Numerous studies around the world have discovered large differences in
longevity and cardiovascular death rates correlated with the magnesium
level of drinking water. In the US, the southwest has high levels of
magnesium and high longevity, while the northeast is low in magnesium
and longevity. Clinical studies and intervention studies substantiate
the magnesium connection.
Now Governor Wilson of California has convened a panel of medical
experts to figure out how to put this knowledge to work to improve the
longevity of Californians. Here is a progress report:
=================================================================
CURRENT STATUS OF THE MAGNESIUM CATASTROPHE--12/11/94
In January, 1994 I sent Dr. Troxell at the FDA my paper, "Calculations
of American Deaths Caused by Magnesium Deficiency, As Projected From
International Data" which indicated that nearly 8 MILLION Americans
have died from magnesium deficiency since 1940. Dr. Troxell recently
informed me that he is not qualified to review my paper, nor is anyone
else at the FDA. He informed me that only the Senior Science Advisor, a
consultant to the FDA, could review it. He didn't know when the Senior
Science Advisor's report would be completed. He informed me that the
Senior Science Advisor was Dr. Elkan Blout, but did not have an address
or telephone number for him; he said Dr. Blout can be reached through
the office of the Commissioner of Foods and Drugs, Dr. David Kessler.
2. The FDA invited me to submit a Citizen's Petition for the voluntary
fortification of beverages with magnesium. The petition is enclosed.
The FDA has by law 6 months to answer petitions from the date of
submittal. Due Date: 4/3/95.
3. The National Institute of Health may be planning a General Review of
magnesium, according to Dr. Mildred Seelig.
4. Governor Wilson of California on March 23, 1994 instructed Dr. Larry
Barrett to examine the magnesium problem and report back to the
governor. That report is not yet complete as of this writing, 12/11/94.
5. Dr. C. Everett Koop, retired Surgeon General of the United States,
wrote me that "A good case can be made for the correlation of
cardio-vascular death with magnesium deficient water."
6. Mr. John Albers, Chairman and CEO of Dr. Pepper/Seven-Up Cos., wrote
me a friendly letter open to the possibility of fortifying beverages
with magnesium, contingent on the approval of the FDA and other
agencies.
7. United States Senator Barbara Boxer of California wrote me,
"Scientific research suggests that magnesium deficiency may increase the
risk of a variety of medical conditions, including heart attacks and
high blood pressure. I would certainly support additional efforts to
inform Americans about the health risks associated with magnesium
deficiency."
8. Dr. Michael Jacobson at the Center For Science In The Public
Interest in Washington writes that his institute may be getting "more
involved" in bringing the magnesium problem to the attention of the
public.
Dr. Marx, a consultant to the Ca. Dept. of Health, is convening a panel
in Dec. 1994 to decide what to do about the apparent deaths. The panel
is to include Dr. Larry Barrett, Dr. Raymond Neutra, Dr. Arthur Marx,
all from the Dept. of Health, and also Dr. Neil Kohatsu from the Office
of Clinical Preventive Medicine, Dr. Allen Flagle, pharmacologist, Dr.
David Spath from the Office of Drinking Water, and Dr. Carl Keen from U.
C. Davis., and Dr. Mildred Seelig, a magnesium specialist from Atlanta.
Others may be added, and the panel is to make recommendations before
Christmas. Their report is expected to be released by Jan. 17, 1995.
A body of related research can be downloaded from: ftp.execpc.com
The file is in: /pub/magnesium/mgresrch.asc
For user name use "anonymous".
Paul Mason
Researcher
