Middle-aged and elderly men with urinary symptoms may not have a prostate problem, but a nutrient deficiency
Posted on 28 July 2008
When men middle-aged or elderly men have some difficulty with urination, their doctor
Published July 28, 2008 . Filed under: Men's Health, Nutrients and Supplements
Dr B, you say
I assume the basis for this claim is your anecdotal experience, rather than any published scientific evidence. It certainly might be the case, but usually those with clinically significant magnesium deficiency have a multiplicity of related neuromuscular symptoms and often have associated hypokalemia and hypocalcemia which are more problematic.
Might I ask how low were your patients’ Mg levels, and if you established their K and Ca levels?
July 31, 2008 @ 2:53 pm
The article describes my problem of urgency and dribble, all but also having to get up at night occasionally to urinate.
I visited a urologist who prescribed a bladder full and empty ultrasound tests. Before I returned to the uroligist for consultation, my problem was solved. The problem must be in my head, not my bladder! Ultrasound test did show bladder was not emptying completely. Hurray for Placebo effect!
Paul
August 1, 2008 @ 9:17 am
David. There is such a thing as subclinical deficiency. Magnesium is low in the modern diet as the soil is not rich in this mineral, plus the fact that people do not always go for foods rich in Mg such as grees and nuts. Most people eat quite a high Ca diet (in relation to Mg) and so may are low in Mg .
August 1, 2008 @ 11:58 am
“published scientific evidence.”?????
What drug company you work for…LOL
August 1, 2008 @ 2:47 pm
Dear Dr. Briffa,
I had reason to look into my calcium / magnesium doses recently and here are some factoids I uncovered: it is generally recommended that calcium to magnesium proportions be 1 to 2; in some situations, the proportions should be 1 to 1 (many involve cramping); but, oddly, no-one discussing the proper proportions seems to discuss that following the US RDA’s would deliver a 3 units of calcium to 1 unit of magnesium.
Started this investigation because I started taking calcium supplements on what seems to be the best recommendations for an effective dose of calcium supplements: 500 mg per meal at two meals a day (more than 500 results in no more absorption apparently; I failed to count in that I often snack on cheddar cheese, which has approximately 300 mg calcium per ounce). When I started on this dosage pattern, I suddenly got foot cramps — and so I embarked on my research reported above. Raising my magnesium to roughly 1 to 1 solved the problem.
BUT the interesting thing is that my urine then went from dark to light even though I was not drinking significantly more water.
Would you be able to provide any explanation or pointers? This phenomenon might play into the subject you address in your post (even though I’m female!).
Thanks!
August 1, 2008 @ 8:11 pm
I’m often nearly ‘caught short’ and I’ve not even had children. I know I have a magnesium deficiency, but I forget to take my supplements. I hadn’t realised they were related. I tended to think I just got distracted while shopping! I’m always having to hand my goods to the staff and say, ‘I’ll be back in a minute’. They must think I’m mad.
August 4, 2008 @ 10:57 pm
Thanks.
I came to the story because I’m always interested in anything to do with prostate symptoms and I also often get up in the night for a pee. But as my wife suffers from restless legs, I’m hoping she might benefit as well!
August 6, 2008 @ 3:56 pm