Magnesium is an important cation and one that plays a wide number of roles in normal physiological function. Magnesium in the diet is generally well absorbed, but the typical Western diet is depleted in magnesium because it contains foods that are low in magnesium and does not contain foods that contain higher amounts. Age is associated with a decline in anabolic hormones in men, including testosterone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Magnesium may affect the release of both hormones which suggests that it might indirectly influence anabolic status. In elderly men for example, magnesium concentrations in the blood are positively associated with testosterone levels and total IGF-1. Therefore justification for taking supplements of magnesium if dietary intakes are not optimal may be present. Of course obtaining the magnesium in the diet would be preferable, as this would also provide other nutrients that are accessory nutrients of magnesium in many healthy foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
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