In addition, some in vitro studies suggest that Mg ²⁺ may reduce the survival of human colon cancer cells, supporting a potential antitumor role. Conversely, dysregulation of Mg ²⁺ channels and transporters has been reported in CRC and has been associated with chemoresistance, metastasis, tumor progression, and poorer clinical prognosis. Clinically, hypomagnesemia is frequently observed in CRC patients, particularly in those receiving anti-EGFR therapies, and has been proposed as a potential, although still debated, biomarker of treatment response and prognosis. This mini-review summarizes current knowledge regarding Mg ²⁺ homeostasis in the large intestine and discusses the potential implications of Mg ²⁺ transporters and channels in CRC development, progression, and clinical outcomes.